The Department of Ocean Engineering’s Center for Dredging Studies (CDS) at Texas A&M University recently hosted the 48th annual Dredging Engineering short course (DSC) with a record-setting number of participants from the United States, Canada, Nigeria and Sweden.
The CDS collaborates with esteemed lecturers from the dredging industry, government and academia to present the latest science and advances in the field as part of the DSC, which continues to create a world-class continuing education environment for participants.
“The short course was one of the most rewarding educational experiences I’ve had in my professional career,” said Kristen Keele, a participant from the Maryland Port Administration. “The expertise and knowledge of the lecturers lends itself to an invaluable learning experience; this course is truly a must-have for anyone who works in dredging.”
Dr. Ram K. Mohan, an adjunct professor in the department, led the course in coordination with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station’s (TEES) continuing education office, TEES EDGE. More than 75 course participants represented the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ports and dredging companies from four countries.
“The five-day short course is geared towards providing the dredging practitioner with a broad overview of all things dredging related,” Mohan said.
Topics covered include basic dredge laws, hydraulic and mechanical dredges, dredge pumps and performance characteristics, dredging best management practices and claims avoidance, beach and dune restoration, ecosystem (wetlands) restoration, hydrographic surveys, and dredge cost estimation, among others.
The CDS was established in 1968 by Dr. John Herbich and is currently under the direction of Dr. Robert Randall. In addition to research and industrial testing, the center's activities include teaching university courses and providing annual seminars and short courses concerning advances in dredging engineering technology. Over the years, more than 2,000 dredge professionals have participated in the dredging short course.
The 49th Dredging Engineering short course is scheduled for Jan. 6-10, 2020 at Texas A&M. The course fee is $1,800, and applications are available on the CDS’ webpage.