IMCA Newsroom

Press Release

IMCA BALL AIDS THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS

Hugh Williams (left), Chief Executive of IMCA - the International Marine Contractors Association - hands over a cheque for £850 to Canon Bill Christianson (right), Secretary General of The Mission to Seafarers, at the Mission's headquarters in the Church of St Michael Paternoster Royal, on the Thames, where Dick Whittington, famously mayor of London four times, is buried. The money was raised at IMCA's annual Charity Ball held in May in Aberdeen.

The Mission to Seafarers was formerly The Missions to Seamen, it updated its name recently but retained its striking logo - the flying angel, by which it is also known. It cares for seafarers of all nationalities and faiths in over 300 ports around the world, so is truly a worthy cause for IMCA to support. It takes part in IMO work and lobbies for safe vessels and crew safety/security - just as IMCA does. The Mission works through a network of chaplains, lay staff and volunteers who offer seafarers a welcome, friendship, and practical and spiritual help. "We were delighted to be able to raise money for such a worthwhile, and highly relevant, organisation," said Hugh Williams.

IMCA - the International Marine Contractors Association - is an international trade association with over 200 members in more than 30 countries and represents companies providing marine and offshore construction activities. These include companies in pipelay, heavy lift, diving, remotely operated vehicles, hydrographic survey, specialist vessels, supply of marine contracting plant and equipment, as well as those active in skills training to support the industry. IMCA membership includes over 20 oil companies who join as corresponding (non-voting) members which forms a key part of IMCA's communication campaign.

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.