Since pioneering offshore inspection services in 1986, ModuSpec has spent four decades setting the standard. That legacy has been shaped not just by innovation and expertise, but by the people who have lived in the industry as it has evolved.
In this feature, we hear from one of the most experienced members of the ModuSpec team – reflecting on a career that spans generations of offshore operations, changing technology and unforgettable moments. His story is a reminder that experience, integrity and people have always been at the heart of setting the standard.
Alan Schneider, Technical Lead based in our Houston office, has seen more than most. Originally from England in the UK, Alan moved to the US over 20 years ago, bringing with him a depth of industry knowledge. He first joined ModuSpec in 1998, starting in the Aberdeen office before moving to the Netherlands and then relocating to Houston in 2000. After 13 years with the business, he stepped away – only to return a decade later. Despite attempting to retire, Alan admits he missed the work and the people too much to stay away!
Among Alan’s memories are some that are deeply personal. His fondest memory comes directly from his time working with ModuSpec. While on a job in the US, the rig moved to Canada and Alan followed to continue the inspection. Within three days, he had met his future wife Lyne. Three weeks later, they were engaged and eight months after that, they were married. Twenty-three years on, Lyne still laughs that if Alan had not been working for ModuSpec, they may never have met.
Not all memories are so light-hearted. Alan recalls being on a rig with a colleague when the first Iraq war broke out. The crew was ordered to evaluate immediately and Alan was instructed to get on a plane to the US as soon as possible. With little time to react, he ended up paying $3,000 for a next-day flight to New York – a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change offshore.
In the aftermath of Deepwater Horizon, Alan attended depositions as part of the enquiry. Throughout the process, he felt fully supported, with ModuSpec and then parent company Lloyd’s Register providing legal backing and guidance. This reinforced something he has always believed – that ModuSpec looks after its people, especially when it matters most.
Over the years, Alan has worked with many outstanding inspectors, engineers and managers. One of the things he enjoys most about the industry is how often it comes full circle. He remembers working with Americas Regional Director Johnny Benoit many years ago. When ModuSpec returned to its original owner in 2024, Alan once again found himself working alongside Johnny in the Houston office – proof that strong, professional relationships stand the test of time.
Alan has also witnessed the natural ups and downs of the offshore industry. While there have been downturns, he believes many of the changes over the years have been for the better – particularly the level of support now provided to surveyors. Early in his career, inspectors were often thrown in at the deep end – and sourcing experienced, qualified personnel was often a challenge. Today, ModuSpec places the utmost importance on preparation, training and readiness before inspectors ever step onto a rig.
One memory in particular underlines the importance of that shift. Alan recalls a situation where a rig required a mechanic – only for a body shop mechanic with no offshore experience to appear, quickly asking how to inspect a mud pump… It’s an experience that makes Alan fully appreciate the robust preparation and competency standards now in place.
Perhaps the biggest and most striking change Alan has seen is the use of technology within the industry. While the original inspection checklists still underpin the work, the way inspections are carried out has transformed completely. He laughs when recalling taking photographs during inspections and dropping film off at the chemist to be developed. Today, our inspections are fully digitised, using tablets, real-time reporting and ModuSpec’s Argus platform to deliver greater accuracy, efficiency and transparency.
Communication has evolved just as dramatically. Where two-way radios were once the norm, Teams calls now connect people instantly across rigs and offices worldwide. These advancements, Alan believes, have played a key role in improving safety and collaboration.
The biggest lesson Alan has learned is the importance of adapting to what the industry and clients need. Inspection reports were once standard documents however, today, we customise our services and reporting to meet individual client requirements.
After decades offshore and across continents, Alan’s story reflects everything ModuSpec’s 40th anniversary stands for – experience, agility and a company built on people who care deeply about doing things the right way.
