Press Release /10

IMCA PUTS ROVS UNDER SPOTLIGHT AT OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Umbilical and Handling Systems will come under the spotlight at a workshop organised by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) at Oceanology International 2010 at London’s ExCeL. The afternoon-long session will take place on Wednesday 10 March and is aimed at both onshore and offshore ROV managers and technical personnel.

"We are eager to encourage full participation in the workshops that are an integral part of the afternoon," explains IMCA's Technical Director, Jane Bugler. "We suggest that only those able to fully participate register for what will be an absorbing afternoon looking at both challenges and solutions. We also look forward to meeting Oceanology International visitors and exhibitors on our stand throughout the three days of the show describing our work on behalf of our ever-expanding membership around the globe."

Jim Mann of Fugro will open the session at 14.00, with Magne Andersen and Espen Ingebretsen of Oceaneering speaking about ‘Challenges of ROV installation on newbuild rigs and vessels' and Andreas Gabrielsen of Nexans then talking about 'Deepwater umbilicals'. Jim Mann will then chair a brief introductory discussion identifying the topics of the workshops that will then take place for 90 minutes. These will take forward active discussions of topics raised by delegates during the first hour of the meeting.

The formal proceedings will end with a review of the session and of actions to be taken forward and be followed by a networking reception.

Although the session is primarily for members of IMCA, if space permits, non-members can also take part. Pre-event registration is required, with those interested in attending asked to email events@imca-int.com with their name, company name, address and other contact details or to call Parul Patel on +44 (0)20 7824 5520 or fax the association on +44 (0)20 7824 5521.

IMCA’s Remote Systems & ROV Division The Association has two core divisions – Competence & Training, and Safety, Environment and Legislation; and four technical divisions – Diving, Marine, Offshore Survey and Remote Systems & ROV.

"The workshop at Oceanology International naturally reflects the work of our Remote Systems & ROV Division," says Jane Bugler. The Division focuses on all aspects of equipment, operations and personnel related to remotely operated systems used offshore. As marine operations move into ever greater water depths and harsh environments around the globe, ROVs grow further in importance and utilisation and the advance of such technology continues all the time.

"This resulted in the unparalleled growth of the division in recent years – nearly 240 of IMCA's total membership of 650+ in more than 50 countries belong to the Remote Systems & ROV Division."

"Through development of codes of practice and guidance, provision of briefing and organisation of seminars and other events, IMCA helps its members stay up-to-date with developments, shares safety-related information and represents the sector to a variety of third parties," she adds. "Indeed, IMCA's Code of practice for the safe and efficient operation of remotely operated vehicles plays a vital role in providing the international community with a common set of guidelines and recommendations, helping ROV operators achieve high levels of safety and efficiency."

Full information on the work of IMCA is at www.imca-int.com.