The Danny Wake Hydrography Award is presented annually to the top-performing students studying the Hydrographic Surveying module on the University of Glasgow’s Geospatial & Mapping Sciences, and Land & Hydrographic Surveying MSc courses. This award recognises academic excellence and dedication to the field of hydrography, a discipline that Daniel was deeply passionate about throughout his career.

Daniel, son to Doreen and Verdun Wake of Marivore, Firth, attended Firth Primary and Stromness Academy before leaving to study Topographic Science BSc at the University of Glasgow, graduating in 1999. Daniel served at a number of hydrographic surveying companies, travelling all over the world, before becoming Chief Surveyor at Subsea 7. Here he continued to play a pivotal role in advancing hydrographic and subsea survey practices and was instrumental in promoting the use of cutting-edge technologies such as 3D imaging sensors in subsea operations, spanning a wide range of applications, including pipeline and cable inspection, and offshore renewables. 

Daniel was an active member of the Hydrographic Society in Scotland, contributing to the development of hydrographic knowledge. Known for his technical expertise and leadership, as well as his warmth, humour and patience, mentorship came naturally to him. He supported the next generation of Hydrographers professionally and through national events and guest lectures at the University of Glasgow. 

Simon Canning, Chair of the THS:UKI Scotland branch said:

“Danny was a valued member of THS:UKI Scotland Branch, and played a fundamental role in many of its events. He will be particularly remembered for his skills at our annual Hydrofest event, a full day learning event for university students from all over the UK and Ireland.

“Danny was a regular presenter at this event and spoke around technical subjects with a huge degree of knowledge whilst making it fun, even entertaining. Danny will be remembered by us all for his intelligence, enthusiasm, good humour and kind, giving nature. He set the bar high and gave us all something to aim for.”

Recipients of the Danny Wake Hydrography Award 2025 are (from left to right): Edward Moss (winner), Alex Gilbey (runner up) and Daniel Brimmo (runner up). All three, following completion of their MSc studies, have taken up roles within land and hydrographic survey companies.

Daniel’s sudden passing in 2022 left a profound void within the lives of his family and friends, and in the hydrographic community, and the creation of this award ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future hydrographers.

Doreen Wake, from Firth, has completed the ‘Walk 31 Miles in October’ for Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of her son Daniel Michael Wake who died from the disease in July 2022. Doreen walked the 31 miles plus some accompanied by her little Border Terrier Benita and from time-to-time with friends and family. She walked 53 miles in total.

Doreen said: The two mile walk from our house to the village and back was Daniel’s most frequented road in Orkney with a steep rise from sea-level to 200ft, with wonderful views in most weathers – I love it as did Daniel!

Thanks also to those who have accompanied and supported me – Verdun, Usha, Michelle and Susannah – not forgetting our Benita (Border Terrier) who has been there every step of the way – and to Mark at Finstown PO for various types of assistance.

To date the walk has raised approx. £2000. Doreen’s JustGiving page will be open until the end of November.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/doreen-wake-1759353728844.

Susannah Neill