Preview IV: Speaker Line‑up for the 11th International Forum on Diving, Salvage and Offshore Engineering Technology

Release Date: 23 October, 2026

Event: 9th International Underwater Operations & Offshore Industry Expo, 11th International Forum on Diving, Salvage and Offshore Engineering Technology

Venue: Qingdao International Convention Centre (Laoshan), Qingdao, China

Dates: 6‑8 November 2026

This release provides a partial preview of confirmed international speakers. Additional speaker announcements will be made in due course.

QINGDAO, China — The 9th International Underwater Operations & Offshore Industry Expo will take place from 6-8 November, alongside with the 11th International Forum on Diving, Salvage and Offshore Engineering Technology on 7 November 2026. Under the theme Intelligence in Deep Blue, Innovation for New Horizons, the Underwater Operations Session will bring together world‑renowned industry practitioners, safety specialists and technology innovators to share hands‑on insights covering commercial diving safety, saturation diver         emergency response and digital transformation for offshore operations.

The forum combines opening‑ceremony keynote addresses in the morning with the dedicated Underwater Operations Session in the afternoon. Confirmed speakers for this international forum include heads of global maritime‑related organizations, top domestic offshore engineering specialists, offshore petroleum development experts, authoritative emergency management experts, as well as veteran international industry practitioners. Drawing on decades of hands‑on practical experience in offshore engineering, diving operations and spill response across China, Europe and the Asia‑Pacific region, they will deliver multi‑dimensional professional insights for diving contractors, vessel operators, training providers, equipment manufacturers, research institutes and safety regulatory authorities.

Confirmed Speakers

Mr. Iain Grainger

Chief Executive, IMCA

Iain Grainger is CEO and past President of The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), a global trade association with more than 850 members in 66 countries, including Energy Companies, Contractors, Suppliers and Regulators. IMCA’s purpose is to champion, protect and support the offshore marine construction sector. Iain is a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and has more than 40 years’ experience in the sector in project delivery, commercial and leadership roles with major global contractors. He serves on the advisory board of the world’s leading Deepwater Development Conference and is also on the editorial advisory board of “Offshore”, one of the offshore energy industry’s most respected publications. He has a BSc Hons in Civil Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh and an MBA from Warwick Business School.

Title of the Speech: Shaping the Future of Underwater Operations Safety, Innovation, Talent and International Collaboration

Abstract: The global offshore industry is entering a period of significant change, driven by evolving energy demands, rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty and growing expectations around safety, sustainability and operational performance.

Underwater operations remain fundamental to the development, maintenance and integrity of critical offshore infrastructure. From commercial diving and subsea construction to remotely operated systems, artificial intelligence and emerging autonomous technologies, the industry faces both exciting opportunities and increasingly complex challenges.

This keynote address will explore the key trends shaping the future of underwater operations, highlighting the importance of maintaining the highest standards of safety and competence while embracing innovation, artificial intelligence and technological progress.

The presentation will also consider the importance of attracting, developing and retaining the next generation of talent. As the sector evolves, it must demonstrate the opportunities it offers to young professionals, provide clear pathways for skills development and ensure that the workforce is equipped to operate safely and effectively in an increasingly digital and technologically advanced environment. Building a diverse, capable and motivated workforce will be essential to sustaining the industry’s future.

It will further examine the vital role of international cooperation, industry-led standards and knowledge sharing in improving operational performance and reducing risk.

Drawing on IMCA’s global experience and its engagement with contractors, clients, regulators and industry partners, the keynote will emphasise the importance of working collectively to build a safer, more capable, resilient and attractive underwater operations industry.

The central message is clear: technological innovation will shape the future of underwater operations, but safety, competence, collaboration and investment in people must remain its foundations.

Mr. Cui Shiyong

Deputy Secretary-General, CDSA

Mr. Cui served in the Armed Police Forest Force for 21 years. During his service, he held posts as Squadron Leader, and Operations & Training Staff Officer at detachment, corps and headquarters levels. He was honored as an Excellent Instructor of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force and an Excellent Staff Officer of the Armed Police Forest Force, awarded the Third-Class Merit four times, and published multiple academic papers. He organized the compilation of a number of textbooks and training assessment outlines for non-combat operations.

Since 2018, he has been engaged in public welfare work for social organizations. He once served as Deputy Secretary-General and Director of the Office of the Forest and Grassland Fire Prevention Committee of the Chinese Society of Forestry and the Forest Fire Protection Branch of the China Fire Protection Association. In 2021, he joined the China Diving and Salvage Association (CDSA) as Deputy Secretary-General and Director of the Emergency, Cultural Tourism and Training Department. He led the compilation of the association’s first Annual Development Report on Diving and Salvage Industry in China, oversaw the drafting of more than ten professional training textbooks and self-regulatory management documents for training, and organized three editions of the Diver’s Day themed events as well as three diving vocational skills competitions. He boasts extensive management and practical experience in vocational education and training for the industry.

Title of Speech: DP Training & Education in China: Towards Systematic Teaching and Practical Capacity Building

Abstract: The rapid development of the DP industry has created an urgent demand for the development of a local training system. This presentation introduces a three-in-one, tiered and progressive talent training framework. Benchmarked against advanced international standards while adapted to domestic industry realities, the system focuses on improving practitioners’ capabilities through practical training to consolidate the foundation of operational safety. It also puts forward industry collaboration suggestions for standard implementation, and explores how talent development can support the building of a maritime power.