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Tag: Diving

Bryan McGlinchy set to retire as diving lead

After almost 12 years leading diving at IMCA, and more than 40 years working in the sector, Bryan McGlinchy will be retiring at the end of the year. Throughout his time with IMCA as Diving Manager, Bryan has had a huge impact on its Diving output and, through his work with IMCA and previously at the HSE in the UK, a positive impact on offshore performance and diving safety across the industry. IMCA Contact Iain Grainger CEO Contact Error: Contact form not found. Commenting on Bryan’s retirement, Iain Grainger, IMCA CEO said: “I’m sure everyone in the industry will join

Approved Diving System Inspector scheme progresses

IMCA has published two new Guidance documents to support the forthcoming Accredited Diving System Inspector (ADSI) scheme. Planned for release later in 2023, the scheme will become the industry-recognised professional accreditation for diving system inspectors. It also aims to improve the quality, professionalism and credibility of DESIGN diving system inspections – IMCA’s reference document for the equipment and set up required for safe diving operations. This will provide assurance that diving systems that have undergone a DESIGN inspection by an ADSI are both safe and fit for purpose. The ADSI scheme will be open to a range of personnel including

New diving guidance on subsea power cables

New guidance from IMCA has been published to support the increase in diving work related to offshore renewable energy projects and subsea power cables. While subsea power cables have been in use for many decades to provide electrical power to islands, offshore installations, and subsea plant and equipment, the demand for subsea power cables has significantly increased in recent years owing to a massive growth in offshore wind farm construction projects. IMCA D 079 Subsea Power Cables is intended to assist IMCA Members in the identification and mitigation of potential risks when planning their diving projects on, or in connection

Diving certificate forgeries discovered

During a routine review of recent diving contractor Membership applications, IMCA uncovered forgeries of UK HSE diving certificates, IMCA DMT certificates, and CSWIP 3.1U certificates. The certificates had several inconsistencies, including false serial numbers and duration validity irregularities, which led our experienced team of technical advisers to suspect their authenticity. IMCA’s concerns were brought to the attention of the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who confirmed that the submitted certificates bearing the Executive’s logo were, in fact, forged. As part of an IMCA diving contractor Membership application, companies are required to provide evidence that they can assemble an IMCA

New CPD requirements for Dutch air diving supervisors

Following negotiations with authorities in the Netherlands, IMCA has reached agreement for the use of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to recognise Dutch NDC-CI offshore diving supervisor certificates. Last year the UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) removed requirements for supervisors operating in UK waters to undertake an exam, and the examination was subsequently withdrawn. As a result, the previous route to certification – where Dutch candidates were able to convert their certificate by sitting the exam – is no longer available. The changes mean NDC-CI certificate holders are now required to complete CPD to the same standard as IMCA-certified diving

New guidelines for DP diving and umbilical management

IMCA is pleased to announce the publication of IMCA D 010 Rev. 4 Diving Operations from Vessels Operating in a Dynamically Positioned Mode and IMCA D 078 Guidance on Diving Umbilical Management. The two documents are closely related, and to conduct Dynamic Positioning (DP) diving operations safely, it is essential to follow the guidance contained in both publications. All sections of IMCA D 010 were closely reviewed during the revision process and the guidance now represents the latest industry thinking on the safe and effective management of DP diving projects. IMCA Contact Bryan McGlinchy Diving Manager Contact Error: Contact form

European Hyperbaric Technical Day

IMCA is presenting at a forthcoming major French diving event co-organised by SNETI, the French union of underwater contractors, and OPBTT, the Professional Organisation for the Safety of Building and Public Works. The European Hyperbaric Technical Day takes place on Thursday 29 June 2023 at the Centre de Formation Phoenix, Pleumeur-Bodou, Brittany, France. Bringing together commercial diving experts, including representatives from the offshore oil and gas and renewable energy sectors, the event will explore the importance of diving projects in France. It will also consider a range of safety, health, and training issues relevant to the wider European professional diving

Guidance on shallow water diving operations updated in Code of Practice

IMCA is pleased to share Revision three of its flagship guidance document on diving operations, the IMCA International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving (IMCA D 014). The revised guidance will be particularly helpful to those currently managing shallow water diving operations in the offshore wind industry. The latest revision clarifies the types of commercial diving activities covered by the Code, as well as introducing new guidance on therapeutic chamber availability where offshore diving operations inside territorial waters are conducted in less than 10m (33ft) of seawater. IMCA Diving Manager Bryan McGlinchy said: “Shallow water diving operations are sometimes undertaken

New IMCA Diving guidance on lost bell emergencies

IMCA has published new guidance on lost bell emergencies. IMCA D 077 – Guidance on prevention and mitigation of lost bell emergencies draw together the Association’s key advice on the subject into a single up-to-date guidance document. A potential significant risk when using closed diving bells is that the diving bell and its divers cannot be recovered, either because the main lift wire, secondary lift wire(s) and main umbilical are severed, or because the bell is trapped. Such an incident is referred to as a ‘lost bell’ if supplies of breathing gas or heating from the surface are lost.It is

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

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