IMCA Press Release »

As marine operations move into ever greater water depths and harsher environments around the globe Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) grow in importance and utilisation. The challenges and solutions for ROV umbilical and handling systems will be highlighted during the workshop being held by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) on Wednesday 10 March at Oceanology International 2010.

Aimed at both onshore and offshore ROV managers and technical personnel the free-to-attend afternoon-long session combines formal presentations and workshops at which delegates will be tasked with getting down to the real ‘nitty gritty’ and discussing, and perhaps even devising, solutions to challenges faced by the industry.

Jim Mann of Fugro will open the session at 14.00 in South Gallery Room 6, 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 will be followed by a networking reception.

"Workshops such as these are vital to the ongoing work of the association," explains Chief Executive, Hugh Williams. "Indeed, their outcome feeds directly into our work programme. We are looking forward to a highly stimulating afternoon that will lead to decisions on the best ways to move things forward in this rapidly developing area of technology. Our Remote Systems & ROV Division is particularly active and has seen unparalleled growth in recent years. Indeed, nearly 240 of our total membership of almost 700 companies in more than 50 countries belongs to the Division."

To attend the workshop register by emailing events@imca-int.com including the name of the workshop participant, company name, address and other contact details or call Parul Patel on +44 (0)20 7824 5520 or fax the association on +44 (0)20 7824 5521. Or register at the IMCA stand (L20) at Oceanology International 2010.

IMCA is playing a very active role at Oceanology International, for it is holding its quarterly Europe & Africa Section meeting at the show at 11.00 on 10 March, and also sponsoring the Oceanology International Careers Day on Thursday 11 March. This will see over 300 undergraduate and post-graduate students attending a special session, hosted by Hugh Williams, and then touring the exhibition visiting companies who have expressed an interest in meeting the students, and also the commercial and naval vessels attending the event.

Further information on all aspects of IMCA's work for, and on behalf of, members is available at www.imca-int.com or from IMCA, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 5520; Fax: +44 (0) 7824 5521or imca@imca-int.com

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