IMCA Remote Systems & ROV Division

Publication Details

Code of Practice for the Safe and Efficient Operation of Remotely Operated Vehicles

One of IMCA's key aims is to promote safety in the offshore environment. The IMCA ROV code has played a vital role in providing the international community with a common set of guidelines and recommendations that provide a high level of safety and efficiency when adhered to.

The ROV industry is one of the most dynamic in the world. New equipment is constantly entering the market; and ROVs continue to find new applications. As the offshore industry moves towards more and more diverless intervention, their role in construction and maintenance will increase, along with their more traditional use for underwater inspection and observation.

Created with that dynamism in mind - and with the latest updates reflecting technological developments, IMCA aims to ensure that the industry has a perpetual source of relevant safety information.

From the 1997 original to the 2003 update, this document has proved to be one of IMCA's best selling codes of practice and is in use across the globe. Review in 2003 by IMCA's Americas Deepwater Section has further enhanced the code's international applicability. While local or national regulations naturally take precedence over the Code, it continues to provide a vital source of sensible advice and practical suggestions for topics that are not directly regulated.

Contents

ROV Classification

The term 'remotely operated vehicle' (ROV) covers a wide range of equipment; and no single vehicle can be described as typical. This Code only considers unmanned vehicles (manned submersibles being subject to separate requirements) and identifies five ROV classifications.

ROV Tasks

ROV capabilities are constantly expanding as technology improves; and it is impossible to detail all the tasks an ROV may carry out. Within this Code, therefore, ROV tasks are divided into five categories specifically relevant to the offshore industry: observation, survey, inspection, construction and intervention.

ROV Tools

ROV tools are continually being developed and upgraded. This chapter provides a brief introduction to some of the more commonly-used tools.

Environmental Considerations

The safe and efficient deployment and operation of ROVs depends on suitable environmental conditions. A number of specific environmental aspects are highlighted, but it is emphasised that there is no substitute for practical experience.

ROV Operations

A new chapter to the code, this aims to take an overall look at ROV operations, to ensure the safe and efficient use of ROVs in the demanding offshore environment. The chapter includes sections on risk assessment; operating procedures; manuals and documentation; worksites, system location and integrity; handling, launch and recovery systems, communications, navigation, umbilicals and physical hazards.

Equipment Certification and Maintenance

Various standards and codes are used to examine, test and certify offshore plant and equipment; and much of the equipment used in an ROV will need to comply with those standards. This chapter highlights pre- and post-dive checks; and planned and periodic maintenance.

Personnel

The qualifications and competence of personnel working with ROVs are discussed, with updates in this revision to reflect the emergence of IMCA's guidance on competence assurance and assessment. Team sizes are also considered, in particular building on the IMCA position statement on manning levels issued in 2000. Other subjects covered include working periods, training and the use of logbooks to record experience.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the ROV contractor, the ROV supervisor and other personnel working on ROV operations are discussed.