IMCA Marine Division

Competence Assurance & Assessment

IMCA has developed a framework for competence assurance and assessment, to assist its contractor members in ensuring and demonstrating the competence of personnel working offshore in safety-critical positions.

The Marine Division guidance currently extends to the following positions:

Operations of the following type are covered:

• DP operations
• Anchoring
• Heavy lift
• Diving
• Pipeline rigid and flexible
• Well servicing
• Survey/ROV
• Semi-submersibles
• Construction support

For each job, entry level qualifications and acceptance criteria are listed. For example the entry level qualifications for a project engineer/field engineer are an offshore medical and an offshore survival course (both suitable for the geographical area of work), current and valid medical certificate and appropriate entries in their competence record as a shift foreman.

Various subjects are then given for competence assessment. Accompanying each of these is a summary of the knowledge required, a way to demonstrate competence, and acceptance criteria. For example, for 'emergency response', competence can be assessed. For this the welding supervisor requires a knowledge of responding to and handling emergency situations. Competence can be demonstrated by approved training, on-the-job assessment and through practical drills. A company supervisor should carry out the approved assessment and valid certificates, such as fire team leader, should be seen, as per company standards.

For details on the full range of IMCA work and guidance on competence assurance and assessment, click here for the TCPC Core Activity's competence area.