Jim Mann, UUVS Conference Chairman

Trained originally as a Marine Engineer with the Cunard Steam Ship Company, rising from the lowly position of 37th Engineer onboard the QE2, to be the youngest Chief Engineer in Cunard. 

In 1981, decided on a career change when family came along and entered the mysterious and exciting world of underwater engineering, initially as Engineering Supervisor for British Oceanics Limited on manned submersible operations, including time with the rescue sub LR5. 

He worked on bringing some of the first ROV Systems into the North Sea and as part of an enthusiastic Team set about the task of making the ROV much more useful as a tool in the diver replacement scenarios. 

Over the last 30 years has worked variously as a senior manger for most of the major underwater contractors and as a Consultant to both the Contractors and the Operators.

Presently Jim is the Global ROV Manager for Fugro, based in Aberdeen but with worldwide responsibility for Remote Technology and Subsea Engineering development within this large service provider. 

In the last couple of years has been leading a Team of professional engineers in the development of fifth generation ROV Systems so as to provide the market with a superior capability from underwater vehicles.