WITH a dozen Great Yarmouth companies recently attending the prestigious Oceanology International Conference and Exhibition in London, the borough had significant presence at this two-yearly gathering of marine scientists, survey specialists, engineers and technologists.

WITH a dozen Great Yarmouth companies recently attending the prestigious Oceanology International Conference and Exhibition in London, the borough had significant presence at this two-yearly gathering of marine scientists, survey specialists, engineers and technologists.

Leading the way as one of the principal sponsors of the event was Gardline Marine Sciences, a Yarmouth company that was started over 40 years ago when its founder, the late George Darling, became part owner of his first survey vessel.

This single-ship enterprise has grown to the highly respected global enterprise of some thirty related companies that comprise the Gardline Group today, employing hundreds of people worldwide, with the group's nerve centre of operations firmly based on the South Denes peninsula.

Just down the exhibition aisle from Gardline's stand was the equally impressive offering from Applied Acoustics Ltd, this year celebrating its 21st birthday under the directorship of George's son Adam.

Other Yarmouth companies with a presence at the event included ASAMS Ltd, GeoAcoustics Ltd, Maritech Consultants Ltd, SEACON (Europe) Ltd, Sonar Equipment Services Ltd and Tech Safe Systems.

Not to be outdone, the Great Yarmouth Marketing Initiative (GYMI) mounted a modest, but significant stand helping three further local companies to promote their wares and expertise in this important business sector.

First up was Alison Microwave, who in their North Quay premises design and manufacture the highly specialised antennae which allow the marine surveyors to be sure of exactly where they are on the surface of the globe.

Standing alongside were AK Precision Ltd, who are in the business of producing components and fittings of exactly, and we do mean exactly, the right dimensions to ensure that all those clever machines used by the industry work effortlessly.

Last but not least was Norfolk Capacitors Ltd, based in Leyden works in Station Road, Southtown, who design and manufacture electronic devices which help control the electrical workings of these same machines. This, in just one small stand, demonstrates how the Yarmouth family of technologists link together into a comprehensive supply chain network to serve this often un-recognised, but vital sector of the world's economy.

In recent weeks, with a number of energy related events dedicated to revealing the leading role which the UK, and most specifically the southern North Sea will play in the next decade in developing offshore wind technology, just about every one of the 450 companies exhibiting at Oceanology International 2010 right now have their eye on the East coast.

So it is reassuring to know that the Great Yarmouth marine scientists, technologists and engineers are ready, willing and open for business to apply their many years of experience and expertise benefit from this exciting prospect.

After all, it's a family affair!