News from IMCA 2009

December 2009

• 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

• New version of ROV competence guidance now available
  An updated edition of the IMCA competence assurance and assessment tables for ROV personnel. The new version reflects technological and operational developments, a thorough review of IMCA's competence guidance and incorporates additional job functions. The new version is available now for downloading free of charge and in printed form.
   
• Updated competence assurance and assessment tables - Offshore Survey Division
  IMCA has published an updated edition of its competence assurance and assessment tables for Offshore Survey Division personnel. The new version reflects technological and operational developments, a thorough review of IMCA's competence guidance and incorporates additional job functions. The new version is available now for downloading free of charge and in printed form.
   
• IMCA safety seminar 2010 announced
  Registration is now open for the 2010 IMCA safety seminar - Safety is our common language. A packed two day programme has been developed, including presentations, discussion sessions, sharing of lessons learnt from incidents and a share fair of members' successful safety materials.
   
• IMCA launches CMID database website and e-CMID
  A new secure online database for Common Marine Inspection Document reports has been launched by IMCA, together with a new e-CMID application. Together, they aim to improve the quality, consistency and availability of CMID reports. The developments are fully funded by IMCA on behalf of the industry and are available for use without charge by members and non-members alike. Find out more at www.imcacmid.com
   
• From the President - November 2009
  I was delighted to attend the very successful annual seminar in Rio recently and see first hand how IMCA's work and its newest section, the Central & South America Section, are progressing. I was impressed how the spread of the association's membership continues to widen. It is increasing numerically, regionally and with new disciplines and technical developments. This brings new challenges to the association and the secretariat. To tackle these requires priorities and focus which can be facilitated by being clear about what IMCA stands for.
  Plus: IMCA's role promoting dialogue in uncertain times
   
• 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.
   

October 2009

• New IMCA guidance addresses isolations and intervention for safe diver access
  IMCA has published new Guidelines for isolation and intervention: diver access to subsea systems, for use for use when preparing scopes of work, procedures, reviews and risk assessments for any diving-related work.
   
• New guidance on deep water acoustic positioning
  IMCA has published a new authoritative guide for users and potential users of acoustics for underwater positioning. The document particularly addresses deep water activities, although many of the techniques and applications are also applicable to shallow water. The document is intended to inform and bring a general understanding of deep water acoustics to the reader, while more detailed technical appendices are provided for in depth study
   

September 2009

• New IMCA guidance on NORM handling
  IMCA has published new guidance on the safe handling of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The document covers what NORM is, the context of the hazards involved in its handling, and considerations for properly handling and disposal.
   

August 2009

• New guidelines on installation and maintenance of DGNSS-based positioning systems
  IMCA has published new guidelines on the installation and maintenance of DGNSS-based positioning systems, covering the many technical, procedural and contractual issues before, during and after installation that users of this equipment need to be aware of.
   
• Latest DP incidents report published
  The eighteenth annual report on dynamic positioning (DP) system station keeping incidents is now available. This analysis is now undertaken in-house by the IMCA secretariat, further enhancing the confidential nature of reporting and helping promote reporting by vessel operators world-wide. The 67 incidents are grouped into incidents and other undesired events. These are summarised and trends and common causes identified, enabling future work by IMCA to address specific aspects with vessel operators, system manufacturers and training providers, helping to keep the growing global DP fleet safe and operational.
   
• New IMCA guidance on NDE for wire ropes
  IMCA has published new guidance on non-destructive examination (NDE) by means of magnetic rope testing - one of the five tools that can form part of a wire rope integrity management system. The document provides supplementary guidance to that set out in the more general publication on wire rope integrity management issued earlier this year.
   
• IMCA updates Guidance on ROV Operations CD collection
  A new edition of the IMCA Guidance on ROV Operations CD, bringing together the full set of IMCA Remote Systems & ROV and related material for its members, has been published. The CD, while only a snapshot of the material available at a particular point in time, provides a complete offline reference, complementing the members-only website, particularly for use in areas and operations without a permanent internet connection.
   
• Updated industry guidelines for DP offshore supply vessels
  Facilitated by IMCA, a cross-industry workgroup has published an updated version of the International Guidelines for the Safe Operation of Dynamically Positioned Offshore Supply Vessels. Over seventy interests, including vessels operators and relevant organisations based and operating around the world, contributed to their development, intended to set out good practice for global application and referencing a variety of related regulation and guidance. The new version is available now as a free download from this site.
   
• From the President - August 2009
  "Through dialogue, including this column, IMCA aims to support a safe and efficient industry. This goal can only be achieved through a healthy contracting sector and healthy relationships between contractors and clients."
   

July 2009

• IMCA updates its ROV code of practice
  The IMCA Code of practice for the safe and efficient operation of remotely operated vehicles has been reviewed and republished in a glossy new format, reflecting the latest developments in technology and operations. A particular addition is guidance on safe crewing levels for the increasingly complex tools packages used in conjunction with ROVs as the industry moves into deeper waters, harsher environments and undertakes ever more complex operations around the globe.
   
• Latest pocket card helps offshore workers avoid HAVS
  Avoiding hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome, both associated with the use of powered work tools, is the subject of the latest IMCA pocket card aimed at putting across key safety messages to the offshore workforce in a handy format.
   
• New IMCA poster addresses personal security issues
  The sixth IMCA poster promoting safety issues has been published, addressing personal security with key messages illustrated with humourous and eye-catching illustrations. This adds to the range of materials produced by the IMCA Security Task Force to assist its members and their personnel around the world.
   
• Updated brochures to help promote IMCA and its objectives
  Two updated brochures are now available explaining IMCA, its objectives and global activities - IMCA in depth and IMCA in brief are useful for all types of audience both old and new in explaining the association and its role. Both brochures are available in printed form on request and for downloading via this site, as part of a wide range of factsheets and other materials.
   

June 2009

• 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!
   
• IMCA's 2009 midsummer charity ball a great success
  The 2009 IMCA midsummer charity ball attracted around 200 ballgoers to the beautiful surroundings of Banchory Lodge in Kincardineshire, UK, for an evening of superb entertainment, dining and dancing, all raising funds for the Apostleship of the Sea. A full report is now available online.
   
• 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.
   
• Updated guide to digital video offshore published by IMCA
  IMCA has updated its review of current and future digital video technologies, providing its members with briefing on the latest developments and setting out how these technologies are being and could in the future be applied in offshore working environments.
   

May 2009

• First hole in one at the 2009 IMCA Golf Day
  Seventy competitors gathered in Aberdeen on 27 May for the fifth annual IMCA Golf Day. Kevin Black of Houlder Insurance Services achieved a hole in one - a first for the competition - with Martin McCaffrey (Helix) winning the IMCA Quaich overall and Proserv Offshore gaining the team trophy for the first time - highlights among a number of great performances at this annual social and networking event. The full report and results are now available on this site.
   
• 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.
   
• Updated IMCA guidance on entry level requirements and training for new ROV personnel
  IMCA has updated its guidance on the entry level requirements and basic introductory course outline for new personnel looking to work with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). A particular aim has been to highlight and clarify the technical background required of potential trainees to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and related knowledge required when working as part of an offshore ROV team.
   
• From the President - May 2009
  "Our successes come when IMCA is recognised as a force for good in the industry ... we encourage members to comply with our guidance - based, as it is, on our combined experience and constructive discussion between members in committees and at our events - and to participate in the association's activities."
  Addressing members' shared role in promoting IMCA, its activities and good reputation globally.
   

April 2009

• IMCA publishes collection of first aid and other emergency drills
  IMCA has published a new collection of first aid and other emergency drills, intended to assist its members in ensuring the ongoing competence of personnel with first aid/emergency responsibilities offshore. The drills cover various scenarios in ten different categories - such as engine room, elevated work areas, ROV and diving spreads - and have been written so that they can be adapted to contractors' own operations and work sites.
   
• Booking now open for the IMCA Midsummer Charity Ball 2009
  The 2009 IMCA Midsummer Charity Ball will take place in the grounds of Banchory Lodge Hotel, Kincardineshire, UK, with a spectacular program of dining, entertainment and dancing while raising funds for the international seafarer support organisation Apostleship of the Sea. Booking for members and their guests is open with full details now online.
   
• IMCA publishes UPS guidance
  IMCA Marine Division has published a new guidance document which aims to assist members in relation to the design, selection, installation and use of uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) onboard vessels.
   
• 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.
   

March 2009

• IMCA safety seminar draws record crowd in Houston
  Over 140 delegates gathered at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, USA, home of the Houston Astros baseball team, on 11-12 March 2009 for the seventh IMCA safety seminar, organised together with the Gulf Coast Safety & Training Group on the theme Health, safety and the environment: Covering the global HSE bases. The two-day programme featured the usual mix of presentations on a broad variety of safety-related topics, group discussion sessions and a safety share fair. The proceedings CD has been issued and a report is available on this site.
   
• Booking opens for IMCA golf day 2009
  The IMCA golf day 2009 will take place on 27 May at the Newmachar course in Aberdeenshire, UK. Booking is open now for this fifth annual event, with fierce yet friendly competition expected for the IMCA quaich (best individual performance), Poseidon Maritime Challenge Trophy (best team performance) and a range of other prizes. Make sure your booking is made early and don't forget to invite your guests along too!
   
• IMCA publishes new guidance for safe AUV operations
  IMCA Offshore Survey Division has published a new guidance document - Considerations for the safe operation of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) - providing basic briefing on safe use of this advancing technology offshore, including aspects such as mission planning, launch and recovery.
   
• IMCA publishes updated Common Marine Inspection Document
  A new version of the Common Marine Inspection Document (CMID) is now available from IMCA. Prepared by a cross-industry workgroup, the new version has been thoroughly reviewed and rewritten with a clearer structure, removing previous subjectivity in the questions and incorporating updates to reflect technological, operational and regulatory developments. Additional guidance is provided on inspector competence while the vessel-type-specific supplements have been removed. Download the new version and read about future developments now.
   

February 2009

• From the President - February 2009
  Johan Rasmussen is IMCA's new President for 2009
  "The economic situation and the falling oil price will inevitably influence the offshore service market ... To take safety first: the need for attention to safety and to spend the resources needed to ensure a safe workplace for everyone onboard ships and barges, as well as onshore, cannot be compromised. Secondly, the contractual risk balance: a market downturn does not take away the risks which are inherent in our business."
  Plus: the forthcoming safety seminar and how IMCA will keep helping its members in 2009
   

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.
   
• IMCA sharpens focus on competence and training
  IMCA has refocused and renamed the former TCPC core activity which now becomes simply 'Competence & Training.