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News from IMCA Offshore Survey Division
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.
December 2007- Marine inspection checklist for small workboats updated
IMCA has reissued its Marine inspection checklist for small workboats, aimed at helping its members ensure the safety of various smaller vessels used for aspects of their own offshore operations. The checklist has been fully reviewed and updated to reflect current good practice and technical and regulatory developments.
November 2007- 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.
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.
- Guidance on shared use of sensors for DP and survey operations updated
IMCA has reissued its guidelines for the shared use of sensors for DP and survey operations, incorporating useful feedback received from members since their initial publication. Complementing the earlier guide on sharing of DGPS systems, the guidelines highlight risks associated with sharing a vessel's dynamic positioning systems for survey operations and set out guidance on procedures to mitigate such risks.
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.
May 2007- New guidance on shared use of sensors for DP and survey operations
Following the publication in 2005 of Guidelines for the shared use of DGPS for DP and survey operations, the IMCA Offshore Survey Division has now published a follow-up guide relating to sharing of other sensors. There are serious risks associated with sharing a vessel's dynamic positioning, which are highlighted, while guidance is given on procedures to mitigate such risks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
January 2006- Multibeam echosounder guidelines updated
IMCA's Guidelines on the Use of Multibeam Echosounders for Offshore Surveys, originally published in 2001, have been updated and republished to provide clarification and additional guidance on formula for sounding density.
- 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.
- 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- 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.
October 2005- Guidelines for the shared use of DGPS for DP and survey operations published
IMCA has developed new guidelines to address situations where a single differential GPS system may be shared between dynamic positioning (DP) and offshore surveying roles. Such sharing, whilst usually convenient, can potentially present operational problems related to the control and performance of the system and may also lead to contractual disputes. For safety and operational reasons it is therefore key that full co-operation is exercised between the two users. These guidelines include basic definitions, consideration of the various technical and operational aspects and conclude with sensible recommendations to assist all involved.
- 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.
September 2005- New IMCA guide reviews the use of digital video offshore
IMCA's Offshore Survey and Remote Systems & ROV Divisions have combined to produce an extensive review of technology associated with the use of digital video offshore, the adoption of which has been gathering pace. The new publication discusses current technologies, including quality and performance, practical applications and standards/ interoperability issues. It also addresses storage and integration with other contractor and client systems. It is intended that this document will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
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.
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- 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.
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.
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.
December 2003- 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.
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.
July 2003- Terms and Conditions for Survey Support Services published
Generic contract document aims to replicate success of similar well-receieved IMCA ROV document. Aids members and their clients in cutting waste (in terms of costly legal negotiations) and contractors to add value in the form of a more consistent, cost-effective contracting framework.
March 2003- Survey Data Telemetry Protocol Issued
With the increasing trend for multi-vessel offshore survey operations, involving multiple suites of equipment and software, IMCA's Offshore Survey Division has developed and successfully trialled a data telemetry protocol which aims to enhance the efficiency of communications between those systems.
- 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.
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.
February 2002January 2002- IMCA Supporting Oceanology International
5-8 March 2002 conference and exhibition in London provides opportunity to meet with a range of member companies which will be present, and to promote IMCA and its members to the wider audience, with associated events on specific aspects of IMCA's work.
November 2001August 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.
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.
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