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News from IMCA 2005
December 2005- IMCA updates DP incident classifications and reporting forms
IMCA has set out revised categories for the reporting of dynamic positioning (DP) station keeping incidents. The aim is to simplify decisions on incident classification, enable more in-depth analysis and to encourage incidents reporting. Updated reporting forms are now available.
- Proceedings of IMCA Annual Seminar 2005 now available
Over 250 delegates attended the IMCA Annual Seminar held in Abu Dhabi on 22-23 November 2005, on the theme of "Expanding Marine Contracting - Shaping the Future of Diving, DP and Marine Construction Practices". Presentations ranged from topical issues such as marine contracting in the Middle East region through discussion of operational practices such as the use of tugs with DSVs and the latest technological developments to lessons learned from operational experience. The seminar also included a number of well attended workshops with useful discussion, the results of which will feed into ongoing and future work items.
- North Sea experience and employment profile 2000-03 published
Following the world-wide study for 2000, IMCA has published an updated report on the experience and employment profile of North Sea Diving personnel. Covering a four year period, the analysis identifies some interesting information which can be fed into future discussion and work items.
- North Sea experience and employment profile 2000-03 published
Following the world-wide study for 2000, IMCA has published an updated report on the experience and employment profile of North Sea Diving personnel. Covering a four year period, the analysis identifies some interesting information which can be fed into future discussion and work items.
- IMCA safety seminar - 9-10 February 2006
The fourth major IMCA safety seminar - Safety Where it Counts: At the Sharp End - takes place on 9-10 February 2006 at Murrayfield international rugby stadium, Edinburgh, UK. Building on previous successful events in Manchester, Newcastle and Amsterdam, the seminar majors on the various elements which together can help ensure a safe offshore working environment. Its packed programme features presentations about best practice and successful initiatives which have improved offshore safety, plus reports and discussion on incidents which have occurred and the lessons which have been learned from them.
November 2005- IMCA ROV seminar - 22 March 2006
IMCA is holding a free half-day seminar entitled "ROVs: Leading the Way into the Future" on 22 March, alongside the popular Oceanology International (oi06) event at ExCeL in London's Docklands. The half-day programme aims to raise awareness of ROVs and the work they are used to carry out.
- FMEA guide for diving systems published
Following on from the Marine Division's successful FMEA Management Guide, IMCA has developed a specific document covering failure modes and effects analyses of offshore diving systems. Intended as a concise reference, this guidance enables all levels of management to understand their needs and responsibilities, providing examples of good practice and references to applicable IMCA guidance and other sources.
- FMEA guide for diving systems published
Following on from the Marine Division's successful FMEA Management Guide, IMCA has developed a specific document covering failure modes and effects analyses of offshore diving systems. Intended as a concise reference, this guidance enables all levels of management to understand their needs and responsibilities, providing examples of good practice and references to applicable IMCA guidance and other sources.
- Examination procedures for diving supervisors and LSTs updated
The guidance document for the IMCA Offshore Diving Supervisor and Life Support Technician Certification Schemes has been updated to reflect changes to examination procedures. From 1 January 2006, new restrictions will apply with regard to time elapsed between training, gaining experience offshore as a trainee or assistant and sitting the examinations.
- Senior Dive Technician Pay Grading Certificates withdrawn
Pay grading certificates for senior dive technicians previously issued by IMCA and AODC have now been withdrawn. Such certificates were issued solely to indicating the rate of pay a person was entitled to receive in relation to the North Sea Diving Industry Agreement and to facilitate the movement of personnel from one company to another. They were not intended for any other purpose or for wider use and were withdrawn to end the possibility for confusion with certificates of competence.
- IMCA skills survey results published
IMCA has published the much-anticipated results of its global skills survey, which looked into activity levels and the availability of skilled personnel to meet the industry's needs in the short- to long-term. The results make interesting reading, not least because of changes in the industry during its 'snapshot' period where members are seeing skills shortages not predicted previously during a particularly busy period. IMCA is already taking forward the findings through its TCPC work programme.
- From the President - November 2005
The offshore industry is proving again that it is one of the most dynamic markets around [with] the jump in activities we are experiencing today. Under tight budgets and/or severe schedule constraints ... may be pressure to 'soften' the technical and safety related pre-qualification requirements for projects. Contractors, both IMCA members and non-members ... should stand firm in following these guidelines under all circumstances. Rising costs or shortage of time should not be reasons for temporary relaxation, resulting in increased risk of damage to our health or our environment!
Plus: sympathy for the victims of Gulf of Mexico hurricanes and an industry looking after our environment.
October 2005- Three more pocket safety cards published
The latest additions to the series of IMCA pocket safety cards have been published. Entitled 'Confined spaces can be deadly', 'Workplace safety self assessment' and 'Stay safe at the wheel: Cutting and grinding safety', they add to the growing catalogue of safety promotional materials available from IMCA. As usual, the print files are available for downloading by members, with space set aside for inclusion of company names, logos and references.
- Guidelines for the shared use of DGPS for DP and survey operations published
IMCA has developed new guidelines to address situations where a single differential GPS system may be shared between dynamic positioning (DP) and offshore surveying roles. Such sharing, whilst usually convenient, can potentially present operational problems related to the control and performance of the system and may also lead to contractual disputes. For safety and operational reasons it is therefore key that full co-operation is exercised between the two users. These guidelines include basic definitions, consideration of the various technical and operational aspects and conclude with sensible recommendations to assist all involved.
- IMCA encouraging reporting of lifting incidents
IMCA has reviewed and reissued its lifting operations incident forms as it seeks to develop a database on offshore lifting incidents. The intention is to perform regular analysis of such data to identify particular issues and lessons that can be learned, to help avoid repeat incidents in the future. The industry is being encouraged to make the small additional effort of completing the short IMCA report, which will be recorded anonymously, when incidents occur to help with this ambition.
- IMCA encouraging reporting of lifting incidents
IMCA has reviewed and reissued its lifting operations incident forms as it seeks to develop a database on offshore lifting incidents. The intention is to perform regular analysis of such data to identify particular issues and lessons that can be learned, to help avoid repeat incidents in the future. The industry is being encouraged to make the small additional effort of completing the short IMCA report, which will be recorded anonymously, when incidents occur to help with this ambition.
September 2005- New IMCA guide reviews the use of digital video offshore
IMCA's Offshore Survey and Remote Systems & ROV Divisions have combined to produce an extensive review of technology associated with the use of digital video offshore, the adoption of which has been gathering pace. The new publication discusses current technologies, including quality and performance, practical applications and standards/ interoperability issues. It also addresses storage and integration with other contractor and client systems. It is intended that this document will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
- New DVD addresses slips, trips and finger nips
While the oil and gas industry has become very much safer through the dedication of contractors and their personnel over the years, the target is zero injuries and we're not there yet. A new IMCA DVD available in PAL and NTSC formats with subtitles in nine languages, addresses what are now two of the most frequent remaining causes of injury to those working offshore - 'slips and trips' and injuries associated with crushing and pinching.
- New DVD addresses slips, trips and finger nips
While the oil and gas industry has become very much safer through the dedication of contractors and their personnel over the years, the target is zero injuries and we're not there yet. A new IMCA DVD available in PAL and NTSC formats with subtitles in nine languages, addresses what are now two of the most frequent remaining causes of injury to those working offshore - 'slips and trips' and injuries associated with crushing and pinching.
- Common Marine Inspection Document updated
An updated version of the Common Marine Inspection Document is now available. Fully reviewed and updated in the light of regulatory and technical developments, the document has also been rewritten specifically with a world-wide focus, reflecting its global applicability and use by contractors and clients throughout the offshore industry. An enhanced CD and guidance on its use help make it even more user-friendly and enable vessel crews to both prepare for inspections and to keep it up-to-date as a 'live' document as part of their own documentation systems.
August 2005- New IMCA guidance on the use of cable laid slings and grommets
Popular guidance formerly published by the UK Health & Safety Executive as its guidance note PM20 has been reissued by IMCA. The original was intended to be mainly of assistance to those concerned with the use of cable laid slings and grommets in very heavy lifting operations, developed specifically for use in the offshore industry and was found highly useful by contractors around the world. This note, fully reviewed and updated, gives advice on construction, rating, testing, certification, examination and use of such equipment.
- New IMCA guidance on the use of cable laid slings and grommets
Popular guidance formerly published by the UK Health & Safety Executive as its guidance note PM20 has been reissued by IMCA. The original was intended to be mainly of assistance to those concerned with the use of cable laid slings and grommets in very heavy lifting operations, developed specifically for use in the offshore industry and was found highly useful by contractors around the world. This note, fully reviewed and updated, gives advice on construction, rating, testing, certification, examination and use of such equipment.
- Updated guidance on surface supplied mixed gas diving operations
IMCA's guidance on the use of surface supplied mixed gas diving techniques has been extended, updated and reissued following a global review. The new edition addresses hazards and operational limits in full and sets out issues to be considered during risk assessments to ensure safe diving operations.
- From the President - August 2005
Following the launch of the IMCA Contracting Principles in April we have seen many positive developments in our attempts to promote dialogue about them throughout our industry... Progress is also being made on the development of industry risk guidelines... It is thanks to the good work of all of its members that IMCA is seen increasingly as the representative body of the marine contractors.
Plus: socialising at the IMCA Golf Day and Midsummer Charity Ball and looking forward to the Annual Seminar in Abu Dhabi.
- From the President - August 2005
Following the launch of the IMCA Contracting Principles in April we have seen many positive developments in our attempts to promote dialogue about them throughout our industry... Progress is also being made on the development of industry risk guidelines... It is thanks to the good work of all of its members that IMCA is seen increasingly as the representative body of the marine contractors.
Plus: socialising at the IMCA Golf Day and Midsummer Charity Ball and looking forward to the Annual Seminar in Abu Dhabi.
July 2005- Registration opens for Annual Seminar
The programme for the 2005 IMCA Annual Seminar has been published and registration is now open. An exciting line-up has been developed covering all aspects of today's marine contracting industry, addressing issues for those operating in the region together with broader topics on the latest developments around the world-wide industry. The seminar includes a variety of presentation, workshop and discussion sessions, an exhibition and various social networking events.
May 2005- Video demonstrates the neurological assessment of a diver
IMCA has produced a new video which demonstrates the neurological assessment of a diver. The neurological state of an injured diver is important for medical personnel in determining their diagnosis and as a guide for treatment. This video shows some basic tests that every diver should be confident in being able to perform competently when needed. Available as a DVD-CD set with accompanying printed notes, it forms an ideal aid for formal training on this subject.
- Video demonstrates the neurological assessment of a diver
IMCA has produced a new video which demonstrates the neurological assessment of a diver. The neurological state of an injured diver is important for medical personnel in determining their diagnosis and as a guide for treatment. This video shows some basic tests that every diver should be confident in being able to perform competently when needed. Available as a DVD-CD set with accompanying printed notes, it forms an ideal aid for formal training on this subject.
- New Guidance on ROV Operations documentation CD issued
Remote Systems & ROV Division members now have a new resource - a CD bringing together the entire collection of IMCA guidance on ROV operations, including core activity (SEL/TCPC) material. Complementing the members-only website, the CD can be taken to places where the internet does not yet reach.
- From the President - May 2005
The launch of the Contracting Principles at the impressive Trinity Hall in Aberdeen on 21 April 2005 proved an important day for IMCA ... Now, we have to continue the process of striving for 'fairer' contracts with a better balance between risk and reward by promoting dialogue with reference to the Principles throughout our industry.
Plus news on the development of industry risk guidelines and forthcoming social events.
- From the President - May 2005
The launch of the Contracting Principles at the impressive Trinity Hall in Aberdeen on 21 April 2005 proved an important day for IMCA ... Now, we have to continue the process of striving for 'fairer' contracts with a better balance between risk and reward by promoting dialogue with reference to the Principles throughout our industry.
Plus news on the development of industry risk guidelines and forthcoming social events.
April 2005- Latest pocket card says 'Watch your hands ...
... You've only got one set'. The eighth IMCA pocket safety card has been issued, addressing the subject of hand safety. It notes that hands are "the best set of tools you'll be ever be issued with and the only ones you can't replace" and sets out key safety pointers in a convenient format for use offshore, with dos and don'ts and a simple 'Think, Check, Stop' checklist.
- FMEA Management Guide published
Following on from extensive work in recent years on the reliability and safety of dynamic positioning (DP) systems, IMCA has now published its FMEA Management Guide. Using flowsheets and designed as a concise framework guide, the document is intended to help decision makers and implementations professionals within the industry assess the minimum requirements for carrying out FMEAs on new vessels and ensuring that existing FMEAs either already meet suitable standards or are reviewed and updated to the required level.
- FMEA Management Guide published
Following on from extensive work in recent years on the reliability and safety of dynamic positioning (DP) systems, IMCA has now published its FMEA Management Guide. Using flowsheets and designed as a concise framework guide, the document is intended to help decision makers and implementations professionals within the industry assess the minimum requirements for carrying out FMEAs on new vessels and ensuring that existing FMEAs either already meet suitable standards or are reviewed and updated to the required level.
March 2005- Latest DP incident analysis published
The fourteenth annual report on dynamic positioning station keeping incidents has been published (IMCA M 177). Some 51 reported incidents which occurred during 2003 are covered in the document, with a comprehensive event tree for each together with analysis and summary of key findings and trends.
- Updated Guidance on Examination, Testing and Certification of ROV Handling Systems
The latest guidance document from the Remote Systems & ROV Division updates and internationalises the widely referenced AODC 036 and IMCA R 003 to address aspects of ROV handling systems and to provide criteria for the initial and periodic examination, testing and certification of ROV launch and recovery systems, ROV wires, load bearing umbilicals and terminations.
- Common Marine Inspection Document updated
The fourth issue of the Common Marine Inspection Document (CMID) is now available. This latest version addresses feedback from users and incorporates updates in the light of technological and regulatory developments. Extensive guidance on use of the CMID has also been fully updated, providing a worked example together with notes for auditors and identification of areas where vessel crews can prepare by assembling relevant documentation in advance. An updated CD version helps the CMID to be a 'living' document, kept up-to-date on board.
February 2005- IMCA Contracting Principles Launched
IMCA has published its Contracting Principles, a discussion document that it believes will serve the long-term interests of all participants in the oil and gas industry by encouraging an equitable contractual balance based on the parties' respective risks and rewards. This, in turn, should improve relations, increase efficiency and reduce overall costs. The principles have been published with a comprehensive press release and are available for free download from this site.
- Updated working at height DVD features subtitles
IMCA has updated and re-released its popular DVD-based guide to the hazards associated with working at height to include subtitles in eight languages.
- Latest IMCA safety seminar breaks new ground
IMCA's third major safety seminar - Elements for Safety sought to 'complete the health and safety jigsaw', by bringing together delegates from around the world to hear presentations and share experience on successes in improving safety and to learn the lessons from recent incidents. A variety of formats, including a surprise drama, helped demonstrate the various ways of getting the safety message across and brought good feedback from delegates.
- From the President - February 2005
IMCA is nearing a significant milestone - the launch of its Contracting Principles. After more than twenty years of discussions with various partners and on different platforms IMCA is almost there ... IMCA has ... taken the initiative to produce what it considers to be a well balanced result.
IMCA's new President, Frits Janmaat, on significant new work by IMCA on behalf of the industry, plus thanks to the 100+ committee members for their personal time and effort into making IMCA stronger and more effective.
- Call for papers issued for 2005 Annual Seminar
Plans are already underway for the 2005 IMCA Annual Seminar, which will take place on 22-23 November 2005 in the United Arab Emirates. A call for papers has been issued seeking contributions from members and others in the industry on a broad programme.
January 2005- New Europe & Africa Section workgroups established
New workgroups addressing issues in the decommissioning and offshore renewable energy sectors have begun their work. A broad work programme tackling the priorities of members active in each sector is being formulated and members are invited to register their interest in these new work areas.
- Guidance on operational communications - Part 1 published
The first in a planned series of guidance notes on operational communications has been published. Produced jointly by the Marine and Diving Divisions, the document includes a general section plus detailed guidance on communications between bridge and dive control, aimed at assisting companies in ensuring good standards of communication, vital to offshore safety.
- Information Pack for Experienced Freelance Personnel Available
As part of ongoing work with personnel agency representatives, IMCA has produced an extensive information pack on competence assurance and assessment for experienced freelance personnel in the offshore survey and ROV sectors. This covers how they can assemble a portfolio of work and assessment records, to enable integration into contractors' competence schemes and facilitate transfer between companies.
- Nicholas Hough - IMCA's New Technical Adviser
Nicholas Hough has joined IMCA as Technical Adviser, expanding the technical team to support a growing membership and broadening work programme. Nick brings field experience, high awareness of practical quality and safety matters and strong presentation skills to further enhance the secretariat's combined skill set.
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