Day by Day Breakdown of SOG 2025 Events:
Friday 4 and Saturday 5 October
Before the main event, participants are invited to an exclusive opportunity hosted by REV Ocean’s Subsea Manager, Stig Vagnes, Science Systems Manager, Leighton Rolley, and Subsea Lead, Hector Salvador.
Attendees will visit a warehouse facility in Bergen to view REV Ocean’s state-of-the-art DSV Aurelia (Triton 7K3) and ROV Aurora (Kystdesign Supporter).
This is a rare occasion to see these remarkable vehicles up close and engage directly with the experts who manage them.
Address: Nor Lines Bergen C/o Rev Ocean Møhlenpriskaien 8 – Skur 30 Dokken 5006 Bergen
Attendees should confirm their intention to visit with Leighton Rolley at leighton.rolley@revocean.org.
This is a secure port. If you are not on the list you will not gain access
This event is in Bergen, and those willing to attend will need to arrange their transport/accommodation
Monday 7 October
18:00 – Informal drinks in Oslo
Join us for an informal evening of drinks and nibbles at the Amundsen Bryggeri & Spiseri, located at Stortingsgata 20, 0161 Oslo.
This renowned brewpub nestled in the heart of Oslo offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for catching up with old friends and making new acquaintances from the submersible community
Note: Participants are responsible for their own costs.
Tuesday 8 October – Day 1
The program includes keynote presentations on relevant topics for the SOG community, as well as breakout sessions to discuss and work on specific topics. In 2023, the decision was made to establish the Submersible Operators Group (SOG) with a clear mission: to promote the safe and effective operation of submersibles within our industry. As we continue to shape the future of this organization, it is crucial that we align our objectives with the needs and expectations of the submersible community. These breakout sessions are designed to capture the diverse perspectives and valuable insights of our members, ensuring that SOG evolves in a way that truly serves the community it was created to represent. Your input during these sessions will play a pivotal role in defining the direction and structure of SOG moving forward..
| 09:30 | Coffee and mingling |
| 10:00 – 10:15 Welcome | Opening Remarks – Nina Jensen, REV Ocean Join us as we officially launch SOG 2025 with a welcome address from REV Ocean CEO, Nina Jensen. A visionary in ocean conservation, Nina will set the tone for what promises to be a groundbreaking and transformative event. |
| 10:15 – 10:45 Presentation | One year of SOG – Leighton Rolley, REV Ocean SOG Chair, Leighton Rolley, will provide an overview of the past 12 months since our first gathering in Bristol, UK. He will analyze the challenges faced by the industry throughout 2023 and 2024, highlight achievements, and share insights from ongoing dialogues about the evolving direction and future shape of SOG. This session will set the stage for the breakout discussion |
| 10:45-12:00 Breakout session 45 min group Session 30 mins report and discuss | What did you expect and what do you want from SOG? Session introduced by Leighton Rolley. As we look ahead, it’s time to reflect on the future of the Submersible Operators Group (SOG). Since its inception in 2023, SOG has been dedicated to promoting the safe and effective operation of submersibles across the industry. Now, we must ask: Do we want SOG to continue, and if so, in what form? A key question for us to consider is how we can increase engagement and commitment from both current and potential members. How do we secure broader “buy-in” from the community and industry stakeholders? Equally important is understanding how SOG can better support the submersible community. What resources, programs, or initiatives can SOG offer to enhance its value and relevance? These breakout sessions are designed to tap into the wealth of experience and perspectives of our members. Your feedback is critical in helping us refine the mission and structure of SOG to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of our community. Together, we will shape the future of SOG to serve the industry more effectively. How do we increase community engagement and buy in from each organization |
| 12:00 – 12:30 20 min presentation 10 min Q&A | REV Ocean in a nutshell – Øystein Mikelborg, REV Ocean Øystein Mikelborg, Director of Marine Operations at REV Ocean and host of SOG 2024, presents the groundbreaking work of REV Ocean. Øystein will delve into the remarkable journey of REV Ocean, the world’s largest and most advanced research vessel. Designed with unparalleled ambition, this vessel is at the forefront of ocean science and environmental sustainability, pushing the boundaries of marine research and conservation. https://forms.gle/DeEW82KBrrZjq5oi7 |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 – 14:00 20 min presentation 10 min Q&A | Taigh McManus, M/Y Legend Captain Taigh McManus of M/Y Legend, will present some of the remarkable submersible operations conducted by Legend over the past 12 months. Recognized as one of the most adventurous and luxurious vessels globally, M/Y Legend is celebrated not only for providing its guests with unparalleled dive experiences but also for its pioneering contributions to media production and underwater videography. |
| 14:00 – 15:00 Breakout session | Developing the SOG Charter In this breakout session, participants will collaborate to evaluate the feasibility of developing a comprehensive charter for the Submersible Operators Group (SOG). The need for such a charter will be determined by the collective input of the community, ensuring that the decision is guided by its needs and priorities. Currently, a small number of organizations and professional bodies have established or are in the process of developing guidelines. However, many experienced companies and individuals have been excluded from this process, often due to barriers such as membership fees or paywalls, which limit access to existing materials. As a result, these guidelines remain largely unknown and lack broad adoption. This session will explore whether more inclusive, accessible guidelines should be created for the community. To address these issues, participants will be divided into smaller groups to discuss and define the essential elements of a potential charter, including operational standards, safety protocols, environmental considerations, and the responsibilities of operators. Teams will also examine the timeline for developing the charter and strategies to ensure broad support across the community. Feedback form for the DRAFT SOG Charter: https://forms.gle/a3ZB7yrv1Yv8pBVy9 Link to Document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CFC-Vxriisk5k-RT0ENJbNafk20awg7Z/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117750076378936954239&rtpof=true&sd=true |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Coffee Break Group chairs and rapporteurs prepare feedback from group discussions |
| 15.30-16:30 Group reports & plenary discussion | Developing the SOG Charter (continued) – Chair: Stevie Toft In this session, the Chairs of the breakout groups will report back on their group’s discussions and suggestions for a potential SOG charter. By the end of this session, input from participants will be synthesised and will form the base for a draft proposal that reflects best practices and a unified vision for the future operations of the SOG. |
| 16:30-17:00 | Summary and final remarks of the day – Leighton Rolley |
No evening activities are scheduled, giving attendees the opportunity to explore Norway’s vibrant capital at their own pace. Discover Oslo’s many sights, bars, and restaurants, offering a wide range of experiences. If you’re looking for suggestions or inspiration, feel free to reach out to the event organizers for recommendations.
Wednesday 9 October – Day 2
| 09:00 | Plan for the day – Leighton Rolley |
| 09:15 – 10:00 Presentation (online) and Q&A 30 mins 15 Q&A | Experience and insights from the OceanGate Titan response – Ed Cassano, CEO, Pelagic Research Services Ed Cassano will share his firsthand experience and insights from the OceanGate Titan response as a speaker. As the leader of the first team on the scene with the Odysseus 6k, Ed and his team played a critical role in the discovery of the Titan debris and the subsequent recovery operation. In this talk, he will provide a detailed overview of the mission, highlighting the challenges encountered, the advanced technology utilized, and the collaborative efforts that enabled a timely and effective response. His insights will offer valuable lessons in deep-sea exploration, search and recovery operations, and emergency response, making it a highly relevant presentation for the SOG audience. Advanced Question Submission: https://forms.gle/kXWXMnpWYWGicAn1A 30-minute talk, 15 minutes Q&A |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Coffee Break |
| 10:30 – 11:15 30 min presentation 15 min Q&A | ISMERLO (TBC) The International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO) is an organization that aims to facilitate an international response for a distressed submarine (DISSUB) and to improve the ability to respond to a call for assistance through its coordination role. Although established by NATO, ISMERLO supports all nations and pursues the involvement of global submarine-operating nations. ISMERLO is a military organization operating in an international environment focused on the humanitarian objective of saving lives at sea. Advanced Question Submission https://forms.gle/seHmfv7bqmmvJKKv5 |
| 11:15 – 12:00 Breakout session | Submersible pilot guidelines Topic introduction by Leighton Rolley (5 min), Breakout group (25 min), Report back from groups (15 min) The topic of piloting skills, training, and experience has been a focal point over the past year, particularly highlighted during the recent Titan hearings. Despite the extensive discussions, the challenge remains in defining a community-supported set of guidelines for submersible piloting. This breakout session aims to harness the collective expertise and insights of the operators and pilots present to address this critical issue. Session Objectives: Discuss the essential characteristics, skills, and conditions for qualifying and maintaining qualifications as a submersible pilot. Debate the key topics that have proven difficult to capture and present in a standardized guideline format. Collaboratively develop a set of agreed-upon guidelines for submersible piloting. Session Structure: Group Discussions: Attendees will be divided into groups to discuss a series of questions and review a draft guidelines. Draft Charter Review: Each group can amend and provide feedback on the draft guidelines. Feedback Collection: Participants are encouraged to provide input on the draft guidelines ahead of the conference by accessing the document and feedback form through the provided link. Outcome: This session aims to create a robust and community-endorsed set of guidelines for submersible piloting. The resulting guidelines will serve as a foundation for ensuring that pilots are well-equipped, qualified, and capable of safely operating submersibles. Even if SOG disbands, merges or changes this set of guidelines will represent a voice of the community Preparation: Attendees can access the draft pilot guidelines and feedback form before the conference by clicking the link provided. Pilot Guidelines for Review: https://forms.gle/RqhHZbXqg4pj3it78 |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 – 14:00 Breakout session | Pilot Guidelines Report Back |
| 14:00 – 14:30 | Emergency response scenarios An example of community leverage: Groups engage in tabletop exercises to respond to hypothetical emergency and operational scenarios, some of which may not be covered by the operational manual or contingency plans. |
| 14:30 – 15:30 Presentation and Q&A 40 mins Presentation 20 mins Q & A | Insurance and underwriting and the implications of Titan – Tom Montgomery and Keith Broughton (affiliation). The tragic loss of the Titan submersible and its occupants has brought unprecedented global attention to the submersible industry, particularly regarding the safety and insurability of such ventures. This talk will explore how the post-Titan era has reshaped the approach of underwriters toward submersible operations, especially those involving large numbers of passengers and high-net-worth individuals. Key topics will include the heightened scrutiny and rigorous risk assessments now being applied to submersible ventures, specifically focusing on:Vessel Assessments and CertificationSafety Management SystemsEnvironmental Management SystemsEmergency and Contingency ArrangementsRescue and Recovery OperationsRisk Management and MitigationLiability and Legal ComplianceEvolving Standards and TechnologyCase Studies and Lessons LearnedCollaborative Approaches to Safety and Insurance, Partnerships between Operators and InsurersWe will examine whether these changes signal a more cautious and risk-averse stance from the insurance industry and discuss the potential long-term implications for the submersible community, including the possibility of specialized insurance products tailored to the unique challenges of deep-sea exploration. This session will provide valuable insights into how these developments might impact the future of submersible operations and the broader maritime insurance landscape. Advanced Question Submission https://forms.gle/qxEkXL7vAG1VGDtYA |
| 15:30 – 15:45 | Coffee Break |
| 15:45 – 16:15 20 mins10 min Q&A | Louise Harrison, Arrow Monaco: Currently a superyacht manager for Arrow Monaco, and having previously project managed the construction of submersible support vessels, Louise oversees vessels that are operating in every part of the world. In this talk, Louise will delve into the relationship between submersibles and yacht management, exploring the considerations involved in managing subs as part of a superyacht’s safety management systems, compliance and day-to-day operations, and offering some background knowledge for industry professionals needing to navigate this specialized area. Advanced Question Submission https://forms.gle/JQSa6UqrrCeMMd6a8 |
| 16:15 – 17:00 Breakout session 5 mins30 breakout 10 report back | SOG Website – Gateway to the CommunityThis session will begin with a 15-minute presentation offering an overview of the current SOG website and its key features, such as dive metric calculations, pilot logs, pilot vacancies, and both existing and proposed functionalities.Following the presentation, there will be a breakout session focused on brainstorming additional features that could benefit the submersible community.In today’s digital age, there is no central platform where submersible operators can exchange information, share experiences, and engage with their community. The SOG website aims to fill this gap by serving as a community hub that fosters interaction, information sharing, and support for both current and future submersible operators.During the breakout session, attendees will collaborate to identify the community’s needs, explore how they envision using the platform, and propose valuable additional features. The input gathered from this session will be instrumental in shaping the ongoing development of the SOG website. To encourage participation, attendees are invited to submit suggestions in advance through a Google form provided by the organizers. |
| 17:00 | Closing remarks for day 2 – Leighton Rolley |
| 17:15 – 18:30 | Free time |
| 18:30 | Bus transfer to Fram Museum |
| 19:00 – Late | Social event and dinner at Fram MuseumGuests will enter through the main entrance and be guided to the Gjøa building for the welcome reception. There, they will be treated to a stunning view of the beautifully restored Gjøa, the first ship to navigate the Northwest Passage. While admiring this historic vessel, guests can enjoy exquisite finger foods made from local ingredients, along with their welcome drinks.After the reception, attendees will be divided into smaller groups for a personalized guided tour. The museum’s expert guides will share the captivating history of the Fram and its three legendary polar expeditions. Following the tour, guests are invited aboard the Fram for a memorable dinner, accompanied by brief speeches. Once dessert is served, attendees are welcome to explore the ship below deck and experience this iconic vessel up close |
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Thursday 10 October – Day 3
| 10:00 – 10:15 | Summary from day 2 and plan for the day – Leighton Rolley |
| 10:15 – 11:00Breakout session | What are the next steps for SOG and what should our priorities be over the next 12 months? In this session, we will divide into groups to discuss and collate feedback from the discussions on days 1 and 2. The aim is to decide what the SOG should become, how it should operate and what the next steps should be. |
| 11:00 – 11:30Plenary discussion | SOG next steps – Chair: Leighton In this session, the Chairs of the breakout groups will report on their group’s discussion and the next steps for the SOG will be agreed upon |
| 11:30 – 11:45Plenary discussion | SOG25 What should SOG25 look like?Potential hosts, location/venue?Preferred dates? |
| 11:45 – 12:00 | Final remarks – Leighton Rolley |
| 12:00 | Lunch for those not leaving |
| 13:00 | End of workshop |