In this issue...

Ramora UK undertakes deepest ever EOD operation

Dealing with potential pyrotechnic hazards

Major New EOD Training Programme Launched

Welcome to this first edition of EOD, the new Ramora UK newsletter which will be issued quarterly.

Our vision statement says “Pioneers in our field, we

set standards as world leaders in explosive related

services through a commitment to excellence” We

want to share the standards that we are setting

with as wide an audience as possible and to show

you just how committed we are to excellence in

everything we do.

We will be bringing you the latest stories of our EOD operations, updates on our

all-important training activities, advice on how to deal safely with different types of

explosive material and news of the shows and exhibitions that we are attending.

We will also be introducing you to members of the Ramora UK team and more besides.

I am sure that you will enjoy the read. If you have any comments, or any ideas for items

or stories we should include in future editions, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please let us know at marketing@ramorauk.com

David Welch MIExpE, MIABTI, FCIM

Managing Director,

Ramora UK

Explosive Ordnance DigestT h E q U a R T E R L y N E W s L E T T E R f R O M T h E L E a D i N g U K b O M b D i s P O s a L c O M P a N y

P R A C T I C A l s E R v I C E s l T R A I n I n g l E M E R g E n C y R E s P O n s E C E n T R E l E q U I P M E n T s O l U T I O n s l C O n s U lTA n C y

I s s U E O n E

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Ramora UK undertakes deepest ever EOD operation

Our new Diving service unmatched outside the Armed Forces October 2011 saw the launch of our bespoke

bomb disposal diving team.

Comprising former Royal navy Clearance

Divers, the team provides a truly global service,

ready to undertake operations in past and

present conflict zones. Able to deploy as

a stand-alone, fully self-contained unit from

a range of vessels, this new service represents

considerable time and cost savings for clients

and will undertake UXO search and disposal

operations down to a maximum depth of

50m. (For operations at greater depths, we will

continue to use our proven remote-controlled

REODs system). Using many of the skills and

techniques employed by Royal navy divers,

all operations will be conducted in accordance

with HsE best practice and utilise state of the

art diving equipment.

Outside of the armed forces, Ramora UK will

be the first and only organisation in the UK

providing this level of reactive UXO service.

Indeed, in some areas our capabilities and

experience now exceed those that can be

deployed by the MOD.

We anticipate that demand for this new

service will come from a number of quarters,

including the offshore oil and gas industry

and, increasingly, from the offshore

renewables sector. Ramora UK has become the UK and European

distributor for TruckVault products and we

will be demonstrating their potential at

the Counter Terror Expo in April (see our

Exhibition Round-Up section for details).

The Us-based Truckvault company

manufactures a range of vehicle equipment

storage solutions designed originally for a

sporting and recreational market but now

used, increasingly, by law enforcement and

fire and rescue agencies. Constructed out

of Medium Density Overlay (MDO) which

is lighter than metal and has the particular

advantage of not attracting moisture,

Truckvault storage containers offer a safe and

secure way of transporting sensitive items and

materials, including ammunition and some

other explosives.

In other words, and hence the significance for

us, a Truckvault container can turn any vehicle

into an EOD carrier.

“

“Being able to adapt almost any type of vehicle for the safe transport of explosive materials could mean real flexibility – and potential cost savings – in dealing with a range of different incidents. Establishing a business relationship with Truckvault makes perfect sense for us.

David Welch, Ramora UK

In November 2011, we played a key role in

helping oil and gas operator Chevron North

Sea Ltd deal with an unexploded mine found

at a depth of 1118 metres (3667ft).

Of World War II vintage, the British Mk Iv

Buoyant Mine was of the classic spherical

design with protruding electrical switch

horns, familiar from so many films and

documentaries, and weighed 1200 lbs in total

with a nEq (net explosive quantity) of 500lbs.

Ramora UK to become UK and European distributor for TruckVault

The mine had first to be moved a distance

of 1.5 miles and then detonated safely with

an ROv-placed charge. To carry out the

procedure, Ramora UK made full use of its

purpose-built maritime Remote Explosive

Ordnance Disposal system (REODs).

“This was a highly significant undertaking for

everyone involved. The item presented a risk

to delaying the exploration drilling programme.

But what made the operation particularly

exciting was the opportunity to deploy our

expertise and technology at a record breaking

depth.” David Welch

stephen McKeown, Chevron’s subsea

Interventions Team leader, added: “We were

delighted with the speed of response and

professionalism that Ramora UK displayed.

Without their help, we could easily have been

faced with a catastrophic incident.”

EOD news...

Staff News...Hugh McMahonHugh McMahon recently joined us in the position of Principal Instructor. In addition to taking responsibility for the delivery of existing mainstream courses, including Awareness, safe Handling and EOD, Hugh will be using his experience as an Auditor for standards of quality Management to ensure that the design of our new 2012 courses meet the requirements of the national Occupational standards (nOs) for the Explosives Industry which Ramora UK was involved in establishing.

3

German sea mines had an excellent reputation in both World Wars

for both reliability and innovation.

During World War I, Britain classified german mines into four general

types. Britain used a two letter code sequence during World War II to

identify german mines, with the first letter being g (for “german”) and

the second letter given in a sequence as to when they were captured.

The lMB (British designation gC) is a magnetic and an acoustic mine.

In around 1944, some were fitted with pressure/acoustic triggers.

They weigh approximately 2,116 lbs (960 kg) with a 1,554 lbs.

(705 kg) charge. The gC is one of a family of large influence mines

used by german Forces throughout the war period.

The germans also had reliable Hertz horned contact mines for much

of World War I. Magnetic, acoustic and pressure mines were developed

during World War II. The magnetic mines were initiated by a change in

the vertical field strength and these were continually improved during

the war. various mechanisms were incorporated to prevent the mine

from detonating until after a predetermined number of actuations

occurred (thereby targeting specific vessels) or a fixed time had

passed. Post-war mines have a variety of acoustic, magnetic and

hydrodynamic/pressure sensors.

The standard explosive fillings for World War II airborne mines was

31.4% ammonium nitrate, 5.9% sodium nitrate, 2.3% potassium

nitrate, 9.7% cyclonite, 10.1% ethylene diamine dinitrate, 0.6% TnT

and 40% aluminium.

Mines are difficult to detect in the complex near shore environment,

as they are relatively small, easily concealed, and can be laid from nearly

any platform. This is particularly true for modem mines that have MCM

resistant features, such as anechoic coatings, non-ferrous components,

and unconventional shapes. Oceanic conditions greatly influence

offensive mining and MCM operations. variations in

environmental parameters, such as bathymetry,

salinity, temperature, tidal range, currents, water

clarity, and seafloor character, can alter

and significantly degrade sensor

performance and reduce

operational capabilities.

so, why do we need to consider these mines prior to establishing a survey

methodology? The answer is simply because they are non ferrous and

as a result will not be identified as possible large UXO without further

investigation. Their aluminium construction makes them virtually

invisible to magnetometer surveys and even when they are detected

the signal is so small that those interpreting the data dismiss it as a

small object. A dangerous outcome for something containing close

to a ton of high explosives and fitted with booby trap systems.

Our advice to anyone involved in offshore survey work which could

reasonably encounter munitions is to seek guidance and support

from a qualified company or individual. such qualifications can only

really be achieved by completing the Royal navy Clearance Diver

courses to the appropriate level followed

by hands on experience of dealing with

the wide ranging maritime munitions.

In addition to the Clearance Diver

skill set Ramora UK also has its own

Mine Warfare specialists who are

experienced in the planning

and execution of minefield

survey and clearance

operations worldwide.

2

Ramora UK undertakes deepest ever EOD operation

Ramora UK to become UK and European distributor for TruckVault

Consider german parachute mines before deciding on a Magnetomitor only survey solution...

TOP tips

3

The need for high quality, relevant and consistent training has never been more important within the explosives industry. Whether it’s blasting, testing or EOD operations, the risks from injury or even death due to limited knowledge resulting from insufficient training are always close to hand.

At Ramora UK, we aim to deliver courses which not only provide

exceptional levels of knowledge but also a training experience which is

independently audited for content, academic rigour and quality.

We work both with our clients and with subject matter experts to

design programmes that are fit for purpose and meet exacting training

outcomes. One good example is our Aggregate course, derived from

guidance notes based on input from the Association of Chief Police

Officers (ACPO), quarry Products Association (qPA) and the British

Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA).

Today, after some six years in existence, our training portfolio is well

established with courses defined and underpinned by both international

and national standards - accredited by City and guilds of london and

subjected to regular quality audit under UKAs IsO 9001:2008.

But we’re not standing still …

4 5

TRAInIng update

Major new EOD Training Programme launched We are all set to launch a new and progressive training programme

covering EOD Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Former war-torn countries around the world have had their return to

normality hampered because of a deadly legacy which lives on in the

form of landmines and various other items of unexploded ordnance

known as Explosive Remnants of War (ERoW). This has created an

enormous global demand for skilled demining experts; a demand which

Ramora UK is gearing up to help meet.

The programme will comprise of three individual modules, each

have been developed in accordance with the Homeland security

qualifications (Hsq), International Mine Action standard (IMAs) and

accredited by City and guilds. Appropriately qualified students will

be able to join the programme at the relevant level.

The programme will be delivered by Ramora UK staff members,

all highly experienced former military personnel, and students will be

assessed on both their theoretical understanding and their practical

competence.

““We believe this is a unique training offer in the field of humanitarian demining and it is gratifying for us to know that we can deploy the expertise necessary to fully prepare those who are willing to undertake this highly demanding but ultimately life-saving role.

David Welch, Ramora UK

COURSE PLAN May – SepteMber 2012

UXO Awareness Offshore (1 Day) 11 July, 12, 15 August, 19 september

UXO Awareness Aggregates (1 Day)4 July, 18 July

UXO Awareness (1 Day)21 August

IED Awareness (1 Day)23 August

Explosive Handling Induction (2 Days)7 - 9 August

EOD Operator/EOD Specialist 25/40 Days (these courses will run concurrently)3 september – 26 October

For details regarding our full course list, please contact our commercial team at commercial@ramorauk.com

4 5

Major new EOD Training Programme launched

TECH

CORnER

20mm A M M U n I T I O n

The legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from bygone years are still

very much a reality today, UXO from WWII and before, continues to be

found by the Marine Sediments Industry only to be brought ashore to

be safely destroyed by personnel working for Ramora UK.

One item of ordnance that is quite regularly found is the Oerlikon

20mm ammunition, in the last two months over 45 of these items

have been found and destroyed. A typical 20mm projectile is only

around 60mm in length and of course 20mm in diameter, making

these items of UXO quite difficult to find. The processing procedure

utilised within the Marine sediments Industry ensure that even these

small items are detected.

The main hazard with the 20mm round is the sensitive nose fuze.

The rounds were primarily designed to engage aircraft (anti-aircraft

artillery AAA) therefore the fuzes were designed to initiate on impact

with the very light skin of aircraft.

When UXO have been detected they are identified, recorded,

photographed then destroyed by controlled explosive demolition.

During identification the Ramora EOD Operator needs to be able to

identify as to whether it contains explosives of not, for example here

are four different types of 20mm ammunition:

• shell, High Explosive (HE)/Incendiary – H.E./I.

• shell, HE/Incendiary/Tracer – H.E./I./T.

• shell, semi-Armour-Piercing/HE/T – s.A.P./H.E./I.

• shell, HE – H.E.

One main way to aide identification of ammunition is by a unique colour

code according to its type, as you can see by the image this colour

is not always present therefore the shape of the ordnance will aide

identification and the demolition process will take into account the

nature of ordnance type whether it is high explosive or tracer round.

6 7

We are currently undertaking the important

step of becoming a signatory to the

International Code of Conduct for Private

Security Service Providers (ICoC).

Representing a significant response to the

increased use of commercial organisations to

provide security and military services in complex

environments, the ICoC is a multi-stakeholder

initiative, convened by the swiss government,

and designed to set global standards for private

operators based on international humanitarian

and human rights law.

The ICoC was initially signed at a ceremony

in geneva in november 2010 by 58 private

security companies from 15 countries, all of

whom were keen to affirm their responsibility to

respect the human rights of everyone affected

by their business activities. By 1 February of this

year, the number of signatories had risen to 307

companies from 51 countries.

In defining those companies eligible to apply

to become signatories, the ICoC refers

specifically to those involved in the “guarding

and protection of persons and objects, such as

convoys, facilities, designated sites, property

or other places (whether armed or unarmed)”.

so with our proven expertise in ensuring that

“you and your assets are safe from explosives”

we are clearly an organisation that qualifies on

grounds of eligibility.

But in addition, we are also keen to commit,

along with all other signatory companies,

to work with a range of stakeholders to

establish independent, external mechanisms

to ensure effective governance, oversight

and accountability within the private

security industry.

notwithstanding the fact that the ICoC is still

in the early stages of its development, it is

already attracting attention in both national

and international forums, Indeed, a number

of governments, ngOs and other potential

clients have demonstrated their support for

the initiative and, in some cases, have made

adherence to the code a condition for any

future contractual relationship with private

security businesses.

Ramora UK teams with Burrill Green to offer a proactive approach to corporate securityAdopting a comprehensive and proactive approach to corporate security is an important issue for Ramora UK and one that it shares with management consultants Burrill Green.

Unlike most management consulting companies working in the security field, Burrill green views corporate security not just in terms of protection but also as a driver of performance, an enabler of trust, and a deliverer of incremental value to the whole enterprise. Allied to this approach is an understanding that sensitivity and empathy is required when challenging a client’s existing structures, systems, and procedures.

given that this approach to client servicing is one that we fully share, the company we have identified a number of advantages that can be delivered to clients through teaming with Burrill green.

“One of the great benefits that commercial organisations can bring to corporate security is an understanding of corporate realities and imperatives. Our technical expertise, delivered through a team of ex-military personnel, is second to none. When that is allied to an understanding of the broader issues that companies face – an understanding that can only be enhanced by our association with Burrill green – then the opportunity exists to provide clients not just with protection but also with real added value.”

David Welch, Ramora UK

WORKIng with...supporting an international initiative to raise ethical standards in the private security industry

“““We see the setting up of the ICoC as an issue of great significance for our industry and we are very keen to become fully participating signatories. Beyond the obvious importance of the humanitarian and human rights issues that it raises, becoming a signatory of the ICoC will help to ensure that Ramora UK maintains the reputation for ethical conduct that we have worked so hard to establish.David Welch, Ramora UK

6 7

8 9

In June last year we announced that we had upgraded our Remote

Explosive Ordnance Disposal System (REODS).

The updated system, with its faster deployment

options, was specially designed and built for

oil and gas companies and maritime Explosive

Ordnance Disposal (EOD). It combines cutting

edge technology with highly experienced

personnel to deliver a facility that provides

unbeatable safety and accuracy in locating,

removing and disposing of maritime Unexploded

Ordnance (UXO) and Remnants of War (RoW)

from pipelines, platforms and the open seabed.

How does reODS work?

REODs is the first purpose-built remote EOD

system available commercially. Built to IsO 9001

engineering standards, REODs uses a very specific

set of engineering systems that are the safest and

most reliable in the world in the field of underwater

explosive technology. Operated by fully-qualified Ramora UK Disposal

Officers (RDO), the system offers a dedicated 24/7 mobilisation capability

which integrates fully with all existing work class ROv. With intrinsic safety

design and cutting-edge capabilities, REODs has a lifting capacity in

excess of 1000kg and is operational in depths in excess of 175 metres.

Tested and approved within the oil and gas industries, REODs is also

the safest EOD system available, completely removing the human diver

interface from its operations.

Why have we upgraded reODS?

The latest REODs was developed to provide extra

safety and reliability for the thousands of experts

involved in the disposal of the millions of tonnes of

unwanted, conventional and trial explosive munitions

currently lying on the sea bed. An estimated 400,000

tonnes of UXO are currently on the north sea floor,

resulting in hazardous working conditions for those

involved in the maritime industry, and significant,

repeated commercial losses for companies that have

tried – usually without success – to remove these

devices. The Pipeline safety Regulations of 1996

require all operators to identify hazards relating to

pipelines with potential to cause major accidents,

stipulating that a full risk evaluation and safety

management system be put in place. However,

at least 115 deaths and 35 serious injuries have

been caused by UXO from both World Wars since 1945. This severe level

of danger, combined with the need to remove the unexploded items,

prompted the experts at Ramora UK to develop a solution that combined

safety with technical excellence.

EOD kitRamora UK launches REODs upgrade

new TEPs segregation Unit Designed to accommodate two Secondary

transport Mitigation Cages (StMC), the

Segregation Unit (SU) allows for different

categories of explosive material to be dealt

with safely at one location.

The upper container

(sTMC B) can be used

on site by CsAs trained

personnel for the

storage of up to 9kgs of

segregated Miscellaneous

Pyrotechnics (MPs) which

have been received from

members of the public. The

lower container (sTMC A) is

only to be used by Ramora

UK Operatives during a Time

Expired Pyrotechnic (TEP) collection and can hold

up to 3 kgs of explosive material.

Items in the sTMC B will be checked by a Ramora

UK Operative and any item that fails the CsAs

procedure at this level will then be moved to the

sTMC A. This will ensure that the

contents of the upper container

are not affected by items that

have been deemed unsafe to

transport. It will also provide a

safer working environment for the

other personnel.

The net Explosive quantity (nEq)

for the items that have been left

within the sTMC A will be updated

on Miscellaneous Pyrotechnics

Accounting system (MPAs) by

Ramora UK personnel (MPAs is the

database accounting system for MPs located in our

stores). As items are received and segregated on

site, they will be added to MPAs as a segregated

item as per the normal procedure. The segregated

nEq figure on MPAs will reflect the items stored in

both the sTMC A and sTMC B.

When the sU is approaching its capacity, Ramora

UK will be notified via MPAs and a collection will be

arranged. Once the nEq of the failed items in the

sTMC A is approaching or has reached the 3kg

limit, then Ramora UK Operatives will carry out a

controlled burn of the contents.

sAFETy first

safe Handling and Transport with the new

segregation Unit

Ramora UK has recently

assisted The Royal

Berkshire Fire and

Rescue Service.

nigel Blake, based at the

service’s newbury Fire

station, had been contacted by an elderly lady who

asked if they would be able to dispose of an old fire

extinguisher that she had. On inspection, it turned out

that the extinguisher in question was an ‘Aero Pistole’

manufactured by the Antifyre company back

in the 1950s.

Designed for use in confined spaces such as aircraft cabins,

the Aero Pistole worked by firing a cartridge containing a

non-toxic chemical that de-oxygenated the atmosphere

surrounding the fire. The precise composition

of the chemical involved was a commercial

secret at the time.

The service was only too happy to help the

lady out and the Aero Pistole was brought

back to the Fire station. However, since

it contained explosives, there was now the

problem of what to do with it. so nigel called

Ramora UK.

The Ramora UK team collected the Aero Pistole from newbury,

removed the explosive material, certified it Free From

Explosives (FFE) and returned it to nigel and his colleagues.

Moreover, as part of their ongoing Corporate social

Responsibility commitments, Ramora UK provided the

whole service free of charge.

8 9

“ “

On a visit to The Hovercraft Museum at gosport, Hampshire in June,

a member of the Ramora UK team noticed that some of the life rafts

on an old cross channel hovercraft were still sealed, and that meant

they were likely to contain the original distress flares. If they were

still there, they would certainly have been out of date and would

be classified by ordnance experts as Time Expired Pyrotechnics

(TEPs), representing a potential public danger requiring removal and

disposal by experts.

Undertaking the job as an act of public service, Ramora UK

discovered eight TEPs in the life rafts and removed them safely.

Ramora UK deals with potential pyrotechnic hazard at Hampshire Hovercraft Museum

Obviously we had no idea the flares were there.

We’re very grateful to Ramora UK for their

prompt action and assistance in making our

collection of over 70 hovercraft safer. With over

426 passengers each, the 2 sRn4 cross channel

giants had over 24 rafts!

Warwick Jacobs, Trustee of the Hovercraft Museum

gIvIng something back...

“

Ramora UK helps Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue deal with an explosive piece of history

““The Ramora UK team did a great job for us which was very much appreciated. The Aero Pistole is a

fascinating historical item from our point of view but not one that anybody should keep around the

house if it still contains explosives.

Nigel blake, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue service

10

Just for fun, we will include a Mystery Object in every issue. All you have to do is guess the object pictured and what it is used for. Anyone who guesses the answer correctly will be mentioned in the next issue.

To enter, please send your entry to marketing@ramorauk.com Please enter Mystery Object in the subject field.

What is happening in the picture? All you have to do is send in your witty caption for our choice of picture and the best entry will be shown in the next issue.

To enter, please send your caption to marketing@ramorauk.com. Just enter Caption Competition in the subject field.

Keep in Touch – Do not forget that we are keen to hear your views and ideas. contact us at marketing@ramorauk.com

Mystery Object?

Caption competition!

TIME outt b H e L p L I N e H K K t

F I a M M U N I t I O N U L

Q e M W b Q Z L M p U Z a p

e M I e G H t K H b X S r O

X e N S e a M I N e O V O r

p r H O U X Q D O p N e M O

L G p I r N p W S b C H a r

O e r e G C V I t M F I r D

S N D e r H D p r Q F C t N

I C B G S B O U E E L L V A

V y L F M p a r O D D e a N

e Z H O I b O p D p I S C C

F M b t H C M N S e t V J e

Q S O G C N K T S K R J E B

a M M b Z p N e Q e H M F r

EXHIBITIOn ROUnD-UPRamora UK will be exhibiting at…

Counter Terror Expo – 25th – 26th April 2012 – Olympia, LondonCounter Terror Expo, held annually, brings together international experts from governments, armed forces, security services, law enforcement agencies and academia to share real-life experiences, debate strategies, brainstorm issues, shape policy and define effective counter-measures.

In addition to demonstrating the full range of our capabilities, we will also be exhibiting the Truckvault system.

Seawork International 2012 – 22nd-24th May 2012 – Southamptonnow in its 15th year, seawork International is the largest European commercial marine exhibition held in a working port. It provides support to key markets within the industry and provides a route to market for innovative products and services.

VISIT US ON STAND F32

VISIt US ON StaND Q18 – LOCateD ON tHe QUaySIDe

BOMB DIsPOsAl EMERgEnCyUXO REsPOnsE

TIME EXPIRED HElPlInEsEAMInE HIgHORDER

RAMORA UK vEHIClEsREODs EXPlOsIvE

ORDnAnCE nEq AMMUnITIOn DIvER