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TCPC News from IMCA
Welcome to the latest information from IMCA's Training, Certification & Personnel Competence core activity.
March 2008- New IMCA logbooks available for Offshore Managers and Offshore Engineers
IMCA has extended its range of logbooks and competence records with two new publications, prepared for offshore managers and offshore engineers. Each enables recording of working experience, training and competence assessments in a common, recognisable format. The new logbooks extend the range to eleven books, covering a range of diving, marine and other offshore-related positions.
- New 'open your horizons' careers micro-site goes live
A new micro-site of careers facts, stories and information has gone live, ahead of our forthcoming website relaunch Packed with information in a bright new format, this expanding site tells potential recruits all they need to know about the exciting career opportunities available offshore
January 2008- IMCA addresses academic requirements for surveyors working in the offshore survey sector
IMCA has updated its guidance on Academic requirements for surveyors working in the offshore survey sector. Updating the earlier (2002) guidance, a review has been undertaken and the text revised to fully reflect current practices and particularly new technological developments. Though its publication, IMCA survey contractor members aim to help ensure students are well prepared for joining the industry.
October 2007- Changes to IMCA publication pricing
IMCA has changed its pricing policies and issued a fully reviewed and updated publications catalogue, with many prices changed, often to a lower level. This website reflects all of the changes, with the updated catalogue also available for downloading - please download the new version and replace any earlier copies you may have.
July 2007- New IMCA careers brochure tells recruits "Open your horizons"
IMCA has published a new brochure alerting potential new recruits to the exciting career opportunities in the marine contracting industry. The shortage of skilled personnel being faced by contractors all around the world is an issue of vital importance and one that is being actively addressed by IMCA. Open your horizons is the latest tool IMCA is using to help members attract new people into the industry, available in printed form and for downloading from this website
- IMCA case study brings diver careers information to life
The latest addition to IMCA's range of careers information is a fascinating case study of a diver and diving supervisor. Telling first hand the exciting opportunities and rewards experienced, it adds a new dimension to the material previously available. The case study forms part of an expanding set of careers information now available to view online and for downloading.
April 2007- Recruitment links to member websites now live
IMCA has established a new links system to help those looking for careers to find out more about specific positions and broader career options from its members operating world-wide. Members have been invited to submit their own recruitment web links - any not yet included should get in touch with the secretariat.
March 2007- Updated list of recognised diver certificates online
IMCA has updated its list of recognised diver certificates to reflect changes to certain national government-issued certificates and the availability of competence assessment for experienced divers working for IMCA member and applicant companies through approved providers. Full details can be found on this site, with the relevant documents available for downloading.
February 2007- IMCA enters into mutual recognition agreements for diving supervisor certification
IMCA has signed memoranda of understanding with the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS), Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC) and Netherlands Diving Centre (NDC) on the mutual recognition of offshore diving supervisor certificates. These agreements seek to ensure the recognition and portability of appropriate certification held by competent diving supervisors, enabling them to work for contractors whether IMCA or specific national certification requirements are being applied. Full details on the agreements and recognition arrangements can now be found on this site.
- IMCA diving supervisor and LST certification schemes - revised documentation available
The guidance document setting out details on the IMCA Offshore Diving Supervisor and Life Support Technician Certification Schemes has been updated The changes reflect the continuing focus on competence and identify changes in the examination application procedures, with the guidance providing an authoritative reference for all those involved in the training and certification process.
January 2007- New careers case studies - find out more about working in the offshore survey sector
IMCA is developing a series of case studies featuring individuals working in key roles offshore, as part of its efforts to promote the industry to potential recruits. The first case studies are now available, highlighting the offshore survey sector and covering the positions of offshore surveyor, survey engineer, data processor and geophysicist.
October 2006- IMCA publishes Crane Operator's Logbook (for Offshore Vessels)
A new logbook for crane operators on offshore vessels is now available. One of a number of projects being taken forward by the IMCA Crane & Winch Operations Workgroup, It provides a clear, consistent and transferable means for recording of experience on different types of offshore crane in different scenarios, together with details on their training and assessment.
August 2006- Updated guides to careers in the marine contracting sector now available
IMCA has published updated versions of its nine guides to careers in the marine contracting sector, covering all four technical sectors - marine vessels and construction; diving; offshore surveying and working with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Fully illustrated and with details ranging from entry qualification and fitness requirements through to the range of activities, work conditions and prospects, the new guides highlight a variety of exciting roles and are part of IMCA's wide-ranging work to attract new entrants to the industry and address the skills shortage.
July 2006- High voltage training syllabus published
Faced with the need for its members to ensure personnel working with high voltage equipment - operations, maintenance and repair of a variety of vessel systems, lifting gear, ROV systems and other offshore equipment - are suitably trained and competent, IMCA has developed a syllabus for high voltage training. Having consulted with contractors and training establishments during its development, the guidance provides defined syllabi at three levels to help ensure training provision matches industry needs.
May 2006- IMCA survey on simulators in training and operations published
The results of an IMCA survey on the use of and requirements for simulators in training and operations have been published. A questionnaire exercise undertaken among IMCA members prompted responses from a variety of parties. Interesting findings and analysis are included in the report, which is now available.
January 2006- Information for experienced freelance geophysicists now available
Completing the information pack for experienced freelance personnel begun in 2005, IMCA has now issued guidance relating to the three geophysicist positions under its competence assurance and assessment framework. This covers how they can assemble a portfolio of work and assessment records, to enable integration into contractors' competence schemes and facilitate transfer between companies and is available for free download now.
- Technical work programme for 2006 underway
The six core and divisional IMCA committees have set out their work programmes for the current year. As always, the programmes feature a number of ongoing initiatives highly valued by members world-wide, liaison with third-party organisations on areas of common interest and a number of new work items to address current issues and technological developments.
December 2005- North Sea experience and employment profile 2000-03 published
Following the world-wide study for 2000, IMCA has published an updated report on the experience and employment profile of North Sea Diving personnel. Covering a four year period, the analysis identifies some interesting information which can be fed into future discussion and work items.
November 2005- Examination procedures for diving supervisors and LSTs updated
The guidance document for the IMCA Offshore Diving Supervisor and Life Support Technician Certification Schemes has been updated to reflect changes to examination procedures. From 1 January 2006, new restrictions will apply with regard to time elapsed between training, gaining experience offshore as a trainee or assistant and sitting the examinations.
- Senior Dive Technician Pay Grading Certificates withdrawn
Pay grading certificates for senior dive technicians previously issued by IMCA and AODC have now been withdrawn. Such certificates were issued solely to indicating the rate of pay a person was entitled to receive in relation to the North Sea Diving Industry Agreement and to facilitate the movement of personnel from one company to another. They were not intended for any other purpose or for wider use and were withdrawn to end the possibility for confusion with certificates of competence.
- IMCA skills survey results published
IMCA has published the much-anticipated results of its global skills survey, which looked into activity levels and the availability of skilled personnel to meet the industry's needs in the short- to long-term. The results make interesting reading, not least because of changes in the industry during its 'snapshot' period where members are seeing skills shortages not predicted previously during a particularly busy period. IMCA is already taking forward the findings through its TCPC work programme.
January 2005- Information Pack for Experienced Freelance Personnel Available
As part of ongoing work with personnel agency representatives, IMCA has produced an extensive information pack on competence assurance and assessment for experienced freelance personnel in the offshore survey and ROV sectors. This covers how they can assemble a portfolio of work and assessment records, to enable integration into contractors' competence schemes and facilitate transfer between companies.
January 2004- IMCA objectives for 2004 published
IMCA's technical work programme for 2004 has been agreed by the Overall Management Committee, setting out the projects to be undertaken by the core activities and technical divisions over the coming year. Also published on this website are the strategic objectives enshrined in the revised IMCA Constitution, which was adopted in December 2003.
November 2003- FAQs on IMCA Competence Guidance Answered
In response to enquiries from members, personnel involved and third parties, IMCA has created a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers, which will be further developed in future as other queries arise.
October 2003- Competence Workshop Taking Place on 25 November
As in previous years, IMCA is holding a workshop to review progress in implementing schemes to demonstrate the competence of personnel working in safety-critical positions in the offshore sector. This year's workshop, preceded by a questionnaire exercise, will review progress to date, bring in experience from the airline industry on its use of simulators (following on from guest speakers at previous events on topics including legal, insurance and client requirements aspects of competence assurance) and including extended syndicate sessions to address current issues in each technical sector.
August 2003- IMCA Updates Competence Guidance
Following five years' experience gained by members in implementing competence assurance and assessment schemes, IMCA has fully reviewed and updated its guidance which sets out a framework on which contractors can develop and implement their schemes. In particular, updated performance criteria developed by the Offshore Survey and Remote Systems & ROV Divisions, in light of the particular needs and wishes of those sectors. Work continues on further ways to assist contractor members implementing such schemes, including production of a set of FAQs and a workshop in late 2003.
March 2003- IMCA's Objectives for 2003 Finalised
At its recent meeting, IMCA's Overall Management Committee agreed a comprehensive work programme for the various technical committees in the coming year. As ever, the Association's widely adopted guidance in various technical areas is being reviewed and updated as necessary to maintain and enhance its usefulness to companies operating in the marine contracting sector. This year also sees a number of new initiatives in every area which aim to tackle key issues faced by members world-wide in 2003. Click above for more information, or see areas of the website relevant to your own work to find out just what IMCA is doing in for you.
November 2002- Americas Sub-Groups Off to an Enthusiastic Start
The newly-formed Americas Deepwater Section is already making its presence felt and adding a strong new dimension to IMCA's international activities. Regional sub-groups have been formed and are having their first meetings already, tackling local issues directly and providing valuable input into the work of IMCA's world-wide committees.
- Helping Members Ensure and Demonstrate Personnel Competence
The latest IMCA competence workshop brought together members from around the globe with a variety of technical operations to discuss implementation of IMCA's Competence Assurance & Assessment guidance, which provides a framework within which contractors can demonstrate the competence of their safety-critical personnel to clients, regulators and others. Included in discussions was a review of guidance documentation, which will be updated shortly in the light of four years' experience.
October 2002- IMCA Americas Deepwater Section Established
The first meeting of IMCA's latest regional section was well attended and saw an extensive work programme initiated and enthusiastic sub-groups formed to deal with various technical areas. The new section has a remit to maintain, promote and exchange information on good practice - click above for full details on how your company can get involved and reap the benefits.
- Competence Workshop Details Posted
Almost four years after the launch of this key IMCA guidance, the TCPC Committee has organised a workshop on 13 November 2002 to review progress in implementing the guidance in company schemes, provide a forum for discussion of areas of common interest/ concern and to hear from expert speakers on competence issues. A questionnaire exercise is also underway and you can register online now.
September 2002- New Offshore Survey Careers Guides
The Offshore Survey Division of IMCA has prepared new and updated guides for a variety of positions in the offshore survey sector, demonstrating the range of roles available, skills and qualifications required, working conditions and prospects.
August 2002- IMCA Newsletter available for download
From Issue 24 (July 2002), the IMCA Newsletter will now be available for download from the members-only website, enabling a wider distribution than ever before. Click above to get it - and pass it on to your colleagues.
July 2002- Update of IMCA certification schemes
The IMCA Offshore Diving Supervisor and Life Support Technician schemes have been updated to take account of changes in examination arrangements, regulatory developments and to reflect and interpret the provisions of the IMCA Competence Assurance & Assessment framework.
June 2002- Academic Requirements for Graduate Surveyors
The latest publication from the Offshore Survey Division deals with concerns that graduates from survey courses recruited into the offshore survey industry are not always equipped with the expected level of knowledge, resulting in the need for further training. This document has been developed to provide guidance to university departments on fifteen areas IMCA's survey contractor members would expected a graduate surveyor to have knowledge of upon completion of their course.
May 2002- New Chief Executive at IMCA
Hugh Williams - formerly of Heerema, Noble Denton and Global Maritime - has joined IMCA as Chief Executive, taking over from Tony Read who will be retiring, following a three-month handover period, after leading the Association for the past five years. For full details, please read the press release.
April 2002- 2002 Objectives finalised
A wide and varied programme confirmed addressing all sectors of members' operations in the offshore industry - click above for the full list of objectives, which are also available via each divisional and core activity homepage.
June 2001- Employment Opportunities in Marine Construction
IMCA has republished its main careers leaflet, which covers a wide range of positions across the marine contracting industry. The text has been reviewed and updated; and a collection of superb photographs illustrate the range of tasks undertaken. To view the online version and for details of how to obtain the glossy printed leaflet, click above.
May 2001- Competence assurance and assessment - Implementation workshop, May 2001
Another successful workshop was held, where those implementing the IMCA Competence Assurance & Assessment Scheme met together to discuss developments and common issues. As on previous occasions, the day was split between presentations and discussion to the whole meeting and sector-specific sessions, this time with additional time provided for syndicated sessions for each area of operations in which the scheme is being implemented.
- Offshore Survey, Survey Electronics and the Marine Sciences
IMCA has published an extensive training course dossier, compiling details of courses available at a wide range of educational establishments, taking in twelve major international countries across four geographical regions.
March 2001- Updated Guidance on Auditing of Training Establishments
As part of its continued efforts to ensure high-quality training, which leads into IMCA certification schemes in the diving field, IMCA's Diving Division has just published updated guidance on the auditing of training establishments, setting out a fair and flexible framework and clarifying what can be expected by training establishments, the IMCA secretariat and all involved.
- High Voltage Safety Procedures Published
IMCA's Remote Systems & ROV Division has completed its review and revision of the AODC document on high voltage safety, updating it to reflect modern standards and practice. Also included is an outline syllabus for high voltage training for ROV personnel.
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