IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 07/08

IMCA HELPS TO CLOSE THE KNOWLEDGE GAP FOR GRADUATE SURVEYORS

Over recent years it has become increasingly clear that graduates from survey courses, who are recruited into the offshore survey sector, are not equipped with the expected level of knowledge upon completing their course. For this reason, one of the most recently revised publications from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is aimed at closing this knowledge gap, and assisting colleges and universities in focusing on 'customer requirements' when revising existing courses and developing new ones.

"Knowledge attained by students on different courses can vary considerably," explains Hugh Williams, chief executive of IMCA, which has a very active Offshore Survey Division with over 80 member companies worldwide. "This knowledge gap has resulted in several IMCA member companies having to provide a further level of training to ensure that new staff surveyors have these basic skills. This is on top of already comprehensive company training programmes that aim to give graduates knowledge in contractor organisation and operations, safety and survival training, and in-depth knowledge and operation of a wide range of technical software and survey hardware."

To assist both IMCA member companies and the colleges and universities from which they recruit, IMCA has published 'Academic Requirements for Surveyors Working in the Offshore Survey Sector'. The document has been developed to provide international guidelines for the areas in which IMCA would expect an offshore or hydrographic surveyor to have knowledge upon completion of an appropriate course in offshore or hydrographic surveying.

"Although largely aimed at ensuring the students are equipped with the necessary theoretical knowledge, naturally it is expected that much of the theory is backed up with practical sessions either classroom or field based; and that students have the opportunity to put many of the principles into practice," says Hugh Williams. "As an association we recognise that access to specialised knowledge and equipment can be difficult for some colleges and universities and are willing to assist in supporting courses by facilitating the provision of knowledge and/or equipment wherever possible. Colleges wanting any assistance are welcome to contact us to discuss their needs."

The revised publication covers information on requirements under 16 headings - health, safety and environment; geodesy; hydrography; oceanography; geology and geophysics; mathematics; survey computations; surface positioning systems; acoustics; marine survey industry; land and engineering survey; data management and presentation; databases; IT skills; technical report writing; and project management.

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.