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Press Release /10
THE IMPACT OF PLCs ON SATURATION DIVING SYSTEMS
A new generation of diving support vessels (DSVs) is providing challenges for inspectors. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) recognises that certain new-build DSVs, some of which are on, or shortly due to come onto, the market, have diving systems using programmable logic control (PLC) technology to control applications of their saturation diving systems.
"The introduction of these new control systems could have a significant impact on the application of 'Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note (DESIGN) for Saturation (Bell) Diving Systems' (IMCA D 024)," explains Jane Bugler, IMCA's Technical Director.
"We have engaged consultants to help take this issue forward and to help produce IMCA guidance for use by both contractor and client members. This may result in an additional section to IMCA D 024 or the issue of specific guidance for the inspection of such systems."
In 2009 IMCA issued a warning of its concerns over PLCs in marine operations when publishing a safety flash following a tragic accident suffered by a member company which resulted in four fatalities and four injuries.
A full list of all IMCA documentation and publications is available on their website at www.imca-int.com/documents and is available from IMCA at 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AR, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 5520; Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 5521; publications@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
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