IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 17/05

ROV ACTIVITIES IN PLENTY FROM IMCA

A new guidance note, a new CD and a call for 2004 ROV statistics from members are a measure of the level of work of IMCA's - the International Marine Contractors Association - Remote Systems & ROV Division Management Committee.

The latest guidance note from the Division is The Initial and Periodic Examination, Testing and Certification of ROV Handling Systems (IMCA R 011). This new publication has three principal objectives:

• To provide guidance on aspects of ROV handling systems
• To provide criteria for the initial/periodic examination, testing and certification of ROV launch and recovery systems
• To provide criteria for initial/periodic examination, testing and certification of ROV wires, load bearing umbilicals and terminations

"This new guidance note updates and supersedes AODC 036 Rev 1 on the same subject," explains Jane Bugler, IMCA's Technical Director. "It also incorporates the latest guidance based on IMCA R 003, which dealt with Termination of load bearing umbilicals or lift cables used in ROV handling systems. Input and feedback from around the world, notably from our Americas ROV sub-group, has helped to ensure the international applicability of the new guidance."

The IMCA secretariat is currently finalising a new CD, which will make available the complete collection of current IMCA (and AODC) Guidance on ROV Operations.

This will come in the same style as the popular diving CD and include guidance and information notes from the Remote Systems & ROV Division, plus material from the IMCA ‘core' activities (Safety, Environment & Legislation Committee; and Training, Certification & Personnel Competence) including IMCA safety flashes issued over the last eight years.

ROV statistics for the North Sea for 2002-3 were issued earlier this year by IMCA and showed a lower level of activity than in recent years (data has been collected since 1988). A call has now gone out for input from members regarding their 2004 statistics. "For the first time we are aiming to produce figures for other areas of the world - Middle East/Caspian, West Africa, Asia-Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and Brazil in addition to the North Sea analysis performed previously," explains Jane Bugler. "Activity levels will also be reported according to the type of operation, including inspection, drill support, construction and cable lay."

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.