

Aventa
OCR - Post Lay Burial / Rock PLacement - CELTIC
Offshore Site
Brest, France (4x4)
Permanent
As soon as possible
Based on experience
Published 3 months ago
Job Description – Offshore Client Representative (OCR)
Project: CELTIC Interconnector – Ireland–France HVDC Link Capacity: 700 MW – ±320 kV HVDC Scope: Submarine Cable Post-Lay Burial (PLB) & Rock Placement Project Duration: March → November 2026 Rotations: 4 weeks on / off (24/7 operations) Vessels: AETHRA*, ATHENA*, ARGO* (Mechanical & Jet Trenching) + Rock Placement vessels (TBC) Reporting to: CIDAC (Client) – Offshore Client Representative Coordinator (OCRC)
1. Project Overview
The CELTIC Interconnector is a 700 MW, 575 km HVDC link between East Cork (Ireland) and Brittany (France). The subsea section of approx. 500 km includes installation and protection of:
Bipolar HVDC XLPE submarine cables (bundle configuration)
Fibre optic cable with repeaters
HDD landfalls in France (Kerradenec) and Ireland (Claycastle Beach)
Pre-trenching, boulder removal, mechanical trenching, jet trenching and rock placement
Four installation campaigns are foreseen, followed by Post Lay Burial (PLB) and Rock Placement executed by several offshore vessels.
2. Role Purpose
The Offshore Client Representative (OCR) safeguards CIDAC’s interests during all offshore activities related to Post Lay Burial, Jet Trenching, Mechanical Trenching, and Rock Placement. The OCR ensures all works are executed safely, efficiently, in full compliance with contract requirements, project procedures, HSE standards, and industry best practices.
Each vessel will host 2 OCRs working 24/7 in rotating shifts.
3. Key Responsibilities
3.1 Operational Supervision
Monitor and supervise day-to-day offshore operations (PLB, trenching, rock placement).
Verify correct execution of contractor work in accordance with the approved procedures, RAMS, and project specifications.
Monitor subsea operations:
Mechanical trenching performance
Jetting effectiveness
Burial depth achievement vs. design
ROV operations & live surveys
Rock placement accuracy and as-built quality
Verify cable integrity and compliance with clearance and protection criteria.
3.2 HSE Compliance
Ensure all activities comply with HSE plan and Marine Safety requirements.
Participate in toolbox talks, risk assessments, and onboard HSE briefings.
Stop work if unsafe conditions or deviations occur.
3.3 Contractual & Technical Assurance
Check that installation activities align with:
Contractual obligations
Technical specifications
Method Statements & Installation Procedures
Nexans EPCI Scope of Work
Provide technical support and clarification to CIDAC during operations.
Monitor vessel performance, weather downtime, NPT and operational KPIs.
3.4 Reporting & Documentation
Prepare daily OCR reports including:
Activity summary (last 24h & next 48h forecast)
Progress metrics
Burial depth data
Rock placement volumes
Operational deviations
Weather & downtime tracking
HSE observations
Attend daily progress calls with CIDAC.
Ensure correct and complete documentation from the contractor (as-builts, logs, video, survey data).
3.5 Coordination & Communication
Act as primary CIDAC representative onboard.
Ensure seamless communication between:
Vessel Master / Offshore Manager
Nexans site team
ROV, trenching & rock placement teams
Survey team
CIDAC OCRC
Escalate technical or contractual issues in real-time.
Represent the client in meetings, risk reviews, and daily planning sessions.
4. Required Technical Competencies
Mandatory
Proven offshore experience as OCR or equivalent (Client Rep, Offshore Supervisor).
Strong background in submarine cable installation, including:
Mechanical trenching
Jet trenching
PLB operations
Rock placement (fall pipe or TSHD methods)
Pre-trenching / boulder clearance
Familiarity with ROV operations, survey methods, MBES/SSS data interpretation.
Understanding of HVDC cable installation constraints & cable protection strategies.
Ability to interpret installation drawings, route engineering, and burial requirements.
Strong command of English (spoken & written).
Desirable
Previous experience on Nexans projects or similar EPCI contracts
Experience supervising HDD pull-ins or landfall operations
Knowledge of HVDC cable design & optical fiber cable systems
Experience in cable crossings and rock berm protection design
5. Qualifications & Certifications
Valid offshore medical certificate
BOSIET / FOET / STCW or equivalent (OPITO)
GWO certificates an advantage
Passport allowing travel within EU/UK
Full COVID/health compliance as per vessel requirements
6. Work Conditions
Offshore operations on multiple vessels (24/7)
Rotations: 4 weeks on / off
Accommodation provided on board
Frequent coordination with OCRC and CIDAC onshore teams
Kick-off and briefing meetings prior to mobilisation (remote or in-office)
7. Additional Requirements
Contractor must provide:
Set of candidates with detailed CVs
Certificates (medical, BOSIET, training, visas/work rights)
Availability plan aligned with rotations
A designated OCR Coordinator (OCRC) as main point of contact
8. Key Personal Attributes
Strong leadership in offshore environment
Excellent communication with marine teams
Proactive approach to risk mitigation
High resilience and ability to handle complex operational situations
Strong analytical and decision-making skills