IMCA Approval of ROV Introductory Training Courses

IMCA is introducing a new scheme for approval of ROV Introductory Training courses on 1 January 2023.

Members providing ROV training will be obliged to apply for and obtain approval as a condition of membership.

1 Background

For some years, there have been false ROV certificates in circulation claiming to be from, or authorised by, IMCA. Recently, the number of these false certificates being reported has increased.  Until now, IMCA has never authorised or approved any ROV courses, but is now introducing this scheme to address the above concerns.

This initiative is based on the contents of IMCA R 002, newly retitled “Requirements for IMCA-Approved ROV Introductory Training Courses”.  The intention of this new scheme is to ensure that:

• The introductory ROV course is based on a clear set of learning objectives, as laid out in R 002 Section 6;
• New entrants to the industry have an appropriate technical background and meet the minimum requirements, as laid down in R 002 Section 5, prior to embarking on the course;
• A baseline syllabus, ensures that specific knowledge areas are covered adequately in the introductory course, as laid out in R 002 Section 6.2, as modules 1 to 3.  This can be adapted by companies or training establishments to suit particular requirements;
• The industry has a verifiable standard in place.
• Successful completion of the course qualifies the applicant to undertake more advanced ROV training and start the competence process, set out in tables R04 and R14 of IMCA C 005 “Guidance on Competence Assurance and Assessment – Remote Systems & ROV Division”.

Data on successful completion of the course will be submitted to IMCA by training providers, enabling the industry to verify the credentials of individuals entering the industry.

Approved courses will be listed on the IMCA website at www.imca-int.com/trainingcourses.

2 Membership Requirements

Only IMCA members in the training provider or Contractor (GCo/ICo/Co) categories are eligible to seek course approval.

Training provider members engaged in ROV training will be required to seek and obtain course approval as a condition of their continuing IMCA membership.

Companies offering ROV training courses must apply for course approval by 31 March 2023 and complete the assessment procedure during 2023 in order to remain an IMCA member.

3 Assessment Procedure

The process will be set out in IMCA G 010 – IMCA Assessment Procedure for Training Course Approval, due for publication next week, which refers to R 002 for the course-specific detail.  In summary, the audit process consists of two phases:

• An initial desktop audit, where requested documents will be inspected to highlight any potential shortfalls;
• A physical on-site audit, carried out by IMCA assessors to review the course delivery and facilities.
• An initial application fee is required but ongoing revalidation costs will be absorbed into annual membership renewal fees, as follows:
• Application fee: £1250 (reduced in 2023 for existing IMCA members from £2000 paid by new applicants);
• Annual membership fee in the relevant training provider category: £2750;
• On-site audit expenses (travel, accommodation, and subsistence) charged at cost +5%.
• The total membership and audit cost in 2023 will therefore be £4000, reducing to £2750 in 2024 (subject to the regular annual review of subscription rates).

4 Further Information

For more information, please contact:

• Technical/course content enquiries – [email protected];
• Membership/application process – [email protected].

Or apply online: www.imca-int.com/membership/apply.