IMCA expands its London base The IMCA secretariat has moved to new offices at 52 Grosvenor Gardens in London. The new building provides additional space and facilities for staff and member visitors, providing services to the growing membership and hosting various committee and workgroup meetings.
November 2009
Diving code now available in Portuguese and Spanish The IMCA International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving has been translated for use in Central and South America (into Latin American Portuguese and Spanish). Download or purchase the new editions now. This is the first in a number of key documents which will be translated, particularly for the benefit of members in the new IMCA Central & South America Section. Check back soon for more details.
Registration open for IMCA's 2009 annual seminar in Rio Integrated Marine Operations in Challenging Times is the theme of IMCA's 2009 annual seminar, taking place on 4-5 November in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Full details on the extensive programme of presentations, workshops, social and networking sessions and the associated exhibition are available online with registration now open. Integrate with the global industry and join us in Rio!
New IMCA regional section for Central & South America IMCA has formed a new Central & South America Section to provide members in this region with the benefits of local meetings, briefing, representation and other work already enjoyed by members elsewhere in the world. A briefing seminar is to take place on 1 July in Rio with much more planned. At the same time, the remainder of the primarily Houston-based Americas Deepwater Section has been renamed to become the IMCA North America Section.
May 2009
New IMCA careers video available on YouTube IMCA has published a new video via YouTube (www.youtube.com/IMCAint) which highlights the exciting and diverse opportunities available working in the global marine contracting industry. This adds to the wealth of careers information available via this website, including factsheets, in-depth articles, recruitment links and other multimedia content provided by IMCA's marine contracting members.
April 2009
Updated Guidance on Offshore Diving CD available to IMCA members IMCA has updated its CD collection of Guidance on Offshore Diving which brings together the complete set of IMCA documentation providing guidance on offshore diving operations, procedures, equipment and personnel. This new issue, planned to be updated regularly, complements the members-only website by making a comprehensive set of documentation available offline - particularly useful for travelling personnel such as company management and auditors.
January 2009
New IMCA guidelines on medical examination of non-marine crew IMCA has produced new guidelines to aid examining physicians in assessing the fitness of non-marine personnel working on offshore construction vessels. Such an assessment is complex and increasingly specialised, requiring knowledge of not only general medical problems, but also occupational medical issues and a thorough knowledge of the working environment. Such assessments of fitness should be performed by a suitably qualified examining physician who will be approved by an appropriate flag state administration (IMCA itself does not approve individual doctors).
Call for papers issued for IMCA annual seminar 2009 The 2009 IMCA annual seminar will take place on 4-5 November in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the theme Integrated marine operations in challenging times. A call for papers has been issued and is now available on this site.
November 2008
IMCA annual seminar 2008 breaks all records in Kuala Lumpur The 2008 IMCA annual seminar took place on 5-6 November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was a huge success, with over 430 delegates, 24 exhibitors, a new offshore/survey ROV strand in addition to the keynote, plenary, marine and diving sessions that have proved so successful over a number of years plus a range of social and networking sessions too. The CD of presentations and workshop reports has been issued to delegates and is now available.
August 2008
IMCA highlights careers in marine contracting with new web-based material IMCA's careers information portal has been incorporated into the new IMCA website with a wealth of additional factsheets and in-depth feature articles, together with a fully refreshed collection of downloadable PDFs and print format materials.
June 2008
Registration opens for IMCA's 2008 annual seminar Global alignment in marine operations is the theme of this year's IMCA annual seminar, which takes place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 5-6 November. An expanded programme features plenary presentations and discussion with parallel diving, marine and new offshore survey/ROV sessions, as well as workshops, a record breaking exhibition and social events. Full details are available online, with registration now open.
May 2008
IMCA updates guidance on diving operations from DP vessels IMCA has updated its guidance on diving operations carried out from dynamically positioned vessels (IMCA D 010) to reflect operational experience, other relevant documentation and provide further clarification and guidance on good practice. In particular, increased emphasis is placed on assessment of risks associated with diving within anchor patterns, as well as general safety management, umbiilicals and shallow water issues.
April 2008
Lost Bell Survival guide now available on DVD The IMCA-HSE video on training for survival in the event of a lost diving bell is now available on DVD, together with a printed guide giving additional information for trainers. Together they provide a useful resource to help companies develop their in-house training sessions on this vital subject.
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
February 2008
Updated guidance on the use of chain lever hoists Chain lever hoists are used extensively in underwater construction activities. IMCA has now updated its guidance on the use of chain lever hoists in the offshore subsea environment. The changes in this version reflect the experience gained by the industry in using the guidance and incorporate lessons learnt during investigations into lever hoist incidents over the past five years, plus a new section on the use of chain lever hoists underwater.
November 2007
IMCA updates guidance on marking and colour coding of diving gas containers IMCA has updated the guidance previously contained in AODC 016 on the marking and colour coding of gas cylinders, quads and banks for diving applications. The guidance has been thoroughly reviewed and updated, so that the new publication reflects current international standards and practices.
CD of Paris seminar proceedings now available A CD of the proceedings of the record-breaking IMCA annual seminar held in Paris on 6-7 November is now available and has been distributed to delegates and other members. The CD contains all of the presentations in full, together with extensive reports on the seminar as a whole, the highly productive workshops, exhibition and social events.
IMCA annual seminar draws record numbers in Paris The 2007 IMCA annual seminar attracted a record 350 delegates. With a packed programme on both commercial and technical issues, including presentations, workshops, an exhibition and social events, the event has been deemed a resounding success. A full report will be added to the website shortly.
New diving guidance addresses concrete mattress issues IMCA Diving Division has published new guidance setting out 'Guidelines for diver-based concrete mattress handling, deployment, installation, repositioning and decommissioning'. They set out a useful reference based on industry good practice and historical experience, covering practical issues involved in operations, as well as the associated safety and environmental concerns.
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.
Revised IMCA International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving now available A new edition of the IMCA International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving (IMCA D 014 Rev. 1) - one of the association's key guidance documents - is now available. Full reviewed and updated, the new issue reflects developments in good practice and technology as well as extended references to other guidance documents to help contractors ensure safe and efficient operations world-wide.
July 2007
Registration open for IMCA annual seminar - New Frontiers in Marine Contracting The 2007 IMCA annual seminar, entitled New Frontiers in Marine Contracting, will take place on 6-7 November at the Paris Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Centre. An exciting programme of presentations, discussion sessions and workshops has been assembled, with the regular exhibition alongside and a variety of social and networking events. Online registration is now open, with the programme and reservation brochure available for downloading.
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.
June 2007
IMCA updates its guidance on underwater air lift bags Underwater lift bags are major pieces of lifting equipment and should be treated with the respect that any such equipment warrants. An updated IMCA publication aims to provide clear guidance on six related topics: fitness for purpose; examination and testing criteria; maintenance; operational considerations; operational guidance; safety precautions during use. This latest update reflects the latest operational experience and includes additional example lifts.
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.
IMCA seeks Technical Adviser - Diving As a result of the continued expansion in this influential international trade association, IMCA is now seeking a further Technical Adviser - Diving. This post is based in the London SW1 secretariat and will cover a wide range of activities, including: preparing reports relating to good technical practice, health and safety; drafting and managing IMCA studies; committee work; and interfacing with member companies, government and international agencies. Click on the headline above for full details, including downloadable job description.
December 2006
Call for papers issued for IMCA's 2007 annual seminar IMCA has issued a call for papers, inviting the submission of presentations for its 2007 annual seminar. The event will take place on 6-7 November in Paris, France, with have the theme New Frontiers in Marine Contracting. An exciting programme is already in development, which will address a full range of technical and commercial issues through presentations and workshops, accompanied as always by an exhibition and social events.
October 2006
Proceedings of successful Copenhagen seminar now available The CD containing the presentations and reports from the 2006 IMCA annual seminar - Diversity in Marine Contracting - is now available. A broadened programme covering commercial issues, technological achievements, safety issues and more, attracted over 250 delegates to the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel. As well as a variety of interesting presentations, the seminar included workshops where delegates could express their views and identify future work items for IMCA, an exhibition and social events.
Updated guidance addresses use of battery-operated equipment in hyperbaric conditions IMCA has revised its guidance on use of battery-operated equipment, superseding that given in AODC 062 on the same subject in 1993. Fully reviewed and updated to reflect technological developments, particularly in this era of mobile telephones, laptop computers, iPods, etc., the guidance addresses the range of hazards that may be faced and a summary table of recommendations to suit. While not exhaustive, it provides a useful reference, with reasons why certain equipment should never be etaken into hyperbaric conditions and information on other items which may be potentially hazardous.
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.
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.
Registration open for Annual Seminar The IMCA Annual Seminar 2006, entitled Diversity in Marine Contracting, will take place on 19-20 September in Copenhagen. A full and exciting programme has been published and registration is now open.
April 2006
New IMCA diving CD makes DESIGN documents available IMCA has produced a new CD containing all four volumes of the diving equipment systems inspection guidance note (DESIGN), covering air, bell, surface supplied mixed gas and mobile/portable surface supplied systems. Each is now available in user-friendly Word and Excel formats to aid electronic completion.
January 2006
Two new DESIGN volumes extend IMCA diving equipment guidance IMCA has published two new volumes of its Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note (DESIGN), covering surface supplied mixed gas diving systems and mobile/portable surface supplied (SCUBA-replacement) systems. In the same manner as the existing air and bell diving editions used widely around the world, each sets out the inspection, testing and maintenance for the equipment associated with such techniques.
Call for papers as IMCA Annual Seminar 2006 announced The IMCA Annual Seminar 2006 will take place on 19-20 September in Copenhagen. Building on recent events in Abu Dhabi (2005) and Singapore (2004), this will once again be a division-wide seminar with both plenary sessions and separate marine and diving sessions - with an additional focus on senior industry speakers on more commercial topics to start day one. IMCA is keen to receive suggestions of papers, presentations and topics now for inclusion in the programme, including the range reflected previously of operational experience, technological developments and current issues.
IMCA welcomes DMAC/EDTCmed scheme for approval of diving medicine courses IMCA is pleased to note and support the development of a scheme for the approval of courses in diving medicine by the independent Diving Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC) and the Medical Subcommittee of the European Diving Technology Committee (EDTCmed).
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
Proceedings of IMCA Annual Seminar 2005 now available Over 250 delegates attended the IMCA Annual Seminar held in Abu Dhabi on 22-23 November 2005, on the theme of "Expanding Marine Contracting - Shaping the Future of Diving, DP and Marine Construction Practices". Presentations ranged from topical issues such as marine contracting in the Middle East region through discussion of operational practices such as the use of tugs with DSVs and the latest technological developments to lessons learned from operational experience. The seminar also included a number of well attended workshops with useful discussion, the results of which will feed into ongoing and future work items.
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.
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
FMEA guide for diving systems published Following on from the Marine Division's successful FMEA Management Guide, IMCA has developed a specific document covering failure modes and effects analyses of offshore diving systems. Intended as a concise reference, this guidance enables all levels of management to understand their needs and responsibilities, providing examples of good practice and references to applicable IMCA guidance and other sources.
FMEA guide for diving systems published Following on from the Marine Division's successful FMEA Management Guide, IMCA has developed a specific document covering failure modes and effects analyses of offshore diving systems. Intended as a concise reference, this guidance enables all levels of management to understand their needs and responsibilities, providing examples of good practice and references to applicable IMCA guidance and other sources.
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.
October 2005
IMCA encouraging reporting of lifting incidents IMCA has reviewed and reissued its lifting operations incident forms as it seeks to develop a database on offshore lifting incidents. The intention is to perform regular analysis of such data to identify particular issues and lessons that can be learned, to help avoid repeat incidents in the future. The industry is being encouraged to make the small additional effort of completing the short IMCA report, which will be recorded anonymously, when incidents occur to help with this ambition.
IMCA encouraging reporting of lifting incidents IMCA has reviewed and reissued its lifting operations incident forms as it seeks to develop a database on offshore lifting incidents. The intention is to perform regular analysis of such data to identify particular issues and lessons that can be learned, to help avoid repeat incidents in the future. The industry is being encouraged to make the small additional effort of completing the short IMCA report, which will be recorded anonymously, when incidents occur to help with this ambition.
August 2005
Updated guidance on surface supplied mixed gas diving operations IMCA's guidance on the use of surface supplied mixed gas diving techniques has been extended, updated and reissued following a global review. The new edition addresses hazards and operational limits in full and sets out issues to be considered during risk assessments to ensure safe diving operations.
July 2005
Registration opens for Annual Seminar The programme for the 2005 IMCA Annual Seminar has been published and registration is now open. An exciting line-up has been developed covering all aspects of today's marine contracting industry, addressing issues for those operating in the region together with broader topics on the latest developments around the world-wide industry. The seminar includes a variety of presentation, workshop and discussion sessions, an exhibition and various social networking events.
May 2005
Video demonstrates the neurological assessment of a diver IMCA has produced a new video which demonstrates the neurological assessment of a diver. The neurological state of an injured diver is important for medical personnel in determining their diagnosis and as a guide for treatment. This video shows some basic tests that every diver should be confident in being able to perform competently when needed. Available as a DVD-CD set with accompanying printed notes, it forms an ideal aid for formal training on this subject.
Video demonstrates the neurological assessment of a diver IMCA has produced a new video which demonstrates the neurological assessment of a diver. The neurological state of an injured diver is important for medical personnel in determining their diagnosis and as a guide for treatment. This video shows some basic tests that every diver should be confident in being able to perform competently when needed. Available as a DVD-CD set with accompanying printed notes, it forms an ideal aid for formal training on this subject.
February 2005
IMCA Contracting Principles Launched IMCA has published its Contracting Principles, a discussion document that it believes will serve the long-term interests of all participants in the oil and gas industry by encouraging an equitable contractual balance based on the parties' respective risks and rewards. This, in turn, should improve relations, increase efficiency and reduce overall costs. The principles have been published with a comprehensive press release and are available for free download from this site.
Call for papers issued for 2005 Annual Seminar Plans are already underway for the 2005 IMCA Annual Seminar, which will take place on 22-23 November 2005 in the United Arab Emirates. A call for papers has been issued seeking contributions from members and others in the industry on a broad programme.
January 2005
Guidance on operational communications - Part 1 published The first in a planned series of guidance notes on operational communications has been published. Produced jointly by the Marine and Diving Divisions, the document includes a general section plus detailed guidance on communications between bridge and dive control, aimed at assisting companies in ensuring good standards of communication, vital to offshore safety.
December 2004
New Guidance Addresses Wire Rope Maintenance which rely on them is vital. To this end, a broad-based IMCA workgroup has, together with wire rope manufacturers, developed guidance on the inspection, testing, storage, transport, maintenance and general care of wire ropes not already covered by industry guidance.
IMCA Annual Seminar 2004 a Great Success Over 170 delegates gathered at the Regent Hotel in Singapore on 2-3 December for the first annual seminar to be jointly organised by all four of the Association's technical divisions - Marine (building on over a decade of previous successful events), Diving, Offshore Survey and Remote Systems & ROV. The CD containing the full set of presentations and proceedings is currently being prepared and a full report will appear on this site shortly.
November 2004
Updated Guidance on Diving in Contaminated Waters IMCA's guidance on the various safety aspects to be considered when planning diving operations in potentially contaminated locations and ways of addressing them has been fully reviewed, expanded and updated.
September 2004
New Guidance on Selection of Vessels of Opportunity IMCA, led by members active in the Asia-Pacific region, has developed new guidance to assist both contractors and their clients when selecting vessels of opportunity from which diving operations are to be carried out. Nine chapters provide both generic guidance on assessing the general suitability of such vessels together with an indication of project-specific factors to be considered.
July 2004
Registration opens for IMCA Annual Seminar 2004 An exciting programme - developed jointly for the first time by all four IMCA technical divisions (Marine, Diving, Offshore Survey and Remote Systems & ROV) has been published. The seminar title - Marine Contracting: from Deepwater Construction Vessels to Offshore Diving - reflects the diverse range of operations carried out within the marine contracting industry, with common interest running thorugh each included theme. Download the brochure or register online now.
March 2004
2004 annual seminar details announced The 2004 IMCA Annual Seminar - to be organised jointly for the first time by all of the Association's technical divisions - is to be held on 2-3 December in Singapore. Check back soon for more details as the exciting programme is developed.
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.
The Diving Supervisor's Manual - CD version produced In response to members ad third parties, in particular diving supervisors wishing to have a compact version suitable for carrying offshore, IMCA has now produced a CD containing its popular Diving Supervisor's Manual. As with the printed version, IMCA-certified supervisors can benefit from the reduced pricing enjoyed by member companies.
December 2003
Guidance on Transferring Diving Operations between Norway and UK Published A joint IMCA/OLF workgroup, with involvement and consultation of regulators, industry, unions and other bodies, has produced good practice guidance to aid diving contractors operating in/ transferring between the Norwegian and UK sectors, with their differing regulatory regimes.
Recent Safety Flashes Now Available for Download In a demonstration of its commitment to improving offshore safety, IMCA Safety Flashes for the most recent twelve months are now available for downloading from this site, enhancing their spread through the offshore sector. These flashes disseminate the key information relating to incidents, including what went wrong, in terms of equipment, procedural and other human failings and the recommendations and lessons learned. All companies are encouraged to use the system by sending their incident reports to IMCA, which will duly anonymise and seek authorisation from contributors before issuing its flash.
November 2003
Annual Member-Only Diving CD Issued Issue 4 of the IMCA Guidance on Offshore Diving CD has been produced, with the full range of current IMCA Diving Division, AODC and DMAC documents, together with IMCA safety flashes and, for the first time, the full range of IMCA core activity (SEL/TCPC) documentation. All Diving Division members have been issued with a copy of the CD, with additional CDs available at a reduced price compared to previous years.
October 2003
Extended Guidance on why SCUBA is Inappropriate for Offshore Diving Operations In response to enquiries made to IMCA and requests to its members, the Diving Division has published extended guidance which re-iterates the IMCA (and earlier AODC) guidance that SCUBA is an inappropriate technique for use in offshore diving operations and provides additional clarification on the limitations of the use of SCUBA offshore.
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.
July 2003
Guidance on Cross-Hauling of Bells published Making good use of IMCA's existing technical guidance, notably on examination, testing and certification requirements for diving equipment, the Diving Division has published guidance aimed at helping members ensure the safety of cross-hauling operations - a technique used to get the diving bell closer to the worksite when the distance between the bell at its normal deployment position and the site makes diving operations either unsafe or impractical. While all diving projects need to be safely planned and managed, with an assessment being made of the general principles of the techniques being used, this document provides guidance on the specific areas that need to be considered for this type of operation.
IMCA Note on Approval/Selection of Diving Auditors In response to numerous enquiries from members and third parties, IMCA has issued a statement clarifying its role in helping companies select suitable individuals to carry out management or DESIGN-type audits of diving contractors. It should be noted that IMCA does not have and does not intend to create a list of 'IMCA-approved' auditors.
May 2003
Updated guidance on Cleaning for Oxygen Service Due to the combustion risk from hydrocarbons, all pipework, fittings, valves and other equipment which might be used in oxygen-enriched atmospheres needs to be scrupulously cleaned. In the light of technological and regulatory developments, notably the Montreal Protocol which has prevented the use of volatile (chlorinated) detergents, IMCA has produced updated guidance to aid contractors in successfully developing and operating cleaning processes for these types of equipment.
Enhanced operational guidance for the use of Underwater Air Lift Bags IMCA has updated its guidance on the use of underwater air lift bags, in the light of further experience gained by members world-wide in their operation. In particular, lessons learned and passed on via the IMCA safety flash system have been noted and incorporated in this updated edition.
April 2003
Surface Supplied Mixed Gas Diving - New IMCA advice IMCA Diving Division, at the instigation of the Asia-Pacific Section, has published guidance on the use of surface supplied mixed gas diving techniques, which can extend the range of surface diving operations without the use of saturation techniques, but which have inherent limitations and require careful planning ahead of commencing operations. The guidance, applicable world-wide, sets out the limitations of the technique (including the reasoning behind them) and covers the areas to be addressed in dive plans to ensure the highest possible levels of safety.
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.
January 2003
Experience & Employment Profile of Diving Personnel Available The results of the world-wide IMCA survey of the experience and employment profile of personnel in various positions in the diving industry is now available, providing a comprehensive analysis, divided into key geographic sectors of the offshore industry.
2002 Seminar Proceedings Produced The proceedings of the 2002 Marine & Diving Divisions Annual Seminar have been produced, for the first time as a CD-ROM containing the various presentations, workshop reports and more, providing a variety of reference material on wide ranging topics for delegates and other IMCA members.
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.
Annual Seminar A Great Success Again The 2002 Marine & Diving Division Seminar in Aberdeen drew over 200 delegates, who heard a range of fascinating presentations and joined in wide-ranging discussions on the theme "Learning from Experience", looking ahead to shape the future and providing valuable input to various current initiatives
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.
August 2002
Annual Marine & Diving Seminar 2002 - Programme Published The programme for this year's annual seminar, taking place on 5-6 November in Aberdeen, UK, has been published. Full details of this wide-ranging event are now available online. This year's theme is "Learning from Experience", with the keynote address by IMCA President John Smith (Subsea 7) on how this experience can be used to shape the future. Plan to be there with your managerial and operational colleagues - register online now!
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
Use of Chain Lever Hoists in the Offshore Subsea Environment Chain lever hoists have proved to be a very useful tool offshore, but a history of failures, both underwater and topside, prompted critical examination and has led to the production of IMCA guidance aimed at aiding members in safe managememt of their operations.
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.
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
Marking of Hyperbaric Rescue Systems IMCA has updated the 1984 AODC guidance on the marking of these systems, bringing it into line with the appropriate IMO resolution.
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.
IMCA Marine & Diving Divisions - Annual Seminar & Workshops The 2001 event took place in Stavanger, Norway and saw an expansion of the regular station keeping seminar into wider marine topics, also including a one-day seminar on offshore diving. Held immediately following the tragic events of 11 September 2001 in America, the event nonetheless was well attended, though our thoughts are with those who suffered and understanding is extended to those who were unable to travel to the event. A full report will shortly be available.
August 2001
Record Output from IMCA Safety Flash System By August 2001, IMCA has already issued more safety flashes in 2001 than in any previous year. More member companies than ever are contributing their own safety alerts, which are then anonymised and distributed through the IMCA membership, helping to pass on lessons learned from incidents and prevent repeat occurrences. Not being complacent, IMCA has re-emphasised the strengths of the system and urged all members to add the secretariat to their safety alert distribution lists. Click above for information on the system, including a full listing of recent safety flashes issued.
July 2001
Medical examination of divers With the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE)'s impending withdrawal of recognition from overseas doctors to carry out annual medical examinations and in the absence of any suitable international alternative, IMCA has produced an information note for its contractor members, which provides guidance on the requirements for doctors to undertake such periodic examinations.
IMCA Marine & Diving Divisions - Annual Seminar & Workshops The programme and registration details for this year's exciting event have been published and are available on this website. To find full information, register online and/or view the latest updates to the programme, click above.
June 2001
IMCA Marine & Diving Divisions - Annual Seminar & Workshops The programme and registration form for this year's seminar are now available from IMCA. The seminar has been expanded this year, continuing the station keeping focus, but also incorporating a special one-day conference on offshore diving and additional topics of interest to other marine contracting fields. Full details will be posted on this website soon - please e-mail events@imca-int.com to receive the printed version and check back soon for updates.
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.
Revised DESIGN for Saturation Diving Systems Published This revised, internationalised, user-friendly document has been produced to update and supersede the already widely-used Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note, the surface orientated systems volume of which was published during 2000.
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.
