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Tag: Diving

Thirteenth unit launched for Diving Supervisor CPD App

IMCA has launched a thirteenth unit for its well-respected Diving Supervisor CPD App. The App, which initially launched in 2020, is aimed at facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which became mandatory for certified IMCA Diving Supervisors in January 2021. Designed to enable supervisors to easily demonstrate that appropriate CPD has been completed, it is available on both Apple and Android phones and tablet devices. For those working at sea, or with poor data connections, the content including interactive tutorials can be downloaded to be completed offline.Commenting on its publication, Bryan McGlinchy, Diving Manager at IMCA, said: “We’re delighted to share

Guidance on the provision, acceptance and handling of breathing gases for diving

A newly published document – ‘Guidance on the provision, acceptance and handling of breathing gases for diving’ IMCA D 075 – from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) aims to raise awareness of the issues that industry has faced when procuring breathing gases used for diving. As Bill Chilton, IMCA Technical Adviser – Diving, explained “Over the years there have been a number of incidents where divers have been injured or even killed during the course of their work after being supplied with incorrect breathing mixtures.  Following recent incidents of this nature IMCA was asked by industry to assist in

Guidance on protecting divers during underwater excavations

A newly published document – ‘Guidance on Underwater Excavation Works Involving Divers’ IMCA D 074 – from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) aims to raise awareness of the hazards associated with subsea excavation works and, in particular, the significant risks to divers who engage in such work. As Bill Chilton, IMCA Technical Adviser – Diving, explained “Over the years there have been many incidents where divers have been trapped, injured, or killed either by direct contact with excavation equipment or by collapses while working inside various types of excavations below seabed level. Recent accidents have highlighted the need for

Major revision of key IMCA diving system guidance

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has fully revised and updated the principal documents within its DESIGN (Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note) suite of documents which includes: IMCA D 018 Rev. 2 Code of practice for the initial and periodic examination, testing and certification of diving plant and equipment; IMCA D 024 Rev. 3 DESIGN for saturation (Bell) Diving Systems; IMCA D 063 DESIGN for Hyperbaric Rescue Unit (HRU) Life Support Packages (LSP) IMCA D 023 Rev. 2 DESIGN for Surface Orientated (Air) Diving Systems. IMCA Contact Bryan McGlinchy Diving Manager Contact Error: Contact form not found. Together these

IMCA publishes Marine Explosive Ordnance Operations Logbook

The International Marine Contractors Association has published a ‘Marine Explosive Ordnance (MEO) Operations Logbook’ (Logbook 018) for use by all MEO operatives, including divers, diving supervisors, MEO supervisors and other personnel who wish to record their involvement in MEO subsea activities. The logbook is designed to be used by MEO operatives to log, in detail, the exact work they carry out, such as survey, identification, and disposal activities. Instructions on how to use the logbook are set out in explanatory notes. There are separate sections for recording details of examinations and certifications held; training courses attended; and individual MEO field

Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination to the Offshore Diving Community Stressed

The Diving Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC) has issued new a position statement on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for offshore divers. DMAC’s statement at www.dmac-diving.org/guidance/DMAC-Statement-202110.pdf makes it clear that the known risks of COVID-19 illness and its related, possibly severe complications, far outweigh the potential risks of having an extremely rare serious adverse reaction to vaccination. DMAC strongly recommends that offshore divers and diving personnel follow national recommendations for primary vaccinations and booster doses; and that: “diving contractors wishing to control risks as far as reasonably practicable should take account of this, within the applicable legislative framework”. IMCA’s CEO Allen

IMCA Expands its Diving Expertise

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is pleased to announce that Bill Chilton has joined the team as Technical Adviser – Diving. Bill has 25 years of experience in the commercial diving industry. He joins IMCA having worked at the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for 12 years as a Diving Specialist Inspector regulating the safety of divers working in the offshore energy and other sectors of the diving industry. At the HSE Bill also worked as a decommissioning specialist when he was seconded for a period to the decommissioning team.  Prior to his time at the HSE, Bill

IMCA Sponsors Sat Divers in Ultimate Endurance Challenge

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is supporting The Bubbleheads, a team of four divers, as they embark on a major challenge to row across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera in the Canary Isles to Antigua in the Caribbean in the 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2021 to raise money for the Wessex Cancer Trust and the British Legion. IMCA has long supported deep sea saturation divers and their work, providing guidance to ensure safe operations. Allen Leatt, IMCA Chief Executive stated We fully respect and support the worthy charitable background and nature of this endeavour. “As long-serving saturation

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

Bergen International Diving Seminar

Keeping diving relevant for the future IMCA will once again participate in this highly relevant and popular Diving Seminar with presentations and attendance from our diving experts, Peter Sieniewicz and Bryan McGlinchy. This year we also have pleasure in sharing insight into our newly published Recommended Code of Practice on Environmental Sustainability with Erik Bergh, Group HSEQS Director, DeepOcean, speaking on behalf of IMCA’s Environmental Sustainability Committee. IMCA is proud to support this internationally renowned seminar which brings together diving specialists from around the world. Booking details are available on the official event website. Event Information Schedule: 9 November from

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 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 Bryan McGlinchy Diving Manager Contact Error: Contact

Information Notes 1565 and 1566

Accredited Diving Inspector Scheme  Currently in Development IMCA has recently published two Information Notes relating to a new scheme for IMCA Accredited Diving System Inspectors, which is in the process of being developed and will launch in 2022. However this scheme requires the input of existing experienced DESIGN auditors to become Experienced Practitioners and therefore IMCA is inviting nominations for this element by 30 September 2021. Information Notes 1565 and 1566 explain the process and objectives of the scheme.   Information Note 1565 This information note is intended to make IMCA Diving Division members and other stakeholders aware that the Association is

British Health & Safety Executive Offshore Diving Inspection Guide 2021 for External Consultation

The Diving at Work Regulations 1997 apply to energy industry diving operations within the territorial sea adjacent to Great Britain and any designated area within the UK continental shelf.  The Health and Safety Executive is the regulator of health and safety law for this, and related, legislation. The latest Offshore Diving Inspection Guide produced by the HSE is available for external consultation. The Inspection Guides are made available to duty holders who may find them a useful aid. The HSE’s closing date for responses/feedback is Tuesday 20 July 2021.  If you have any comments on the Diving Inspection Guide please enter them into

IMCA publishes Guidance for Surface Swimmers

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published a new guidance document ‘Surface Swimmers’ (IMCA D 066). Historically surface swimmers have been used to complete a variety of offshore work tasks in the field and this new guidance provides firm recommendations for matters to be considered when planning surface swimming operations; PPE for the surface swimmer and the standby swimmer; limitations on surface swimming; operational planning; operational support; and, very importantly, information on when and where surface swimmers should not be used. As Phil Towers, IMCA’s Technical Adviser – Diving and Lifting, explained: IMCA Contact Phil Towers Technical Adviser –

Podcast on diving gas supply incident reporting

Technical Adviser, Ali Macleod explains the rationale and practicalities covered in IMCA Information Note 1559 on Diving Gas Supply Incident Reporting. The diving industry is in a highly vulnerable position should mix-ups or other errors in the provision of diving gases occur. Divers breathe life-supporting gases at high pressures. If the wrong gases are delivered to diving contractors by diving gas supply companies, and incorrect gas mixtures are then provided to divers in chambers or in the water, the consequences may quickly be very serious. IMCA Contact Ali Macleod Technical Adviser – Diving Contact Error: Contact form not found. In

IMCA supports International Anti-Corruption Day – 9 December 2020

The International Marine Contractor’s Association (IMCA) recognises and supports the United Nations (UN) International Anti-Corruption Day which falls on 9 December. This year’s campaign entitled “Recover with integrity” aims to raise awareness of the risks of the increased potential for bribery and corruption brought about by, for instance, any  changes in government funding, trading volumes, and other activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The UN included a statement in its campaign: “that all governments, businesses, civil society and all stakeholders – must resolve to work together to promote accountability and end corruption and bribery.” International Anti-Corruption Day is an

IMCA’s Diving Supervisors’ CPD App to be made mandatory from 2021 – fourth 2020 Knowledge Unit now available

In launching the fourth knowledge unit for its App-based Diving Supervisors’ continuing professional development (CPD) scheme, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has issued a reminder that the scheme will be mandatory from early 2021. The App incorporates the latest in training techniques to support Diving Supervisors in keeping up to date with current safety information and guidelines from IMCA. Bryan McGlinchy, IMCA’s Diving Manager said: I urge IMCA Diving Supervisors who have yet to register for the CPD scheme to act now. Visit our website, complete the simple registration process, download the App and complete the four knowledge units

Register for IMCA’s Diving CPD

Register for IMCA’s app-based continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for diving supervisors, which incorporates the latest in training techniques to support diving supervisors in keeping up to date with current information and guidelines from IMCA. Register here The scheme is currently voluntary and free to all IMCA certified supervisors with applications being accepted from both Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC) and Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) supervisors as well About the App and Scheme The app is user friendly and can be used across many mobile devices and operating systems, on or offline, allowing users the flexibility of choosing when and

New Module for IMCA’s Diving CPD

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) launches the third module for its App-based continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for Diving Supervisors on 1 September. The App incorporates the latest in training techniques to support Diving Supervisors in keeping up to date with current information and guidelines from IMCA. The new module Module three is now available and covers the following areas: Trapped Diver umbilical in incidents Management of Change Hat Hygiene Diving Physics Decompression Illness (DCI) Bell Batteries Module four is scheduled for launch in December this year. The number of users has grown from the initial 250 at launch

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