Interview with Pierre Becker

How did Geocean come about?

“At the time, I was working for Comex, a company specialising in engineering and the underwater world. I wanted to set up my project based on marine surveys and my knowledge of the seabed. At the time, there was no company specialising in this field.

That’s how I launched Geocean in 1984, encouraged by Henri Germain Delauze, who was running COMEX.”

What culture did you want to establish when you set up Geocean?

“I wanted my team to be, first and foremost, friends, united around shared values and know-how. Most of them were top-level engineers. What brought them together was their passion, friendship, intelligence and courage, as well as a taste for travelling and diving.

I never advertised for people; they just came naturally.

The company’s friendliness attracted some people. They were passed on the craft”

What did you expect from your teams?

“I expected them to be able to carry out their missions and make decisions. Discussion is critical for them to cultivate their friendships.

When a problem arose, I wanted the solutions to be found as a team.”

What drove the company?

“It’s the passion, the taste for travel and the sea, the will to always find solutions to problems, and the choice to put ourselves at the service of projects to help people who need us. Geocean was a big family built on solidarity and camaraderie.”

What are the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced as the founder of this company?

“The gratitude came from outside. We gave the image of a team doing well, which was an excellent reward for all of us!”