IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 02/08

IMCA MEMBERSHIP NOW ENCOMPASSES 50 COUNTRIES

A major milestone, achieving members in 50 countries, has been passed by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). The international trade association represents offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies, who between them account for an industry worth $20 billion each year.

"Membership is growing at an amazing rate; we now have over 430 member companies, and are delighted that the geographic spread is keeping up with overall membership," says Hugh Williams the chief executive of IMCA. "We reached 200 member companies in 2002; we passed the 300 mark in April 2006; and by September 2007 had reached 400 member companies; now we are rapidly heading towards 450 member companies. Chalking up our 50th country is certainly a major milestone.

"There certainly is strength in numbers. The more members we have in more countries, the more we know that our materials are spread further and wider throughout the industry achieving the improvements in safety and efficiency which members, and the industry as a whole, seek. New members have an opportunity to introduce IMCA to their clients, partners and subcontractors which continues to promote further membership; and of course to their governments and other official bodies."

IMCA promotes improvements in quality, health, safety, environmental and technical standards through the publication of guidance and information notes, codes of practice, and by other appropriate means.

"We strive for the highest possible standards with a balance of risk and cost in relation to: health and safety; technology; quality and efficiency; environmental awareness and protection; and to achieve and sustain self-regulation in the industry," Hugh Williams explains.

"Our other key objectives include easing the free movement of equipment and personnel globally; promoting equitable contracting regimes; providing the framework for training, certification, competence and recruitment to support and sustain the industry globally; resolving industry issues; and promoting co-operation across the industry."

Membership of IMCA is open to companies active in the offshore, marine and/or underwater engineering industries. There are separate classes of membership for contractors; suppliers (suppliers of equipment and services; personnel agencies; and training establishments); and non-voting corresponding members (which embraces oil companies, governmental and regulatory bodies).

There are now IMCA member companies in the following countries: Angola, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Vietnam.

Each member organisation (membership is not open to individuals) joins one or more of IMCA's four divisions - diving, marine, offshore survey, remote systems & ROV) according to its own areas of operation and expertise; and gains access to the core world-wide activities of the association and to its local regional section (Americas Deepwater; Asia-Pacific; Europe & Africa; Middle East & India).

Full information on the benefits of membership is available from IMCA.

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.