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Year: 2021

IMCA forges N.American offshore wind contacts

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is successfully expanding its reach in the North American offshore wind sector thanks to its membership in the Business Network for Offshore Wind (BNOW), the organisation dedicated to building a network designed to usher the U.S. into the offshore wind market. IMCA’s network will undoubtedly expand thanks to its participation in BNOW’s International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF2021) In Richmond, Virginia 24-26 August. IMCA member companies are very active in the offshore wind industry globally, working at all development stages from feasibility studies to offshore construction. The overwhelming majority of offshore installations have been

2020 Safety Statistics available in leaflet format

IMCA produces an annual report of safety and environment statistics (covering injuries, fatalities, environmental data and reporting activity) supplied by contractor members.The report provides insight to safety, health and environmental performance of IMCA contractor members annually, enabling IMCA members to benchmark their performance. IMCA Contact Nicholas Hough Consultant – Safety and Security Contact Error: Contact form not found. View leaflet

Podcast – IMCA S 028 AUV Audit Guidance Document

Technical Adviser, Nick Hough brings a short podcast highlighting key elements of this new guidance document. AUV has started to play a prominent role in the execution of offshore surveys in recent years. Surveyors use them for such tasks as pipeline inspection, bathymetry, and mapping of the sea floor. IMCA’s ‘AUV Audit Guidance Document’ (IMCA S 028) has been developed by members of the Offshore Survey Division Management Committee with a view to promote a common approach to the auditing of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and their associated support systems.  You can find S 028 in our Publications Library – freely available for

IMCA to hold Environmental Sustainability Seminar on 28 September

The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Environmental Sustainability Committee will host an online technical, motivational seminar for members working on environmental sustainability and the energy transition on 28 September.   The event will focus on the key topics outlined in IMCA’s Recommended Code of Practice on Environmental Sustainability which was launched in May 2021. The programme agenda aims to enlighten, engage and inspire IMCA members, and other interested stakeholders, through interaction with leading experts to ensure alignment with global practice and thinking. Nadine Robinson, IMCA’s Technical Adviser – Environmental Sustainability considered the timeliness of the seminar: IMCA Contact Nadine Robinson

IMCA launches new online facility for instant verification of certificates for safety-critical positions in the offshore industry.

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has launched a new online facility as part of the Association’s digital transformation programme which will enable members to access verification services 24 hours a day. It will cover all five certificate types currently issued; Air Diving Supervisor, Bell Diving Supervisor, Life Support Technician, DP Company Authority and DP Trials & Assurance Practitioner. New initiatives such as Accredited Diving System Inspectors will also benefit from the service. A search form is now available at for registered website users to check the status of any certificate provided to them by its holder. The existing option

IMCA shortlisted for 2021 Safety4Sea Initiative Award

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has been shortlisted for the 2021 Safety4Sea Initiative Award in recognition of the association’s ‘Safety Flash’ system which provides a fast and vital communication channel for the industry and helps prevent recurrence of situations by highlighting potential workplace incidents. This award category acknowledges any organisation or association that sparked, realised, or significantly contributed in any initiative fostering safer and sustainable shipping. This is the sixth consecutive year of the SAFETY4SEA Virtual Awards within the scope of fostering Safety Excellence & Sustainable Shipping. The voting process is split equally between an online public vote and

IMCA signs Gulf of Guinea Declaration on the Suppression of Piracy

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has become a signatory to the ‘Gulf of Guinea Declaration on the Suppression of Piracy’ drafted by a taskforce of stakeholders from across the shipping industry in response to growing concerns and increasing attacks in the region. The declaration has been signed by organisations across the maritime industry including flag state administrations, ship owners, charterers, and shipping associations representing all sectors of the industry.  IMCA has signed on behalf of the offshore marine contracting industry, as many of its members regularly work in the region and some have been subjected to attacks. A copy

Fuel Consumption: IMCA and its Members to play key role

As a result of a submission by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 76/5/3) in June 2021, the MEPC has granted IMCA authority to: 1 Collect fuel consumption data from IMCA members’ offshore vessels which fall within the scope of the mandatory requirement under Regulation 22A of MARPOL*, Annex VI and applies to all vessels of 5,000 gross tonnage and above.   2 Use this data to calculate the two proxies IMCA proposed in its submission to MEPC 74 (MEPC 74/6), and 3 Submit the calculations to IMO on behalf of its

IMCA Accredited Diving System Inspector Scheme in Development

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is currently developing its IMCA Accredited Diving System Inspector (ADSI) scheme which will introduce an industry-recognised professional accreditation for this important group of skilled workers. ADSIs will be accredited to conduct IMCA Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note (DESIGN) audits. As one of the final stages in development of the scheme IMCA is now asking for known, respected and experienced DESIGN auditors to be put forward for early ADSI certification so they can act as field training supervisors when the scheme is launched during 2022. IMCA Contact Nicholas Hough Consultant – Safety and Security

IMCA publishes AUV Audit Guidance Document in a bid to promote a common approach to the auditing of autonomous underwater vehicles

The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) newly published ‘AUV Audit Guidance Document’ (IMCA S 028) has been developed by members of the Offshore Survey Division Management Committee with a view to promote a common approach to the auditing of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and their associated support systems. While this document does contain some parallels with IMCA R 006 ROV Audit Guidance it also highlights technical guidance on the appropriate use of AUVs, for example, relating to the safe management of Lithium batteries. It is intended that IMCA S 028 will act as a framework for offshore contractors to form

Information Notes 1565 and 1566

Accredited Diving Inspector Scheme  Currently in Development IMCA has recently published two Information Notes relating to a new scheme for IMCA Accredited Diving System Inspectors, which is in the process of being developed and will launch in 2022. However this scheme requires the input of existing experienced DESIGN auditors to become Experienced Practitioners and therefore IMCA is inviting nominations for this element by 30 September 2021. Information Notes 1565 and 1566 explain the process and objectives of the scheme.   Information Note 1565 This information note is intended to make IMCA Diving Division members and other stakeholders aware that the Association is

IMCA supporting Stepping Up For Seafarers

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is proud to support Margaret Fitzgerald, Judith Patten (also known as Judith Gunton) and Phil Towers, who have signed up to take on The Seafarers’ Charity’s 400k challenge. They have each committed to walk 400,000 steps by the end of August to raise funds for affected seafarers and their families. 400,000 seafarers around the world have been stranded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are still in crisis far away from family, missing out on key life events and struggling with isolation and loneliness. IMCA continues to advocate for the wellbeing of seafarers and

Making Waves – June/July 2021

CEO Update – June/July 2021 Welcome to the June/July edition of Making Waves. It is great to see that our Code of Practice on Environmental Sustainability is receiving a good deal of attention from our members and the offshore industry in both the oil & gas and wind energy markets. It is an exemplar of IMCA’s operational model, with the development of best practices by our members for our members. Our work in the wind energy sector is proceeding well, with good relations with industry associations in Europe and the USA. Captain Andy Goldsmith is leading our renewable energy strategy

Latest list of locations for COVID-19 Vaccinations for Seafarers

The International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) publishes information on their website of locations/contacts to help seafarers and offshore workers gain access to COVID-19 vaccinations. Like IMCA, the ICMA is a signatory to the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing, which supports all efforts to “recognise seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to COVID-19 vaccines.” View list Neptune Declaration

Offshore Industry Group strongly supports IMO’s Day of the Seafarer and call for a fair future for Seafarers

The Offshore Industry Group comprising IADC, IAGC, IMCA, IOGP, ISOA (details below) strongly supports IMO’s designated Day of the Seafarer on 25th June commending the tremendous efforts and sacrifices of seafarers and personnel working in the offshore energy sector who remain critical to ensuring that the world has access to food, medicine, energy and other supplies at this challenging time for society. In recognition of this contribution, the Group encourages its’ collective membership to sound their horns at 12 noon local time.The Industry Group has collaborated, throughout the pandemic, in urging IMO Member States to address the significant challenges faced

IMCA supports Day of the Seafarer

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) celebrates the Day of the Seafarer on 25 June 2021 and urges all its Members and those associated with the offshore marine contracting industry, as operators, clients, or providers of services, to recognise the efforts of seafarers and the role they play in the industry. IMCA recognises that hundreds of thousands of seafarers, and many offshore energy workers continue to face personal difficulties being stranded, away from home for months on end, unsure when they will be able to return to their families.   Margaret Fitzgerald, Head of Marine Policy and Regulatory Affairs stated:

IMCA Marine Technical Expertise Enhanced

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is pleased to announce that Richard Purser has joined the team as Technical Adviser – Marine. Richard Purser brings 25 years’ experience in the marine engineering industry as Chief Engineer in the operation and maintenance of modern Dynamically Positioned (DP) vessels, power plants, auxiliary equipment, and DP systems. Richard worked for DNV as Senior Principal Marine Engineer for a number of years and has a wealth of DP and Marine Engineering knowledge which will enhance IMCA’s technical expertise. IMCA Contact Nicholas Hough Consultant – Safety and Security Contact Error: Contact form not found. Mark Ford,

Webinar: Remote observation & technology driven assurance

Registration is open for the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) joint Asia-Pacific and Middle East & India webinar taking place on 23 June (start time 0800BST). The event, hosted by both IMCA’s Asia-Pacific and IMCA’s Middle East & India Regional Committees, focuses on current and topical issues and provides an opportunity for IMCA members to hear the latest on the work of IMCA alongside guest speakers. As Nick Hough, Technical Adviser at IMCA explained: IMCA Contact Nicholas Hough Consultant – Safety and Security Contact Error: Contact form not found. “Our Chief Executive, Allen Leatt will open the webinar with a

Support the data collection exercise on vaccination of Seafarers

Data is being collated on behalf of ICS, BIMCO, CLIA, ECSA, ICMA, IMCA, IMEC, IMHA, INTERCARGO, InterManager, INTERTANKO, ISOA, ITF and WSC. We are seeking input into the vaccination of seafarers. At present, information available is limited which hinders lobbying efforts as the industry is currently unaware of where significant gaps exist. To aid this process, we are undertaking a concerted and joint effort to gather as much information as possible from the questionnaire below. Each company is requested to complete this exercise once. Once we have collated the information, gaps and issues highlighted will be targeted. We would greatly

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