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Press Release
IMCA PUBLISHES STATION KEEPING INCIDENTS REPORT
Over a hundred incidents are reported in the latest dynamic positioning station keeping incident report published by IMCA - The International Marine Contractors Association. The incidents were all reported in 2000, and the latest report marks the 21st consecutive year for which DP incident data has been collected and published. This is a unique achievement in the offshore industry.
Most (94) of the incidents that took place have 'fault trees'. "The figures throw up something of an anomaly," explains IMCA Chief Executive Tony Read. "They show a large increase over the number reported in previous years. For example the 1999 report published a year ago shows only 48 incidents. However, the increase is not due to a dramatic increase in the number of incidents taking place, but in a greater number of vessels reporting and our members using the 'station keeping reporting system' more frequently. IMCA has also encouraged more reporting. In reality there has actually been a progressive decline in incidents in European waters. No similar overall decline in the number of incidents elsewhere is evident, in fact one can almost see the effect of a learning curve.
"Our Marine Division is eager to encourage all its members to make maximum use of this reporting system in order to build a sound knowledge base. Many incidents have occurred from fairly common events, such as the loss of one diesel generator or one thrusters. In some cases this alone has caused a problem, in others it has started a sequence of events that resulted in a loss of position - this is where the 'fault tree' is so useful. The other 'hot chestnut' is blackout. Interestingly, there are examples of both open and closed bus ties leading to blackout Global Maritime is just finishing a project to show this more clearly and IMCA should publish the report on the safest mode of operation in a couple of months' time."
IMCA is now seeking and collecting data on crane incidents amongst its members around the globe. Significantly, three incidents in the station keeping report involving loss of position were associated with cranes - a loss of position during a lifting operation adds risk to an operation that is already acknowledged as dangerous.
The station keeping incident report for 2000 (IMCA M 165) is available at £15 for members and £100 for non-members from IMCA
Notes to Editors (common)
- IMCA is an international association with well over 850 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@jppr.uk.com
For more details, please contact Hugh Williams, IMCA Chief Executive
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