Skip to content

Category: News

New IMCA Board member welcomed

IMCA welcomes Bruno Pinho, TechnipFMC to its Board. Bruno is Senior Vice President Vessel & Spoolbase Operations at TechnipFMC and is based in Houston, Texas. He began his career with TechnipFMC in 2011 as a Project Manager in Brazil. Since then, he has held various leadership roles across Global Sourcing & Procurement, Planning, Project Management and Manufacturing. He has worked worldwide, including in Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dunfermline, and Paris. In February 2024, he transitioned into his current role overseeing TechnipFMC’s newly formed Vessel & Spoolbase organisation. His responsibilities encompass the seamless execution of operations and products, managing a team

Showcase your leadership: IMCA Awards now open for entry 

We are delighted to share details of this year’s IMCA Awards which are now open for entry.   Celebrating outstanding and impactful projects from across our membership base in Safety, Sustainability, and – new for this year – on GHG emissions, this year’s winners will be announced on stage at the IMCA Global Summit in Utrecht, Netherlands on Tuesday 3 December 2024.  Commenting on the IMCA Awards announcement, Jim Cullen, Technical Director, IMCA said: “We’re excited to share the return of our Awards which are a great opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievement, promote innovative projects and approaches, and champion best-practice from

Integrity of DP Annual Trials at risk following non-compliance 

Following a number of reports of non-compliance with the Code of practice for developing and conducting DP annual trials programmes (IMCA M190), IMCA has shared a new Information Note reminding Members of the expectations contained in its Guidance.    The Code of Practice creates a framework for the proper documentation of issues identified during DP Annual Trials, which ensure the integrity and safety of DP systems. The correct classification of findings is essential to identifying potential deficiencies which could ultimately impact on future DP operations.  Commenting on the issues, Jim Cullen, Technical Director at IMCA, said: “Non-compliance with the code could

eCMID celebrates landmark with 1,000th AVI accreditation application 

IMCA and the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) are celebrating the 1,000th Accredited Vessel Inspector (AVI) accreditation application.  IMCA’s eCMID system provides the offshore energy industry with standardised vessel inspections. Since its introduction, the electronic Common Marine Inspection Document (eCMID) has reduced the frequency, while improving the quality and consistency, of inspections.   Undertaken by IIMS recognised independent AVIs, the digital inspection reports are uploaded to a searchable online database via an IMCA developed App. Vessel operators can also share comments and provide additional supporting information to demonstrate how any inspection findings have been addressed.  IMCA Contact Mark Ford Marine

Marine Biodiversity explored as IMCA joins Nature Positive Forum 

IMCA has shared new support around Biodiversity, with a detailed Information Note exploring the topic, as it joins the Nature Positive Forum.   The Information Note offers a holistic view on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) providing a starting point for Members looking to meet new expectations from clients and recently introduced rules and regulations from the UK government. It also shares links to further information on the topic.  Commenting on its publication, Mary Ntamark, Technical Adviser – Environmental Sustainability, said: “Drafted following Member requests for more support in this area, we’re delighted to share a detailed Information Note on Biodiversity Net

Key DP Personnel CPD App shortlisted for safety training award

IMCA is delighted to have been chosen for a prestigious Safety4Sea Award this year for its Key DP Personnel CPD App.  Shortlisted in the ‘maritime training’ category, the award recognises an organisation that has provided a “significant achievement or breakthrough” or made a “significant contribution”.  The IMCA Key DP Personnel CPD App is the most convenient and cost-effective way of meeting the Nautical Institute’s recently introduced Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. The App enables Dynamic Positioning (DP) Operators to maintain their knowledge and understanding of the latest recommended best practices with a convenient tool available across a variety of devices—phone,

Lifting & Rigging Seminar: High-value ropes and the new offshore environment

IMCA is delighted to share programme details for its Lifting & Rigging Seminar which takes place in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Thursday 12 September 2024. Sub-titled, ‘Exploring high value ropes in the new offshore environment’, the Seminar will once again welcome the world of lifting and rigging to explore the latest best-practice, thought leadership from the sector, and technological innovation. Organised by the industry, and for the industry, delegates will hear presentations from AMC, Boskalis, Bridon Bekaert, Clausthal University, Heerema, Huisman, TechnipFMC, SBM, LRM-NDE, and Usha Martin. Alongside ample opportunities to build connections and network with colleagues, delegates will also be

Chris Lemons to share his survival story immortalised by Netflix, at IMCA Global Summit

We are delighted to announce that Chris Lemons will be the keynote safety speaker at the IMCA Global Summit in Utrecht, Netherlands on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 December 2024. He’ll be sharing his survival story, immortalised in the critically acclaimed Netflix/BBC documentary Last Breath, which is being developed into a Hollywood movie starring Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu and Finn Cole. Chris Lemons said: “I’m delighted to be joining delegates at this year’s IMCA Global Summit in Utrecht. Our story is a real-life reminder of the importance of IMCA’s mission and the safety challenges of working offshore, and it will

“Why risk it, just click it”

IMCA Board member G+ has launched a new safety campaign to encourage personnel aboard Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) to wear seatbelts provided. ‘Why Risk It Just Click It’ features an online video and an accompanying series of posters which can be downloaded from their website. These have been made freely available to the industry for use. The posters and video have been developed following the publication of G+ Recommendations on CTV Seatbelts and the development of a CTV policy. IMCA Contact Kate Harvey Board Member Contact Error: Contact form not found. G+ Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation Download

New IP Code deadline approaches 

The International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) has been developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a mandatory code which enters into force on 1 July 2024.  The Code is intended to create the conditions for safe carriage of Industrial Personnel on ships and their safety during personnel transfer operations between the ship and offshore installations.  Industrial Personnel are defined as, ʺpersons who are transported or accommodated on board for the purpose of offshore industrial activities performed on board other ships and/or offshore facilities.ʺ  The IP Code is made mandatory through a new Chapter XV

Members demonstrate unwavering commitment to improving Safety

Annual safety figures compiled by IMCA show continuing positive offshore safety trends, as the hours recorded increased by more than 50% to 958 million hours, demonstrating Members’ ongoing commitment to improving safety. Key safety metrics registered improvements again this year, including the Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR), Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR), Safety Observation Frequency Rate (SOFR) and Fatal Accident Rate (FAR). The report also features comparative figures from stakeholder groups – including G+, IADC and IOGP – which allows for cross-sector comparisons. Split by business size, it also enables individual companies to benchmark their own performance with appropriately

Inadequate control on confined spaces highlighted in eCMID vessel inspection analysis

Analysis of more than 1,600 vessel inspection reports in year to 1 April 2024 reveals ongoing safety concerns over confined spaces. A new report from IMCA has analysed 1,611 standard vessel inspection reports uploaded to IMCA’s eCMID (Common Marine Inspection Documents) and eMISW (Common Marine Inspection Documents for Small Workboats) database in the previous year. The eCMID system provides the marine and offshore industry with standardised formats for vessel inspection. Offering a Safety Management System ‘health check’, it improves the quality and consistency of inspections, while reducing their frequency through the adoption of commonly recognised processes. IMCA Contact Mark Ford

IMCA donates £10,000 to Jason’s Beacon providing free Personal Locator Beacons to offshore workers

IMCA has donated £10,000/US$12,500 to a charity providing free Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) to offshore professionals working in US waters. PLBs are emergency rescue service aids which emit a signal allowing rescue workers to use GPS coordinates to find workers who are stranded at sea. The donation will enable Jason’s Beacon, a Texas based non-profit, to provide 35 beacons free of charge to verified offshore personnel working with US based companies. The charity was founded in 2021 by the family of Jason Willis Krell who tragically lost his life at sea in the Seacor Power Disaster on April 13, 2021,

Replay: DP Conference 2024

On Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 May, IMCA welcomed the world of Dynamic Positioning in Amsterdam to explore the latest trends, best-practice, and innovation with a focus on improving offshore safety. Commenting on the DP Conference 2024, Richard Purser, Technical Adviser – Marine said: “A huge thank you to everyone who made the Conference a success – from the speakers who gave up their time to present, to the delegates who came together in record numbers to explore the latest from IMCA and the industry in Dynamic Positioning. We hope you found the event engaging, informative and useful.” “We’re looking

Fuel Consumption data: Supporting our engagement at the IMO

We are reminding Members that our fuel consumption data collection initiative is open for 2023 data.   This supports IMCA’s work in assessing the most appropriate carbon intensity metric for the offshore sector and will allow us to engage the IMO and other bodies on the regulatory approach to reducing the sector’s GHG emissions.  Margaret Fitzgerald, Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs at IMCA said: “I’d like to thank vessel operator Members who have been supporting our fuel consumption data collection exercise over the past four years.”  “We’d urge Members to continue this support by submitting their fuel consumption data

We welcome two new hires to the Secretariat

Alongside the recent appointment of Lee Billingham, IMCA is pleased to share news of two new hires in the Secretariat, with Jennifer Evans joining the Marine team, and Lou Bendall joining as Head of People Experience. Jennifer Evans, Technical Adviser – Marine Jennifer started as a BP engineer cadet and qualified with an HNC in Engineering and a Combined Engine & Steam Class 4 Certificate of Competency. She was promoted up the ranks before gaining her Chief Engineer’s Class 1 Motor certificate of competency. She has a strong background in Marine and Dynamic Positioning having worked with a range of

New Director of Strategy and Energy Transition at IMCA

IMCA has appointed a new Director of Strategy and Energy Transition, Lee Billingham. Lee has over 20 years’ experience in the energy sector, most recently at Innovateer which supported businesses with strategy development, on scaling sustainable technology, and in developing and commercialising new products and services. Prior to this, he worked for bp in a range of leadership roles. This included working on early concept engineering for major projects and as a Subsea Technical Authority where he oversaw the introduction of new technology, including the company’s first AUV pipeline inspection. He also represented the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) at

What International Day for Women in Maritime means to me

Every year on 18 May the IMO marks the International Day for Women in Maritime and this year’s theme is “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety”.  As well as celebrating the contribution of women to the maritime industry, there are real safety concerns for women working at sea such as inadequate protective gear, greater risk of injury due to the physically demanding nature of maritime jobs, sexual harassment and assault and critically, isolation and mental health. The IMO’s Symposium, “Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety” will address these concerns by discussing ways we can

IMCA Global Summit: Programme announced

Early Bird tickets are now on sale for the IMCA Global Summit in Utrecht, Netherlands on 3 to 4 December 2024. Bringing our Members and the industry together to explore the major challenges we collectively face, the outline programme for our first global event since 2018 has been shared. With huge expectations to deliver the energy transition, while increasing energy security, our industry is facing a raft of challenges around the sustainability, safety,and people. The IMCA Global Summit’s programme has seven separate sessions, four workshops, three panel debates, and four high-profile keynote speakers. Commenting on the IMCA Global Summit programme

Regional round-up: Bringing our Members together

IMCA held three Regional Meetings in March as part of its IMCA Live programme of global events. IMCA’s Regional Meetings bring Members together to discuss industry issues, explore the latest in recommended best-practice from IMCA, and hear innovation and insight from external industry speakers. They also offer a great opportunity for Members to come together, network face-to-face, and meet IMCA’s technical and business development teams in person. Keep an eye on our regular newsletter Making Waves, on our LinkedIn channel, and on the IMCA website when new meetings are announced.Upcoming dates for your diary! Dubai (15 May) and Singapore (9

News Categories

News Archive