IMCA remembers Pete Somner

Pete Somner, who died suddenly and prematurely on 16 December 2021, had worked in the energy industry for over 40 years, and his natural ability to adapt allowed him to move effortlessly between disciplines – now diving, then marine, but also project management, quality, and safety. For a long time Pete was a leading member of IMCA’s Marine Committee, including a spell as Chair, and over the years has been very influential in the growth and development of IMCA.

His wealth of experience and extensive knowledge enabled him to influence and drive constant improvements in industry standards and good practice. Pete Somner once said that “a lesson learnt will remain a lesson to be learned unless it is captured in design or process”.  No matter what role he had, he was always willing and able to help colleagues and friends. He was a mentor to many and a friend to all, promoting teamwork and ensuring that any recognition was shared by the team.

Pete was a true “people” person, a great communicator who understood his team by listening and having real empathy. He had an impressive ability to engage and hold an audience’s attention, whether it be a one to one or an audience of 500. He always treated everyone, regardless of their role, gender, or culture, with the greatest respect.

Pete was a master story-teller and a skilled user of wit and even sarcasm, using these skills to inject humour into a situation in a positive and life-affirming way. He was passionate about our industry and over the course of his working life worked tirelessly to help shape and drive forward standards and safety. It is absolutely true to say that the offshore industry today is safer, better, more efficient and more responsive to change, because of the influence of men like Pete Somner.

Pete Somner 3^rd February 1957 – 16^th December 2021

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