NOC host international workshop on detection and on-site inspection of marine nuclear tests

From 12–16 Nov 2018, the National Oceanography Centre hosted the 24th On-Site Inspection (OSI) workshop of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO).

Previous OSI workshops have mostly focused on underground events, but for the first time this workshop had a particular focus on the specific challenges of detecting and inspecting nuclear tests in the marine environment.

The NOC Events team acted as local hosts, sponsored by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Several NOC scientists and engineers provided technical input at specialist workshop sessions, and Rolly Rogers and Alan Evans gave a plenary talk on ocean governance and maritime legal issues that might impact OSI activities.

There was particular interest in NOC capabilities in ocean modelling, seafloor mapping, open-ocean and deep-sea observing, and technology development, including autonomous underwater vehicles and radionuclide sensors.

Workshop delegates also benefited from a tour of the NOC, including the Marine Robotics Innovation Centre, and attended a networking session at the Marine Autonomy and Technology Showcase to see first-hand some of the new technologies being discussed at the workshop.

Prof Ed Hill, Executive Director of the NOC, said: “I am delighted that the NOC was able to host this workshop and provide scientific and technical expertise in support of the CTBTO – we have now established firm links with this community that will enable us to continue supporting their important work in the future.”