IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 03/08

FALSE DIVING QUALIFICATIONS - IF IN DOUBT, CHECK, CHECK AND CHECK AGAIN!

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is aware of an increasing number of cases where divers have used, or attempted to use, falsified qualifications to gain employment or as a prerequisite for further training.

"This has obvious safety implications and as a result we urge the following practice for diving contractors to reduce their chances of employing a diver who does not hold an appropriate qualification," explains IMCA’s technical director, Jane Bugler.

"We advise that when employing a diver for the first time, contractors should look carefully at certificates and logbooks - forgeries have often been found to be of poor quality. References should be followed up or contact made with previous employers. Certificates should be checked against other photo ID such as a passport. Contractors should run a check against lists of invalidated certificates. And, if they are in any doubt, contractors should contact the issuing body (information note IMCA D 06/05 sets out contact details for HSE and all IMCA-recognised bodies).

"We are also aware of a number of falsified experienced diver competence assessment certificates in circulation. These fraudulent certificates have been based upon those accepted under information note IMCA D 26/01.

"At IMCA we are always happy to help members identify the appropriate body for verifying diving certificates - if one fraudulent diver can be prevented from diving, that call or email to IMCA will have been well worth while. Divers using falsified qualifications are not only a danger to themselves, but to all around them."

Checks on certificates issued by national authorities can be made as described in information note IMCA D 16/07 and checks on experienced diver competence assessment can be made through the issuing organisation.

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.