IMCA Newsroom

Press Release

PUBLICATION OF UPDATED VESSEL AUDIT DOCUMENT

The widely used Common Marine Inspection Document published by IMCA - The International Marine Contractors Association - in collaboration with UKOOA has been updated and reissued to reflect latest and best audit practice.

"We believe the revision will help sustain the wide UK and international usage of this guidance," explains IMCA Chief Executive, Tony Read. "It was initially introduced at the beginning of 1999 to meet concerns over multiple expensive audits of the same vessel by different clients. Now, using the Guidelines, vessels need only be audited once a year. A copy of the completed audit is kept on board together with any follow up report enabling each successive client to go through the existing documentation before launching into more inspection work. The new version is more user-friendly and pays greater attention than in the past to the ‘safety culture' incorporating safety management systems into every section. UKOOA's offices are now directly opposite ours in Vauxhall Bridge Road, we have enjoyed a close working relationship with our neighbours on this updated document."

The document (IMCA M 149 Issue 3) is available in printed and CD-ROM versions which can be bought together at £40 for members and £80 for non-members (+VAT) or separately (£15/£30 for the printed version; and £30/£60 for the CD-ROM). Further information available here.

Notes to Editors (common)

• IMCA is an international association with over 450 members in more than 50 countries, representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Americas Deepwater, Asia-Pacific, Europe & Africa and Middle East & India regions, as well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members' common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
• IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports. These have been developed over the years and are widely distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document, safety recommendation, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and safety flashes.
• Judith Patten is here to help you if you want any additional information on IMCA; would like to discuss a feature article; want to organise interviews with key members of the IMCA team, etc.