Deep Scientific Diving and ARMS Recovery Services in the Maldives and Seychelles

The University of Plymouth invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced organisations for the provision of specialist services to support the delivery of two marine research projects in the Republic of Maldives and the Seychelles. The projects involve the recovery of Autonomous Reef Monitoring Systems (ARMS) from depths of approximately 40m, 60m, and 90m. The ARMS units will have been deployed for approximately 36 months prior to recovery and each unit will weigh approximately 20kg. ARMS units are stacked plastic settlement panels used to measure marine biodiversity. The units will be deployed on the seabed using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and left in situ for the duration of the monitoring period. Upon recovery, a bespoke containment enclosure must be fitted to each ARMS unit to prevent the loss of biological specimens. The enclosed unit will then be carefully recovered to the surface and transferred to the support vessel for processing and analysis by the University's scientific team. Three ARMS units will be deployed at each depth (40m, 60m, and 90m) at each site. In the Maldives, three sites will be monitored, resulting in a total of 27 deployed ARMS units. In the Seychelles, one site will be monitored, resulting in a further nine units. The total requirement therefore covers the recovery of 36 ARMS units across both projects. The University anticipates that recovery operations may require mixed-gas technical diving, potentially utilising Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) systems. However, the University is also interested in exploring alternative technical solutions that do not rely on diver intervention. Recovery operations are anticipated to take place between January and February 2030. The successful contractor would be expected to: Obtain all necessary permits and approvals required to undertake the work within the relevant jurisdictions. Produce and maintain all required safety management documentation. Hold appropriate insurance coverage. Supply all personnel, diving equipment, gas systems, vessels (where applicable), and associated operational support. Deliver the recovery operations in accordance with applicable legislation, standards, and industry best practice. The University is seeking interest from established organisations with suitable experience and capability. Expressions of interest from individual divers or informal consortia are not sought at this stage. If you seek to express interest please email megan.worth@plymouth.ac.uk confirming you are able to meet the expectations. Any future procurement process will require bidders to submit detailed Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) outlining their proposed methodology, whether diver-based or an alternative technical solution. This Preliminary Market Engagement exercise is intended to understand market capability, potential delivery approaches, and indicative solutions. A formal tender opportunity is expected to follow in due course.