News from IMCA 2006

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.
   

November 2006

• New guide to verification of third-party security personnel
  Ships, whilst in port or operating within certain geographical waters, regularly require additional protective security to counter threats that may stem from a variety of local factors. Such requirements may also apply to IMCA members' port facilities. The IMCA Security Task Force has published a new guide to assist members when selecting security companies, setting out basic guidance and a providing straightforward audit checklist covering the various factors to be considered.
   
• Keeping Safety Personal - registration opens for 2007 IMCA safety seminar
  An exciting programme has been published and online registration is now open for IMCA's 2007 safety seminar. Taking place at Liverpool Football Club's Anfield stadium, the event will bring together onshore and offshore management responsible for safety as well as representatives of the on-site workforce. A packed two-day event features a variety of presentations, discussion sessions and more.
   
• From the President - November 2006
  A lot of progress has been made in the past two years. Not only do we see more balanced conditions being used in today's contracts, but, more importantly, we see recognition by all parties involved that this is what's needed for a healthy future for our business in general.
  Plus: IMCA keeps on growing - over 340 members; 40+ countries; more than forty clients as corresponding members
   

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.
   
• 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.
   

September 2006

• IMCA contributes to industry guidance on malaria prevention
  IMCA has been part of a cross-industry workgroup under the auspices of OGP (the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers) and IPIECA (the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association) which has now published A Guide to Malaria Management Programmes in the Oil and Gas Industry. Further details available from OGP - www.ogp.org.uk
• IMCA seeks Master Mariner/Technical Adviser
  As a result of the continued expansion in this influential international trade association, IMCA is now seeking a further Master Mariner/Technical Adviser. 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 membre companies, government and international agencies. Click on the headline above for full details.
   

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.
   
• From the President - August 2006
  "The biggest challenge we presently face in our industry - the serious shortage of qualified personnel" ... and how IMCA can help the industry address it.
  Plus: IMCA's output halfway through 2006 - a broad programme on behalf of the industry
   

July 2006

• IMCA publishes discussion document on risk in construction contracts
  Two industry conferences in recent years concerning oil and gas contracting terms and risk led to a request for IMCA to develop Guidelines on Identifying and Assessing Risk in Construction Contracts: An IMCA Discussion Document, which has now been published. The aim is to promote dialogue between the parties and serve the long-term interests of all participants in the oil and gas industry.
   
• 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.
   

June 2006

• First IMCA safety posters now available
  IMCA has published the first in a series of safety posters, entitled Watch Your Back and Slips, Trips and Falls. The posters feature specially commissioned illustrations to present important safety messages in an eye-catching way. Available for purchase in sets, members can also download files for commercial printing incorporating their own logos, references and other relevant information.
   
• IMCA Midsummer Charity Ball raises record sums to support seafarer education
  The annual IMCA Midsummer Charity Ball took place on Friday 23 June 2006 at the Marcliffe at Pitfodels, Aberdeen, UK. A fantastic evening included dinner, speeches and entertainment, dancing, while a combination of games and a charity casino raised a record £2,100 for The Marine Society and Sea Cadets, supporting the education of seafarers internationally.
   
• Latest safety pocket cards cover personal security and eye safety
  IMCA has published two more safety pocket cards. Personal Security relates the key points from the recently published IMCA guidance on travel security. Keep your Eyes on Safety similarly lets offshore workers keep important safety messages to hand.
   
• IMCA publishes guidance on travel security
  The IMCA Security Task Force, formed in 2005, has delivered its first guidance document. Already receiving excellent reviews, the guidance covers topics such as pre-travel planning, medical advice, precautionary tips and steps to be taken in emergency situations. A safety pocket card on the same subject is to follow shortly, helping keep the key points to hand.
   

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.
   
• From the President - May 2006
  "A great deal is going on right now at all levels within IMCA. With our membership steadily growing I am pleased to see many more operators joining IMCA as corresponding members. This option provides clients with the opportunity to benefit from direct access to our publications, position papers and guidelines."
  Plus: The shortage of skilled personnel, IMCA actions and looking ahead to the annual seminar
   

April 2006

• New brochure - IMCA in depth
  IMCA has published a new brochure which describes the association's role, activities and key achievements. Distributed widely to members and the wider industry, copies are available from the secretariat, or you can download the brochure now from this website
   
• 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.
   

March 2006

• IMCA holds successful ROV seminar at oi2006
  IMCA held a free half-day seminar entitled ROVs: Leading the Way into the Future alongside the Oceanology International exhibition in London on 22 March. Attracting over 70 industry representatives and potential recruits, the event aimed to raise awareness of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and the work they are used to carry out. A series of presentations was given, covering a history of electric ROVs, typical specifications for work-class ROVs, evolution and future possibilities plus use of simulators for training and operations. An active panel discussion covered a wide range of associated issues and a CD of the proceedings has been issued.
   
• New Cross-Industry Guidelines for DP OSVs available
  A cross-industry workgroup, facilitated by IMCA, has published "International Guidelines for the Safe Operation of DP Offshore Supply Vessels", setting out good practice as developed by experienced vessel operators and related organisations based and operating around the world. The guidelines are available now on this site for free download.
   
• Latest annual DP incidents report published
  IMCA's analysis of dynamic positioning (DP) systems station keeping incidents for 2004 has now been published. Covering some 34 incidents, the report identifies latest trends and adds to the wealth of information collected over more than 25 years that helps prevent repeat occurrences and identify areas for future technical work. Vessel operators are encouraged to submit their reports to further enhance the reports for 2005 (preparation of which is about to begin) and for future years.
   
• IMCA Midsummer Charity Ball 2006 announced
  The annual IMCA Midsummer Charity Ball will take place on Friday 23 June 2006 at the Marcliffe at Pitfodels, Aberdeen, UK. Following welcoming drinks and the always-sumptuous dinner, a splendid evening's entertainment is lined up, with speeches, music, dancing and the ever-popular casino. This year's event is in aid of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets, supporting the education of seafarers. Full details have been issued to members, with online registration now available.
   
• IMCA Golf Day 2006 announced
  The second annual IMCA Golf Day will take place on Thursday 18 May 2006 at Deeside Golf Club, Bieldside, Aberdeen, UK. Competing for the IMCA Quaich, competitors, comprising members and their guests, will take part in two rounds of golf, with a dinner and prize giving to close the day. Full details have been issued to members, with online registration now available.
   

February 2006

• Updated guidance on the training and experience of key DP personnel
  Following a thorough review, involving IMCA members and other key stakeholders, IMCA has updated its widely recognised guidance on the training, competence and experience required for key DP personnel working on dynamically positioned vessels.
   
• IMCA seminar gets the safety message across
  Over 120 delegates gathered at Murrayfield international rugby stadium in Edinburgh, UK, for the fourth major IMCA seminar dedicated to onshore and offshore personnel responsible for safety. Over two days, a packed programme of presentations and discussion sessions brought home the importance of continuing to focus on the zero-injury goal, considering aspects from culture to procedures along with lessons learnt from incidents which have occurred and personnal accounts of the profound effects an incident can have on individuals' lives. The proceedings CD has now been issued to delegates and members.
   
• From the President - February 2006
  "Our industry can only be healthy, high quality, safe and efficient with a resulting reduction in wasted time and money if authorities, contractors and operators all take their responsibility. Self-regulation can only be sustained when: contractors continue to create industry-wide good practice guidelines, strive to comply with them and use them with their own sub-contractors; clients adopt and endorse the from their perspective guidance and, where it becomes a contractual requirement, ensure that it is delivered; and authorities do the same."
  Plus: 2005 - a good year; IMCA's voice grows stronger still; and addressing the skills shortage.
   

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.
   
• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• Self-regulation - what and why?
  Self-regulation has always been an IMCA goal, in common with many other contractor trade associations. It is indeed included in The IMCA Message as the second bullet of the objectives - "Acheive and sustain self-regulation in the industry" - but why is this desired and how does IMCA strive to achieve and sustain it? The issue is discussed in depth in a new IMCA factsheet, available now for download, which explains what self-regulation is and the various benefits for contractors, clients and regulators alike.
   
• Ten-year analysis of DP incident data published
  Recognising the value members place on the annual report on DP incidents, IMCA commissioned a review of the data held for the ten-year period 1994-2003. The resulting report provides interesting further analysis, identifying useful trends and contrast and addressing the effectiveness of incident reporting.
   
• 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.