Construction projects often involve work in or near water. They can range from relatively small scale works on rivers and canals, through to large-scale projects for coastal defence, docks harbours and quays. Offshore renewable energy developments take this a step further with very large-scale projects built in open seas along with construction and operational facilities on the coast.

All projects near water are unique but they all have the potential for significant hazards and risks. The project development process needs careful thought with designs often driven by the need to build, maintain and operate infrastructure safely in a difficult environment.

Alistair will talk about the planning and designing work near water including different approaches to project organisation and governance, sources of regulation, guidance and advice, and managing key hazards and risks. He will also reflect on the improvements he has seen over a career spent over, near but (so far) never in the water.