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Press Release
DESIGN FOR SATURATION DIVING SYSTEMS (BELL) FROM IMCA
The newly published DESIGN - Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note - for Saturation Diving Systems (Bell) from IMCA, the International Marine Contractors Association, identifies a common standard, which can be applied by all parties during an audit.
First published in 1986 and updated during the 1990s, this new two volume version has been revised in order to simplify it, clarify any anomalies that had arisen, and adapt it for international use. The earlier versions had combined air diving and saturation diving in one volume. The first volume - Surface Oriented Systems (Air) DESIGN (IMCA D 023) was published in Spring 2000, to be followed this year by the second on Saturation Diving Systems (Bell) DESIGN (IMCA D 024).
Both DESIGN volumes are available on CD-ROM protected to ensure IMCA document integrity, but in such a way that it can be used by auditors with relevant sections open for completion. An unprotected version that can be customised to suit 'in house' systems is also available on request to IMCA members.
The information is presented in the form of sets of forms (detail sheets) each of which specifies the requirements for a generic item of plant or equipment, or a group of items, which are covered by the same criteria. This is the basis of the certification which the diving contractor normally maintains in a plant and equipment register, or records in the planned maintenance system. Only generic items of diving plant and equipment are addressed and the detail sheets do not include information on constituent parts of ancillary equipment such as tools and diver's personal equipment, the only exception being the diver's underwater breathing apparatus.
The two new DESIGN (D 023/D 024) volumes each cost £30/£40 (non-members price £60/£80) each for the printed version; £30/£40 (non-members price £60/£80) for the CD-ROM version; and £50/£60 for both printed and CD-ROM versions (non-members price £100/£120).
DESIGN in Development
At a recent well attended meeting of IMCA's Middle East & India Section held in the UAE, interest was expressed in the specification of required auditor competences covering both and individual qualified to undertake a technical DESIGN audit and those for someone to audit a diving contractor company. The Diving Division Management Committee is now looking this at this, and agreed sets of competences for the two positions should be circulated to members shortly.
Notes to Editors (common)
- IMCA is an international association with well over 800 members in 60 countries, as at September 2011, representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Asia-Pacific, South America, Europe & Africa, Middle East & India and Central & North America regions. As well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members' common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
- IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports. These have been developed over the years and are widely distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document, safety recommendation, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and safety flashes.
- Judith Patten is here to help you if you want any additional information on IMCA; would like to discuss a feature article; want to organise interviews with key members of the IMCA team, etc.
Press releases issued by:
Judith Patten at JPPR
34 Ellerker Gardens, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6AA, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8241 1912
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8940 6211
judithpatten@wwmail.co.uk
For more details, please contact Hugh Williams, IMCA Chief Executive
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