IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 22/07

UPDATED IMCA INTERNATIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR OFFSHORE DIVING PUBLISHED

A reviewed and updated edition of the 'IMCA International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving' that includes reference to new and updated IMCA guidance published since the code was originally produced in 1998, has been published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). It reflects developments over the past nine years in good practice and technology.

"The offshore commercial diving industry, while providing services to the oil and gas industry and alternative energy resources, can be the subject of various regulations, standards, codes and guidelines imposed by national governments of a particular area, the clients who wish the work to be carried out, the insurers of the diving contractor or other outside organisations, societies, advisory committees and associations," explains IMCA's chief executive, Hugh Williams.

"While offshore diving in some areas is heavily regulated, there are other areas where there may be little or no outside control of diving activities. In such areas the diving contractors themselves are left to establish their own internal controls by means of their company manuals and procedures. In the absence of local regulations there can be instances where some clients attempt to impose the regulatory standards of another area. This can cause confusion as many national regulations are based on local environmental and social conditions which simply may not apply in other parts of the world.

"The much-used 'IMCA International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving' provides a 'level playing field' for diving contractors by laying down good practice guidelines which all IMCA members world-wide should comply," adds Hugh Williams. "Increasingly clients around the world are selecting IMCA member companies in the knowledge that they follow the code of practice. This new edition incorporates much valuable feedback provided by members when the draft was out for consultation. It's very much a publication produced by the industry for the industry with safe and efficient operations lying at the heart of all diving operations."

An aid to all involved

The 'IMCA International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving', is intended to assist personnel involved in diving operations; clients' staff involved in the preparation of bid documents and contracts; client and diving contractor representatives; vessel owners and marine crews involved with diving operations; installation and rig managers using divers; all personnel involved in operational management; and all personnel involved in quality assurance and health, safety and environment issues.

IMCA has included recommendations in areas where there is a difficult balance between commercial considerations and safety implications. It is recognised, however that safety must never be compromised for any reason. In particular, explains Hugh Williams: "There is a need for clients and contractors to recognise and accept the importance of providing sufficient and appropriately qualified and competent personnel to conduct operations safely at all times; safe, fit-for-purpose and properly maintained equipment; and adequate time for routine preventative maintenance. We can never stress these points enough, they lie at the heart of successful and safe diving operations."

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.
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