Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have revolutionised the way we navigate and locate ourselves on the surface of the Earth. However, GNSS signals are prone to interference and one of the most significant sources of interference is increased ionospheric activity.
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Information Notes
IMCA produces a range of materials for its members as information notes, covering safety, technical, regulatory, commercial and various other issues relevant to its members.
Members can access all of these materials by logging in to this site. Non-members can view titles, for information, and a small number of individual articles deemed of wider public interest.
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Information Notes
Combined Heading/Motion and Gyro Sensor Concerns
The IMCA DP Committee has been made aware of potential common-mode failures regarding Combined Gyro Compass and Motion Reference Sensors (MRU). These potential failures are discussed below and must be understood and considered while using/updating/purchasing combination MRU/Gyro, or gyro sensors that may rely on a GNSS signal to remain functional.
Field Arrival Trials
What are Field Arrival Trials? A pre-defined programme of tests and checks to be performed prior to the entry into the area of operation that are designed to confirm the […]
ASOG – The Decision Support Tool You Need
Following a review of the 2021 Annual DP Station Keeping Event Report published by IMCA in March 2022, the IMCA Marine Division Management Committee & DP Committee agreed that an objective for 2022 was to create an information note explaining the subject of Activity Specific Operating Guidelines (ASOG) and its
FMEA – Five Yearly Review
Guidance and lessons learned may be missed if the FMEA/FMECA document is not periodically refreshed. A neglected DP system FMEA/FMECA may lead to a reduction in robustness, resilience, and single fault tolerance if it is only updated after deficiencies have been identified by a vessel DP Assurance process or after
Digital Certification – New IMCA Certificate Formats
IMCA has updated the format of certificates issued under its certification schemes. This information note sets out details to help IMCA members and certificate holders recognise and understand the new […]
Election Results – Marine Division Management Committee
Thanks are extended to all who agreed to stand for election and to those who have served as committee members over the previous term. I confirm that, as a result […]
eCMID and eMISW Findings Analysis
April 2020 – April 2021 IMCA has analysed 1517 vessel inspection reports uploaded between April 2020 and April 2021 into the eCMID database at www.ecmid.com and produced the following summary […]
IMCA Security Bulletin 03/21
The Gulf of Guinea Declaration on the Suppression of Piracy Every person deserves to be safe while carrying out their work, and to be able to return to their homes […]
Position Reference Systems – correct set-up is essential
1 BACKGROUND The IMCA Marine DP committee has identified a trend of DP station keeping events relating to the incorrect setup, use or selection of Position Reference Systems and Sensors. […]
IMCA Security Committee Bulletin 02/21
For this briefing we have provided a short update on developments in Mozambique, as well as in the Gulf of Guinea, Arabian Waters, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Mozambique […]
Piracy and vessel security in the Gulf of Guinea – an update
In recent months there has been an alarming increase in levels of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. The Security Committee would like to ensure that our members are properly […]
Fuel Consumption Data Collection
The 70th session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70) adopted mandatory MARPOL Annex VI requirements for ships to record and report their fuel oil consumption, also referred to […]
GPS systems – Warning of interference
The United States Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued revised advisory notice 2020-016-Various-GPS Interference on multiple instances of significant GPS interference that have been reported worldwide. This interference is resulting […]
eCMID/eMISW Temporary Validity Extension Ending
Further to information note IMCA M 01/20 – Marine and DP assurance – IMCA advice during ongoing COVID-19 situation, the temporary validity extension of eCMID/eMISW inspections ends in July. IMCA […]
eCMID and eMISW findings analysis
IMCA has analysed over 2,100 vessel inspection reports uploaded into the eCMID database at www.imcaecmid.com and produced the following summary of key findings. The eCMID system enables vessel operators to […]
Marine autonomous vessels
A Brief History of Unmanned Marine Vessels The first proprietary remotely operated vessel dates back to 1898, when Nicolai Tesla used radio control systems to remotely control a small size vessel. The same concept was used during the second world war to attack ships using a guided bomb which was
This content is only available to members.
IMCA security bulletin 02/20
The IMCA Security Committee is determined to raise awareness of security issues that can potentially harm member companies. Information provided in this regular Security Bulletin is intended to be used by members to either directly pass on to employees or use the material it contains as part of an existing
This content is only available to members.
DPO Certification – The available schemes
DPO Certification – The available schemes: There are currently three organisations offering DPO certification. Each organisation states that the training scheme is in accordance with IMCA M 117 – Guidelines for the Training and Experience of Key DP Personnel. This information note provides an outline of each scheme. It does
This content is only available to members.
IMCA COVID-19 update, 9 April 2020
This update collates the ongoing work of IMCA in tackling the many practical issues that have arisen as a result of lockdowns and travel restrictions. It also contains feedback from […]
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