Course Content:

• Lecture 1: Introduction – the application of geology and geophysics to offshore wind energy development from site suitability to construction. Includes challenge-based interactive learning through short quizzes and tests.
• Lecture 2: Approaches to seabed mapping – side-scan sonars, multibeam echosounders, ground discrimination, sediment transport models. Includes challenge-based interactive learning through short quizzes and tests.
• Lecture 3: Approaches to seismic imaging – sub-bottom profilers, CHIRP, sparkers, booms, airguns, single channel and multichannel streamers, seismic processing. Includes challenge-based interactive learning through short quizzes and tests.
• Lecture 4: Approaches to magnetic and electromagnetic imaging – surveying approaches, pitfalls, processing, UXO and heritage sites. Includes challenge-based interactive learning through short quizzes and tests.
• Lecture 5: Approaches to gravity and electric surveys – Gravity surveys, interpretation of gravity anomalies, electric resistivity surveys, cable landfalls. Includes challenge-based interactive learning through short quizzes and tests.
• Lecture 6: Approaches to sub-seabed geotechnical appraisals – in situ CPT surveying, vibro- and piston coring, jack-up rigs, seismic correlations and interpretations, foundation designs. Includes challenge-based interactive learning through short quizzes and tests.
• Lecture 7: Environmental impacts of geophysical surveys and the Irish regulatory controls – noise propagation, sound sources, frequencies and bio impacts, passive acoustic monitoring, precautionary controls and MARA. Includes challenge-based interactive learning through short quizzes and tests.

Practical Application:

• Laboratory Practical (3 hours): Seismic interpretation – TWT/depth conversions, seismic reflector picking, acoustic facies characterisation, geological interpretations, uCPT correlations, foundation design.
• Ship-based practical training (2 days): Two days ship time on the RV Tom Crean will be availed of through the SMART programme. Participants will learn and gain experience in collecting the following datasets: multibeam echosounder, sub-bottom profiler, ROV video, sediment and biological sampling, and ADCP profiling. Throughout day 1, participants will become familiar with ship operations and data collection protocols. On day 2, students will compete the design the days survey, implement it themselves and interpret the data.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand geophysics and geology principles in Offshore Wind energy.

• Apply geophysical techniques to Offshore Wind projects.
• Interpret seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic data.
• Conduct and analyse geophysical field surveys Geophysical surveys will be conducted during the 2 days of shipbased training where data will be analysed for the report.
• Evaluate environmental impacts of geophysical investigations.
• Identify and mitigate geotechnical risks.
• Develop skills in designing and executing geophysical surveys.
• Assess geophysical data in the context of geological conditions and project requirements.

This course will be delivered in person at North Mall Campus, UCC. All lectures will be recorded for hybrid participation & revision. In-person attendance is required for Laboratory & Ship-Based practical sessions.

Students will be assessed on a continuous basis and late submissions will be penalised:

• Lecture based quizzes and test – 40 marks
• Practical report – 15 marks
• Ship-time survey report – 45 marks

Skillnet Course Fee: €6,000

Full Course Fee: €1,000

Eligibility for the subsidised Skillnet Course Fee is based on the following factors:

Trainees

Key requirements regarding the trainee:

• Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
• Trainees must be employed within private enterprise/self-employed.
• This program is designed for professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Companies

Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding:

• Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
• Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
• Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
• Sole traders are eligible as Companies.

If you are not eligible for funding, then the full course fee will apply. Where a trainee enrols on a course and pays the full fee, no refund will be provided if eligibility is determined later.

If you have further queries on funding, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.

• • Professions with a predominantly third level education wishing to upskill outside these existing areas of expertise.
  • Applications will also be considered from those with significant and relevant professional experience in the offshore wind, marine, or energy sectors, or from those who hold a postgraduate qualification in a related field.

• Professionals with a predominantly third level education wishing to upskill outside these existing areas of expertise.
• Companies seeking to develop and upskill their workforce to undertake projects related to offshore wind farm development.
• Professionals in or entering the offshore wind sector, particularly in site investigation, seabed mapping, and marine data analysis. It also benefits those in government, regulation, consultancy, and wider energy or infrastructure roles involving geophysical aspects of offshore projects, as well as researchers, engineers, and project managers seeking deeper insight into seabed conditions and their impact on project design and delivery.

Career Pathways:

This micro-credential opens pathways across the offshore wind industry with roles focused on site investigation, seabed mapping, and marine data analysis, or strengthen their expertise for positions in environmental consultancy, government, or regulatory bodies. The skills gained are highly transferable to the wider energy and infrastructure industries, supporting careers in project management, engineering, and research. By deepening knowledge of seabed and subsurface conditions, learners will be equipped to contribute to the successful planning, design, and delivery of offshore wind projects.

Progression:

This course provides a good introduction for further study in marine geoscience, offshore renewable energy, or environmental engineering. Current micro-credentials which may be of interest include:

• Fundamentals of Offshore Wind Energy,
• Project Management for Offshore Projects,
• Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS),
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Marine Renewable Energy Developments.

To learn more about this micro-credential or to express interest in registering, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie.