IMCA unveils simplified membership structure to strengthen Member value and industry engagement

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has announced a new membership structure that will take effect from January 2027, introducing a simpler, more transparent framework designed to strengthen Member engagement, improve Members’ access to IMCA’s technical resources, and better support the evolving needs of the offshore energy industry.

The changes form part of IMCA’s 2030 strategy – to be formally unveiled at this year’s Global Summit – and follow extensive consultation with Members, including feedback received through the 2025 Membership Survey. 

"These updates are a deliberate move to reduce complexity and build a membership structure fit for the future," said Jo Deal, Head of Member Engagement at IMCA. 

"Our industry is evolving, and IMCA's membership model must evolve with it. The new structure makes membership easier to understand, provides greater flexibility, and creates more opportunities for Members to engage with the technical work and expertise that make IMCA unique."

At the heart of the changes is a streamlined membership framework that replaces multiple sub-categories with four clearly defined membership categories:

• Contractor
• Supplier
• Training Provider
• Energy Company

The simplified model makes it easier for organisations to identify the most appropriate membership route while creating a more consistent and scalable structure for the future.

Contractor, Supplier, and Training Provider Members will continue to be voting Members with strong representation in IMCA's governance and technical activities.

The revised framework also introduces clearer and more predictable fee structures, particularly for contractor Members, who will be classified as Global, International, Regional, or Small based on the scale and geographical reach of their operations.

One of the most significant benefits for Members is access to IMCA's technical resources.

From 2027, IMCA will continue to operate through its four core technical Divisions: Diving, Dynamic Positioning (DP), ROV and Survey. However, for administrative purposes these will be grouped into two new broader membership Groups: Diving and Marine.

The Marine group will encompass DP, ROV, and Survey activities, providing Members with access to technical documents and resources across all three divisions. At present, Members can only access technical documents from the Divisions they pay their membership for, so this gives marine Members much greater access to documents than they do currently.

In addition, all Members of both Marine and Diving groups will retain access to IMCA's cross-divisional resources, currently covering Safety, Security, Lifting and Rigging, Decarbonisation, Sustainability, Offshore Wind, Marine Policy and Regulatory Affairs, and Legal, Contracts, and Insurance, as well as new initiatives focused around autonomy.

The new structure also widens access to IMCA membership for parts of the offshore community that have traditionally found it more difficult to engage.

A new Associate membership category will be available to:

•    Independent consultants and sole traders operating as registered companies,
•    Academic institutions and research organisations undertaking commercial research activities.

Associate Members will be able to join one or both groups, participating in one or more technical divisions as required, and gain access to technical documents relevant to their chosen areas of activity.

The move recognises the important contribution that researchers, academics, and specialist consultants make to advancing safety, innovation, and operational excellence across the offshore sector.

At the same time, IMCA will now provide dedicated pathways for smaller contractors and start-up businesses, ensuring organisations at all stages of development can benefit from membership and industry engagement. Small contractors will be assessed on application for contractor membership and awarded this slightly lower priced membership category if appropriate, on application.

Launched in April, IMCA Partnerships is an initiative designed to enhance and formalise IMCA's strategic relationships with key stakeholders across the offshore energy sector. 

IMCA Partnerships will be offered by invitation to organisations with whom IMCA has shared objectives, recognising the value that closer cooperation with key stakeholders generates for IMCA Members.  

In doing so, it will strengthen alignment around shared priorities that fall within IMCA’s mission: to advocate for technical excellence and standardisation, support a safe, skilled, and diverse workforce, and advance sustainability and operational efficiency in offshore activities. 

IMCA Partnerships replace the current ‘Associate’ Member’ category. IMCA is conducting a review of all its existing partners, and those with strong strategic alignment will be invited to transition to the IMCA Partnerships category during 2026 and 2027.

Affiliate membership will be replaced by a simpler, clearer structure, with additional certificates of membership available to eligible Members. The new system will be fair and consistent, with recognition based on how an organisation operates, not on ownership or group affiliation, so the same principles apply to everyone.

Existing affiliates will be transitioned to the new arrangements for the 2028 membership year, but new applicants from 1 Jan 27 will be considered against the new guidelines.

Full details will be shared well ahead of 2028 to give existing Members adequate time to review their options and how best to proceed to make the best of the benefits offered to IMCA Members.

The membership changes will be introduced from January 2027, with further details and implementation guidance shared with Members well in advance.

While the membership framework is changing, the elements Members value most will remain – they will continue to participate in the technical disciplines that define their activities and expertise, maintain or increase their access to the technical resources relevant to their operations, and have greater opportunities to influence the industry's future direction through IMCA's Committees, special interest groups, and governance structures.

Jo Deal said: “IMCA’s 2030 strategy will place membership at the centre of IMCA's future. These changes provide stronger representation, clearer routes to engagement, and greater opportunities for Members to shape the work of the association and the future of the offshore industry.” 

For any questions relating to IMCA’s new membership structure, please contact [email protected].