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IMCA Focuses on Event Reporting plus DP & Offshore Wind Operations at the European DP Conference

Two members of the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Marine Technical Adviser team will be speaking at the European Dynamic Positioning (DP) Conference in London on 16 November. One will cover new findings related to IMCA’s DP event reporting system and the other will consider the ‘marriage’ between DP vessels and the offshore wind industry.  Richard Purser, who joined the IMCA Technical team earlier this year, will be speaking on ‘DP events and reporting – latest trends and influencing factors’; and Captain Andy Goldsmith, who combines his role as a Technical Adviser covering DP with a similar role for  Renewable Energy, follows him on the programme considering ‘What does DP mean for the offshore wind sector?’.  Richard Purser described what he will cover:  “Analysis

IMCA Speaking on Diving and Environmental Sustainability at NUI in Bergen

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) will be updating delegates at The Bergen International Diving Seminar, taking place 9-10 November on diving activities and on fulfilling environmental sustainability expectations.    On Day 1, Bryan McGlinchy, IMCA’s Diving Manager will be talking about the changes and expansion of the IMCA diving technical team and explaining the ongoing technical support to members as well as describing progress by the association since 2018 (when the last event was held). This embraces the revision work on the DESIGN suite of documents, the development of and the introduction of Accredited Diving System Inspector (ADSI) scheme and the work on the revision of the IMO Diving System Code, together with the routine work of revising IMCA’s library of diving guidance.  Technical Adviser – Diving, Peter Sieniewicz, will then speak about the introduction of the

IMCA and NI expand DPO App to Key DP Personnel

The Nautical Institute (NI) and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) continue to build on their Dynamic Positioning continuing professional development (CPD) app with the launch of a second module.  In response to industry demand in recent months, the scheme has now been expanded to include all key DP personnel.  The scheme, originally aimed at supporting Dynamic Positioning Operators, is designed to help all key DP personnel maintain their technical knowledge of the latest industry guidance and operational best practice. The app expands professional awareness of the latest IMCA/industry guidance; DP safety bulletins; DP exercises and training drills; and assists

IMCA reviews its Safety Interface Document for a DP vessel working near an offshore platform to apply to all industry sectors

The International Marine Contractors Association has revised IMCA M 125 Safety Interface Document for a DP vessel working near an offshore platform, as part of a continuous review of IMCA guidelines to ensure their relevance across all energy sectors. The 1997 guidelines were originally developed to assist the interfacing of the DP vessel’s safety management system (SMS) with the SMS of offshore installations and was primarily focused on manned structures in the oil & gas industry. The revision includes a subtle name change to address its application to both manned and unmanned structures: Safety Interface Document for a DP vessel

IMCA announces impressive line-up of industry experts for its Environmental Sustainability

The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Environmental Sustainability Committee has announced the full programme for an online technical and motivational seminar taking place on 28 September. Guest speakers from KPMG and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, Getting to Zero Coalition of the Global Maritime Forum, Basque Centre for Climate Change, Open Ocean Robotics, Vard Engineering and Duke University, are confirmed to present alongside members of IMCA’s Environmental Sustainability Committee. IMCA Contact Richard Purser Technical Adviser – Marine Contact Error: Contact form not found. IMCA Contact Andy Goldsmith Consultant – Marine Contact Error: Contact form not found. The event

IMCA forges N.American offshore wind contacts

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is successfully expanding its reach in the North American offshore wind sector thanks to its membership in the Business Network for Offshore Wind (BNOW), the organisation dedicated to building a network designed to usher the U.S. into the offshore wind market. IMCA’s network will undoubtedly expand thanks to its participation in BNOW’s International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF2021) In Richmond, Virginia 24-26 August. IMCA member companies are very active in the offshore wind industry globally, working at all development stages from feasibility studies to offshore construction. The overwhelming majority of offshore installations have been

IMCA to hold Environmental Sustainability Seminar on 28 September

The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Environmental Sustainability Committee will host an online technical, motivational seminar for members working on environmental sustainability and the energy transition on 28 September.   The event will focus on the key topics outlined in IMCA’s Recommended Code of Practice on Environmental Sustainability which was launched in May 2021. The programme agenda aims to enlighten, engage and inspire IMCA members, and other interested stakeholders, through interaction with leading experts to ensure alignment with global practice and thinking. Nadine Robinson, IMCA’s Technical Adviser – Environmental Sustainability considered the timeliness of the seminar: IMCA Contact Andy Goldsmith

IMCA launches new online facility for instant verification of certificates for safety-critical positions in the offshore industry.

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has launched a new online facility as part of the Association’s digital transformation programme which will enable members to access verification services 24 hours a day. It will cover all five certificate types currently issued; Air Diving Supervisor, Bell Diving Supervisor, Life Support Technician, DP Company Authority and DP Trials & Assurance Practitioner. New initiatives such as Accredited Diving System Inspectors will also benefit from the service. A search form is now available at for registered website users to check the status of any certificate provided to them by its holder. The existing option

IMCA shortlisted for 2021 Safety4Sea Initiative Award

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has been shortlisted for the 2021 Safety4Sea Initiative Award in recognition of the association’s ‘Safety Flash’ system which provides a fast and vital communication channel for the industry and helps prevent recurrence of situations by highlighting potential workplace incidents. This award category acknowledges any organisation or association that sparked, realised, or significantly contributed in any initiative fostering safer and sustainable shipping. This is the sixth consecutive year of the SAFETY4SEA Virtual Awards within the scope of fostering Safety Excellence & Sustainable Shipping. The voting process is split equally between an online public vote and

IMCA signs Gulf of Guinea Declaration on the Suppression of Piracy

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has become a signatory to the ‘Gulf of Guinea Declaration on the Suppression of Piracy’ drafted by a taskforce of stakeholders from across the shipping industry in response to growing concerns and increasing attacks in the region. The declaration has been signed by organisations across the maritime industry including flag state administrations, ship owners, charterers, and shipping associations representing all sectors of the industry.  IMCA has signed on behalf of the offshore marine contracting industry, as many of its members regularly work in the region and some have been subjected to attacks. A copy

Fuel Consumption: IMCA and its Members to play key role

As a result of a submission by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 76/5/3) in June 2021, the MEPC has granted IMCA authority to: 1 Collect fuel consumption data from IMCA members’ offshore vessels which fall within the scope of the mandatory requirement under Regulation 22A of MARPOL*, Annex VI and applies to all vessels of 5,000 gross tonnage and above.   2 Use this data to calculate the two proxies IMCA proposed in its submission to MEPC 74 (MEPC 74/6), and 3 Submit the calculations to IMO on behalf of its

IMCA Accredited Diving System Inspector Scheme in Development

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is currently developing its IMCA Accredited Diving System Inspector (ADSI) scheme which will introduce an industry-recognised professional accreditation for this important group of skilled workers. ADSIs will be accredited to conduct IMCA Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note (DESIGN) audits. As one of the final stages in development of the scheme IMCA is now asking for known, respected and experienced DESIGN auditors to be put forward for early ADSI certification so they can act as field training supervisors when the scheme is launched during 2022. IMCA Contact Margaret Fitzgerald Head of Legal & Regulatory

IMCA publishes AUV Audit Guidance Document in a bid to promote a common approach to the auditing of autonomous underwater vehicles

The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) newly published ‘AUV Audit Guidance Document’ (IMCA S 028) has been developed by members of the Offshore Survey Division Management Committee with a view to promote a common approach to the auditing of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and their associated support systems. While this document does contain some parallels with IMCA R 006 ROV Audit Guidance it also highlights technical guidance on the appropriate use of AUVs, for example, relating to the safe management of Lithium batteries. It is intended that IMCA S 028 will act as a framework for offshore contractors to form

Offshore Industry Group strongly supports IMO’s Day of the Seafarer and call for a fair future for Seafarers

The Offshore Industry Group comprising IADC, IAGC, IMCA, IOGP, ISOA (details below) strongly supports IMO’s designated Day of the Seafarer on 25th June commending the tremendous efforts and sacrifices of seafarers and personnel working in the offshore energy sector who remain critical to ensuring that the world has access to food, medicine, energy and other supplies at this challenging time for society. In recognition of this contribution, the Group encourages its’ collective membership to sound their horns at 12 noon local time.The Industry Group has collaborated, throughout the pandemic, in urging IMO Member States to address the significant challenges faced

IMCA supports Day of the Seafarer

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) celebrates the Day of the Seafarer on 25 June 2021 and urges all its Members and those associated with the offshore marine contracting industry, as operators, clients, or providers of services, to recognise the efforts of seafarers and the role they play in the industry. IMCA recognises that hundreds of thousands of seafarers, and many offshore energy workers continue to face personal difficulties being stranded, away from home for months on end, unsure when they will be able to return to their families.   Margaret Fitzgerald, Head of Marine Policy and Regulatory Affairs stated:

IMCA Marine Technical Expertise Enhanced

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is pleased to announce that Richard Purser has joined the team as Technical Adviser – Marine. Richard Purser brings 25 years’ experience in the marine engineering industry as Chief Engineer in the operation and maintenance of modern Dynamically Positioned (DP) vessels, power plants, auxiliary equipment, and DP systems. Richard worked for DNV as Senior Principal Marine Engineer for a number of years and has a wealth of DP and Marine Engineering knowledge which will enhance IMCA’s technical expertise. IMCA Contact Margaret Fitzgerald Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs Contact Error: Contact form not found. Mark

Webinar: Remote observation & technology driven assurance

Registration is open for the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) joint Asia-Pacific and Middle East & India webinar taking place on 23 June (start time 0800BST). The event, hosted by both IMCA’s Asia-Pacific and IMCA’s Middle East & India Regional Committees, focuses on current and topical issues and provides an opportunity for IMCA members to hear the latest on the work of IMCA alongside guest speakers. As Nick Hough, Technical Adviser at IMCA explained: IMCA Contact Nicholas Hough Consultant – Safety and Security Contact Error: Contact form not found. “Our Chief Executive, Allen Leatt will open the webinar with a

IMCA Publishes Guidelines on the use of GNSS for Tide Calculations

The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) newly published ‘Guidelines on the use of GNSS for tide calculations’ (IMCA S 027) provides an overview of how Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) can assist in more accurate real-time direct measurement of tidal changes.   IMCA S 027 includes sections on tide theory; geodetic reference systems and tidal datums; tides from GNSS; quality assurance and quality control; as well as a useful glossary, plus references and a list of further reading which includes the recently revised IMCA S 015 – ‘Guidelines for GNSS positioning in the Oil and Gas industry’ produced with IOGP.

Recommended Code of Practice on environmental sustainability

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) today launched its Recommended Code of Practice on Environmental Sustainability. This Code was developed by its Members through IMCA’s committee governance structure and sets expectations for the marine contracting industry in managing key environmental and climate topics associated with offshore marine construction. IMCA Contact Allen Leatt Chief Executive Contact Error: Contact form not found. IMCA Contact Nadine Robinson Technical Adviser – Environmental Sustainability Contact Error: Contact form not found. IMCA’s CEO, Allen Leatt explained “IMCA started its environmental sustainability journey with its members four years ago. Since then a great deal of ground work

IMCA eCMID System Updates – May 2021

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published the latest set of updates to its eCMID vessel inspection system, which offers a safety management system health check for offshore vessels. Changes to inspection templates The system includes two templates – the main eCMID (Common Marine Inspection Document) format and the eMISW for inspecting smaller workboats – and both have been updated this month. The latest annual review of the documents identified some minor editorial improvements, with more substantial changes described below.Two new optional supplements have been added to both documents. The first covers compliance with the International Code of Safety