IMCA Press Release » What they're showing at the IMCA annual seminar

Nearly 30 organisations are exhibiting at the 2009 IMCA annual seminar being held on 4-5 November at the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana in Brazil. We have asked them what they are featuring and about their companies and their responses follow. These details will be updated from time to time before the seminar takes place.

ABERMED LIMITED will feature the Abermed Global Training Courses. Abermed has delivered healthcare training since its inception. In July 2009 they launched Abermed Global Training.

They are now able to offer comprehensive healthcare training globally with specific training capabilities in the UK, Kazakhstan, Middle East and West Africa. They can also deliver direct to client premises subject to training requirements.

Abermed pride themselves on their ability to offer cost effective and tailored training to meet the needs of a client's business. They believe that they are prominent in the market because they can combine:

They take pride in the high standards set in all elements of their training provision from identification and training of trainers, development of modular, course and programme content, and delivery methodology. All of their practical elements are risk assessed. They continuously strive for improvement and are working with a number of eminent partners to enhance their capabilities.

DRÄGER are launching their DNV class certified hyperbaric fire extinguisher rated for 350 MSW. It is anticipated that the development of the new Dräger Hyperbaric Fire Extinguisher will ensure increased safety within decompression chamber environments. This new Hyperbaric Fire Extinguisher can be used at diving depths of up to 350 meters.

Regardless of the application - whether for deep-sea diving, medical or military purposes - it is a requirement that a fire extinguisher be provided to enable the chamber's occupants to tackle a fire if one breaks out. The pressure conditions on board, however, mean that conventional fire extinguishers cannot be used. To meet the specific requirements of a decompression chamber, extensive material, fire extinction and application tests were carried out prior to development of the new Dräger Hyperbaric Fire Extinguisher.

They will feature Dräger as a producer of saturation diving systems/decompression chambers and provider of worldwide services on saturation systems and decompression chambers. Before any professional diving operation can be planned in detail, the question of whether decompression in a dry hyperbaric chamber will be required has to be addressed. Dräger has a range of possible solutions on offer, designed to satisfy the requirements of the applicable laws and regulations. All their decompression chambers and services meet the highest possible quality standards, because the health and wellbeing of divers deserves to be given absolute priority. Dräger has already shipped more than 1,000 decompression chamber systems to customers all over the world. This figure speaks for itself, and bears testimony to their many satisfied customers. All their solutions - whether mobile single-person chambers, stationary medical chambers or deep-sea diving systems for offshore use - boast an unparalleled level of innovative technology and expertise. Saturation diving systems from Dräger are used in the offshore industry all over the world.

Such systems have become indispensable for week-long dives during which assembly or maintenance work is carried out on underwater structures. Ever new technical requirements, ever greater depths and maximum utilisation of the systems are the goals which spur their engineers on to develop solutions the like of which have never been seen before.

Besides supplying decompression chambers, they offer a complete service which guarantees long-term use of clients' products and provides them with professional support in the use of the systems.

Even the most sturdy and robust decompression chambers are not immune to the effects of weather and wear. After a full overhaul in Dräger's modern workshops, well-used decompression chamber will seem as new as when it first left the factory. Incidentally, they can also update or convert older decompression chambers to clients' specifications. With system instructions, user and technical training courses, they prepare clients to use systems, and make sure that no questions remain unanswered.

As IMCA's annual seminar addresses worldwide experts in diving Dräger are looking forward to interesting discussions and exchanging experiences with them. Dräger are confident the products and features they will be showing at the exhibit meet the seminar's participants´ interests.

Dräger is an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology. "Technology for Life" is the guiding philosophy. Whether in clinical applications, industry, mining or fire and emergency services, Dräger products protect, support and save lives. The safety division offers customers consultancy, products and services for an integrated hazard management, especially for personal and facility protection. The current portfolio comprises stationary and mobile gas detection systems, respiratory protection equipment, fire training systems, professional diving equipment as well as alcohol and drug detection units.

They provide custom made solutions for saturation diving systems and decompression chambers.

FUGRO SEASTAR AS will be featuring the SeaSTAR G2 precise positioning service which has now entered into operational service. Specifically designed for high end applications in offshore dynamic positioning, G2 utilises both the American GPS satellite constellation and the Russian GLONASS satellite constellation to produce a composite position fix. Not only does this approach give enhanced reliability it also provides improved service availability when part of the horizon is blocked by obstructions such as a rig derrick.

Fugro Seastar AS is the leading supplier of precise positioning services for offshore and marine markets. Based in Oslo, the company has a team of 30+ specialist engineers and marketing staff with extensive experience of providing high performance navigation data services for marine users. The management team is led by Arne Norum as Managing Director together with Ole Ørpen Senior Scientist, Tor Melgard R&D Manager, Arvid Svenni Operations Manager, Bjorn Inge Nilsen Sales Manager and Haydn Jones Business Development Manager.

Fugro Seastar AS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fugro NV with group headquarters in the Netherlands. Fugro collects and interprets data related to the earth's surface and the soils and rocks beneath providing relevant advice to the oil and gas industry, the mining industry and the construction industry. The company was founded in 1962 and has been listed on Euronext NV in Amsterdam since 1992. Fugro has over 275 offices, over 13,000 staff and a permanent presence in over 50 countries.

GLOBAL GASES will feature welding gases, diving gases , onsite installations, etc. The company is headquartered in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai (UAE). Their operations include the production and distribution of a wide range of industrial, diving, medical & specialty gases. Their commitment to the region is reflected in recent investments in state-of-the-art facilities. The group's strategic locations enable them to provide high quality products and services to the entire Middle East, South Asia, Africa, CIS countries & the Indian Sub Continent.

GLOBAL MARINE SYSTEMS - SUBSEA SERVICES GROUP will be promoting their Subsea Services Group training school. This is based in Portland, Dorset, and holds IMCA aligned ROV training courses.

Subsea Training Services offers trainees theoretical and practical opportunities to develop in their role prior to going offshore. They offer dedicated ROVs such as VideoRay, Falcon and Sprint and large workclass ROVs. The Predator ROV is a next generation ROV, with 300m rated, multi-functional, modular, cost effective and inspection class ROV. This featured exhibit is used by/of use to those wanting to learn to be ROV pilots/technicians.

HYTECH - HYPERBARIC MANUFACTURING B.V will be showing the latest models of self propelled hyperbaric lifeboats to DNV/ABS/IMCA standards. Their exhibits will include: self propelled hyperbaric lifeboats; self contained wet-bell handling system; divers gas management panels; and chamber/bell scrubbers- heaters.

As they explain: "It is a unique situation to meet up with the "key players" of our industry, this is in our opinion one of the only meetings/congress where our clients meeting in just one/two days". They will be using the IMCA annual seminar to contact their existing and new clients and to extend or refresh relations, and to get informed about new issues in the industry

Hytech - Hyperbaric Manufacturing BV is a leading company in the design and manufacture of the full range of air diving/mix gas diving equipment, whereby safety- quality- and flexibility are the key words.

IMES LTD will be displaying new SmartCert lifting equipment management database; a web based tool to increase visibility and control of lifting equipment. They will be presenting experiences in supporting marine contractors in crane and lifting equipment inspection services. Their exhibits are used by/of use to QHSE, Chief Engineers etc.

INTERMOOR MARINE SERVICES LTD The company has recently undertaken a name change and as a result all their equipment will be re-launched under the new InterMoor banner. They will be placing emphasis on launching their new company name - InterMoor with the key message being their global capabilities and the introduction of their survey & positioning department.

Their stand will feature their unique in-house positioning hardware systems. They will have on display the iTRAC and the iPAC G2. The iTRAC will simulate a rig move. Their stand will also have equipment specification sheets, company profile and capabilities.

This is their first exhibition as InterMoor and will include a member of staff from their newly opened office in Brazil. It is also the first time they are exhibiting their iPAC and iTRAC which were purpose built, in-house by their research and development team.

Their exhibits are used by/of use to: operators and MODU/FPSO/Flotel owners for the movement and positioning of fixed and mobile installations and structures.

Other exhibits will include: literature on their full range of marine services, also including technical consultancy and naval architecture, survey and positioning and mooring equipment supply and rental. They are used by/of use to: as above plus vessel owners for our marine consultancy services.

As of 6 July, Trident Offshore Ltd and International Mooring Systems Ltd complimentary services & products were amalgamated to become InterMoor. InterMoor, also an Acteon company, is already an established and reputable mooring service provider in the United States with locations and bases through-out the world. With an office now in the UK InterMoor has the capability to offer a global service. The integration has created a company with the capability and experience to offer a complete package for rig moving services and the design, supply and installation of mooring systems. Supported by expertise in marine, technical, survey & positioning and mooring equipment services they are capable of providing a complete single source rig move or mooring installation package.

KB ASSOCIATES PTE LTD will feature their ability to provide a 'one stop' service for all marine, diving, ROV, training and safety independent services to the oil and gas industry. KBA also offers/conducts many courses in and outside Singapore.

NATIONAL HYPERBARIC CENTRE will be discussing their subsea rigging and lifting course that was launched in early '09 and discussing their work in sat diving and hyperbaric pressure. They will have brochures on these as well as all their normal training courses, equipment supplies and hyperbaric facilities.

NOBLE DENTON is the premier provider of life cycle marine and offshore engineering services to the oil & gas, marine and renewables industries. With an established presence in all major oil & gas centres; including North & South America, Europe, the Middle & Far East and the development of new offices in emerging markets such as India and China, the Noble Denton name is synonymous with integrity and technical excellence. Their highly skilled and dynamic personnel combine practical seafaring skills with high-end analytical engineering expertise to deliver fast, reliable, innovative solutions to complex problems. A passion for quality and safety along with more than 100 years' experience ensures Noble Denton's professionalism is unmatched. They say "As marine & engineering consultants our product is our people."

POMMEC BV will be introducing their Launch and Recovery System "Lite". The LARS "Lite" is designed for a safe and controlled launch and recovery of divers. It is easy transportable and can be used on different locations from a ship's deck or for example a harbour wall.

The system consists of an A-frame, control box, stainless steel top mounted hydraulic man-riding winches, a diving cage and a clump-weight. All movements are hydraulically and also (electric) remote controlled. A key advantage of this system is that the winches are mounted on top of the A-frame which provides optimum access and a safe workplace. All can easily be lifted and transported by using corner blocks or forklift lifting points. It is also possible to stack two systems on top of another and can be transported in a 20" high cube container. The most important pieces are in stainless steel, which makes maintenance a lot easier. As well as the Launch and Recovery System "Lite" they will be showing the Wetbell System

Their featured exhibit is used by/of use to: DECO Duikwerken NV; RS Diving Contractor GmbH; Shark Salvage Divers; and OTN Netherlands.

Other exhibits will include: DDC (also containerised), Diving Control Room, Scuba Replacement Set, Diving Suits, Umbilicals, ROV, etc. They are used by/of use to diving contractors in Western Europe, Africa, Asia, South America.

TRELLEBORG PROTECTIVE PRODUCTS AB will introduce the Viking Hot Water suit made in the comfortable and durable Pro VSN material. The material is flexible with very strong vulcanized seams. It's also stable and will not be compressed during diving. They will also be featuring the Viking Hazmat Diving Suit (HDS); and Viking Cooling vest. Their exhibits are used by/of use to divers and companies within the offshore diving market, including all kinds of professional divers/operations, military divers, commercial divers, rescue divers, police divers, coast guard and recreational divers.

Trelleborg is a global engineering group whose leading positions are based on advanced polymer technology and in-depth applications know-how. Trelleborg was founded in 1905 its headquarters are located in Sweden. Today the group has about 23,000 employees and operations in some 45 countries. Trelleborg protective products develops, engineers and makes among others advanced dry diving suits of vulcanized rubber for serious diving activities. The suits are sold under the Viking brand is trusted by commercial, military, rescue, technical, hazmat and advanced sports divers world wide. Trelleborg is offering cutting-edge competence when it comes to contaminated water and hazmat diving.

UNIQUE GROUP offers a wide array of integrated services to support operations in offshore industries such as Hydrographic Survey, Offshore Construction, Ports, Marine Transportation & Offshore Work Vessels, Oceanographic, Environmental, Non-Destructive Testing, ROV, Diving and onshore, to Pipeline Petrochemical, Construction and Shipyard Industries, and will have material on them available for delegates.

VERIPOS will have demonstration hardware (LD2-G2 and LD3 integrated receivers) and software (Verify-QC) on display. They are the main products provided by VERIPOS for access and use of VERIPOS precise satellite positioning services.

The products on display are used by a wide variety of marine users across different market sectors, including exploration seismic, drilling, survey, construction and operators of DP vessels. VERIPOS is a global provider of precise satellite positioning products and services.

They will also exhibit an overview presentation of VERIPOS products and services.

VERIPOS has recently opened a new office and dedicated workshop facility in Rio das Ostras to better support the provision of the products and services advertised. This is to support the growth of VERIPOS business in Brazil which has also seen an increase in dedicated specialist personnel.

WAVESPEC will be promoting its latest DP FMEA and auditing services and using the location to promote itself in Brazil and South America, where so far they have worked only occasionally. Their attendees will include the Business Development VP (Sheila McClain) from their recently established Houston office, who will be supporting their marketing and business opportunities in South America, and their recently appointed Manager for Offshore and DP Projects (Ted Brooking).

This will be the first opportunity for demonstrating the benefits of their latest FMEA report formats and explaining to potential clients how this will improve their DP service to them. In particular, they will be promoting the fact that their FMEA will be tailored to the client and to the vessel being analysed. This will enable us to meet the needs of different customers, from supply boat operators to deepwater drilling rig owners, at a competitive cost but without compromising quality.

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

WHAT THEY'RE SHOWING AT THE IMCA ANNUAL SEMINAR