About the Changes

These membership changes are the result of a structured review of Member feedback and form part of IMCA's Strategy 2030. The core principle is straightforward: a simpler, more transparent membership structure that better serves a rapidly evolving offshore energy industry.

IMCA is moving to a simplified Group-based structure to make membership easier to understand and administer, while ensuring members continue to receive access to the resources and benefits relevant to their operations. 

The new structure will take effect from 1 January 2027 and will be reflected in your 2027 membership renewal, which will be invoiced in November as per previous years. 

No. IMCA will automatically update your membership records and apply the changes to your 2027 renewal. 

Understanding Groups, Divisions and Certification

From 2027, IMCA membership will be organised into two Groups:
•    Diving Group
•    Marine Group
Within these Groups are the operational disciplines (Divisions) that members currently recognise, including:
•    Diving
•    Marine
•    Offshore Survey
•    ROV
The Group determines the resources and benefits available to your organisation, whilst Division recognition reflects the disciplines your organisation is formally recognised within by IMCA. 

The Marine Group incorporates:
•    Marine
•    Offshore Survey
•    ROV
This allows members within the Marine Group to access a broader range of guidance, publications, resources and industry information. 

Recognition within a Division means your organisation has been accepted by IMCA within that specific operational discipline and may be reflected on your membership certificate where applicable. 

Under the new structure, some members will gain access to additional resources and information through their Group membership.

However, access to resources does not automatically mean your organisation is formally recognised within that Division or that it will appear on your membership certificate. 

Membership Benefits and Access

No. Existing Members will continue to receive access to the guidance documents, publications, technical resources, committees, events, safety information and member services available through their current membership. 

No. Existing Division recognition will continue where applicable under the new membership structure.

Many Members will gain access to additional resources through the broader Group structure, including access to relevant guidance, publications and information from related disciplines. The specific access available will depend on your current membership profile. 

Your existing access will continue. Members gaining access to additional disciplines through their Group membership may also receive access to additional documents and resources. 

No changes to member logins or access arrangements are currently anticipated as a result of the Group structure changes. Should any access changes become necessary, IMCA will communicate directly with members.(IMCA proposed wording)

Membership Certificates

Your existing membership certification status will continue under the new structure and will reflect your recognised membership disciplines. 

Any certificate updates will be issued through IMCA's normal renewal processes where applicable.

No. Access to resources through a Group membership does not automatically add a discipline to your Membership Certificate. 

No. Access to guidance, resources and publications is separate from formal recognition within a Division. 

Please contact the Membership Team. We will be pleased to discuss the relevant requirements and application process. 

Yes. Organisations must satisfy the relevant membership requirements before a Division can be formally added to their Membership Certificate. 

Membership Fees

Following the September IMCA Board meeting, a 3% increase in membership fees for 2027 was approved.

Your 2027 membership fee will be communicated as part of the renewal process and accompanying membership fee information published by IMCA. 

Membership Scenarios

You will become a member of both the Diving Group and Marine Group while retaining recognition within the Offshore Survey and ROV divisions. Your existing benefits and access will remain unchanged. 

You will gain access to Offshore Survey resources through the Marine Group whilst retaining recognition within the ROV Division. 

You will continue to be recognised within Offshore Survey and ROV and gain access to Marine Division resources through the Marine Group. 

You will become a member of the Marine Group while retaining recognition and access across all your current disciplines. 

You will gain access to Offshore Survey-related resources through the Marine Group.

You will gain access to ROV-related resources through the Marine Group. 

You will gain access to Marine Division resources and activities through the Marine Group. 

You will gain access to Offshore Survey and ROV guidance, resources and publications through your Marine Group membership.

You will gain access to Marine and Offshore Survey resources through your Marine Group membership. 

You will gain access to Marine and ROV resources through your Marine Group membership. 

Renewals and Company Information

To help ensure your 2027 renewal is processed efficiently and that IMCA's records remain accurate and up to date. 

Please review and confirm the information requested within the renewal preparation form, including organisational and contact details where applicable. 

Please update the information through the form provided so IMCA can maintain accurate records and ensure renewal documentation is issued correctly. 

Further Information

Who should I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding:
•    The new Group structure
•    Membership certification
•    Division recognition
•    Resource access
•    Membership fees
•    Additional disciplines
•    Your 2027 renewal,

please contact the IMCA Membership Team. We will be happy to discuss your specific circumstances and explain how the changes apply to your organisation.

Quick Reference Summary

Question

Short Answer

Do I need to do anything?

No, IMCA will update your membership automatically.

Am I losing any benefits?

No.

Will I keep my existing Division recognition?

Yes.

Will my certificate automatically show new disciplines?

No.

Can I access additional Guidance and resources?

In many cases, yes.

Can I formally add a new Division?

Yes, subject to meeting IMCA requirements.

Are membership fees increasing?

A 3% increase was approved for 2027.

Who can help if I have questions?

The IMCA Membership Team.

We may use anonymised cookies for some functionality on this site. With your consent, we would also like to use tracking to improve our online offering. Find out more.