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Tag: Marine

Working at Sea: IMO review of STCW identifies new focus areas

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, is an international agreement which sets the standards of competence for seafarers internationally. The 1978 STCW Convention entered into force on 28 April 1984 and since then several revisions have taken place, with the last adopted in 2018.  The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has now started work on the long-awaited comprehensive review of both the Convention and Code. IMCA attended the meeting of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) in February 2024 and participated in the Working Group which was

New Guidance supports Members making the transition to digital data recording

As the pace of digitisation increases in our workplaces, IMCA has produced two new Guidance documents to support Members making the transition to online/digital approaches for the recording of skills, competences, and work experiences. Digital platforms are increasingly preferable to physical logbooks owing to the additional data they hold and the in-depth analysis of offshore work they unlock. They ensure records of training course completion can be kept, especially important given many roles require this for CPD, or can act as an online CV for individuals when moving onto new roles. Principles for data platforms for work and skills (digital

New recommended practice aims to improve safety in shallow waters

The rise of offshore wind means specialist vessels are increasing their activity in shallow waters. With this in mind, we have released Guidance which aims to support Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations in shallow waters. Recommended Practice for Shallow Water DP Operations (IMCA M263) expands on topics mentioned in previous IMCA Guidance, offering a broader understanding of DP operations in waters where more fixed assets can be found in condensed work areas and where the increased numbers of vessels can raise the risk of collision. M263 will assist land-based project managers to better understand time scales and processes and adjust expectations

New Code of Practice could save millions by preventing subsea cable failure

With some estimates putting the cost of subsea cable failure for Offshore Wind at more than £500 million in 2020, the average insurance claim worth more than £3 million, and an estimated 30% failure rate in any given year, IMCA has released a new Code of Practice to improve the installation of underwater power cables in offshore wind. The Code of Practice for Offshore Cable Laying in the Renewable Energy Industry (IMCA M264) addresses issues for the safe laying and terminating of offshore power cables to prevent damage, a significant challenge for offshore wind where rates of failure result in

Just one month to go until IMCA Lifting & Rigging 2023

The countdown is now on for our one-day Lifting & Rigging Seminar on Thursday 26 October 2023 in Amsterdam. This year’s event, the 11th in the series, focuses on “Lifting in the new offshore environment.” Over the years, it has generated a strong industry following due to an engaging line-up of prominent speakers, and this edition will be no different. It includes interactive Q&A sessions and practical technical workshops from offshore installation contractors, technology providers, academia, IMCA Members and the broader industry. Together, we will explore the challenges and opportunities in lifting and rigging. Curated by IMCA’s own Lifting &

eCMID and eMISW vessel inspection templates updated

IMCA has released updates to its eCMID system which is designed to provide the marine and offshore industry with standardised formats for vessel inspection. These include revisions of inspection templates to address changes to IMCA Codes of Practice and Recommended Practice, as well as IMO regulations and the latest user feedback. The updated templates feature new advice on closing meetings (also included in the revised IMCA M 167 – Guidance on the IMCA eCMID System), deal more closely with pilot ladder inspections, and include revisions to the DP supplement which rectify inconsistencies and issues fed back by industry experts. The

Safer DP Annual Trials as IMCA reviews M 190 and M 191 following industry collaboration

We have updated our Code of Practice for Developing and Conducting DP Annual Trials Programmes and the Code of Practice for DP Annual Trials for Mobile Offshore Drilling Units. The revisions were designed to strengthen industry practices and eliminate some of the less safe processes around Dynamic Positioning (DP) remote trials adopted gradually before the COVID-19 pandemic and inadvertently legitimised by it. The changes to IMCA M 190 and M 191 raise the standard of DP annual trials and enforce a more robust interpretation of IMCA guidelines. The updates are written in clearer, more definite language to discourage misinterpretation when

IMCA Lifting & Rigging Seminar 2023 is gearing for lift-off

Our one-day technical seminar exploring lifting and rigging returns to Amsterdam on Thursday 26 October 2023. This year’s event, the 11th in the series, focuses on “lifting in the new offshore environment”. As in previous years, the Seminar – which is curated by IMCA’s own Lifting & Rigging Committee – welcomes industry experts from all over the world to explore a high-quality programme, featuring the latest tools, training and technological advancements in the sector. With a focus on development and training, lift plan processes, monitoring and maintenance, attendees will hear from experts working at Boskalis, Bridon-Bekaert, Cranemaster, Delft University of

New Code of Practice boosts safety of offshore DP Operations

IMCA has updated key guidance relating to the training and experience of Key Dynamic Positioning (DP) Personnel. Reflecting recent industry developments, the changes to IMCA M 117 The Training and Experience of Key DP Personnel cover new requirements for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) while removing several ambiguities which had the potential for accidental or intentional misinterpretation. As a result of these improvements, the document has been regraded to a Code of Practice for IMCA Members, rather than recommended best-practice. This means that IMCA expects the highest-level of compliance on the updated content and approaches outlined in M 117 and reinforces

Module four launches on IMCA Key Personnel DP App

We are delighted to share details of the latest addition to our IMCA Key Personnel DP App, with a fourth module released focusing on field arrival trials, SIMOPS and laser position references. The update comes following the introduction of new rules by the Nautical Institute which require Dynamic Positioning Operators to demonstrate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) throughout their careers. The IMCA Key Personnel DP App is one means of ensuring that DP Operators can simply meet their new CPD requirements cost-effectively. An NI accredited scheme, it links directly to users’ profiles in the NI’s Alexis platform, providing ongoing proof of

IMCA panel explores sustainable contracts at Global Offshore Wind

IMCA is hosting a panel on sustainable contracting at Global Offshore Wind in London with guests from BP, GE Renewable Energy, and DEME Offshore, on Thursday 15 June at 1.15pm. The panel discussion, which will be compered by IMCA CEO Iain Grainger, will take place on day two of the UK’s largest dedicated offshore wind event. Joining him on stage will be Hugo Bouvy (Deme Offshore), Richard Haydock (BP), and Richard Huxley (GE Renewable Energy). Together the panel will discuss how the offshore and energy sectors can come together to collaboratively address the risk and cost challenges that offshore wind is facing around

Technical concerns in eCMID vessel inspection analysis

New in-depth analysis on IMCA’s industry vessel inspection programmes, eCMID (Common Marine Inspection Document) and eMISW (Common Marine Inspection Document for Small Workboats), reveals ongoing concerns around technical inspections, the controlled entry into confined spaces, cyber security, as well as defects to life-saving appliances. IMCA eCMID System Annual Report 2022/23 (M 262) analysed the 1,539 reports on vessel inspections undertaken and uploaded to the eCMID database between April 2022 and April 2023, finding common themes and areas of particular focus. Of the 761 eCMID inspections, around 10% did not have a technical inspection carried out by the vessel operator, 9%

DP Conference: Shaping the future of Dynamic Positioning

150 attendees from around the world joined IMCA in Amsterdam for the 2023 edition of its Dynamic Positioning conference. Bringing the industry together to hear from industry leaders, join in sector-wide discussions and debates, and receive the latest from IMCA on guidance and certification, our two-day annual conference is a great opportunity for attendees to shape the future of Dynamic Positioning. Across a full programme of high-profile industry speakers, interactive industry sessions and workshops, quickfire innovation presentations, as well as ample opportunities for professional networking, the Conference fostered a positive and collaborative culture driving the industry forward. Day one saw

IMCA DP Conference 2024

IMCA’s ever popular Dynamic Positioning (DP) Conference returns to the Steigenberger Hotel, Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam on Tuesday 21 to Wednesday 22 May 2024.  The two-day technical seminar welcomes the world of DP to explore the latest trends, best-practice, and innovation and underpinning this is a focus on improving offshore safety. Alongside a keynote address from IMCA CEO Iain Grainger, the two-day Conference showcases thought leadership and best practice from a range of organisations including the Nautical Institute, Petrobras, DNV, Subsea7, Valaris, Simwave and Kongsberg Maritime. It also features the latest thinking from IMCA on DP and Safety. Interactive workshops on

Subsea Cable Insurance Workshop

Offshore wind is set for exponential growth as the need for sustainable energy to tackle climate change accelerates. Analysts predict over $800bn will be allocated to new developments by 2030, but major challenges must be tackled if this expenditure is to succeed. The demand for new critical infrastructure to be installed is huge and subsea cables are central to meeting this, with hundreds of miles of export and inter-array cables required. With an estimated 80% of all insurance claims in offshore wind relating to cable failures, much more will need to be done in this space. This Global Underwater Hub

IMCA launches new industry awareness campaign

IMCA has launched a new industry awareness campaign following the introduction of new rules by the Nautical Institute (NI) which require Dynamic Positioning (DP) Operators to demonstrate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) throughout their careers. Commenting on the new rules, Captain John Lloyd, Chief Executive at the NI, said: “While our changes are being gradually introduced over the coming years as DP Operators revalidate their certificates, how the new CPD requirements are going to be met will need to be considered by Operators as soon as possible.” To support the industry in understanding these changes, and what it means in practice

Quickfire line up announced for IMCA’s DP Conference

IMCA’s Quickfire, Totally Technology Session provides an opportunity for businesses – often small and medium sized companies – to showcase their ideas and innovations to industry leaders in a lively, engaging and inspiring way.  A regular feature of IMCA’s event programme, we are delighted to share the companies that will be presenting at this year’s DP Conference which takes place in Amsterdam on 9-10 May 2023: CorePower Energy, with a presentation entitled “New nuclear for Maritime” Oceaneering will present their C-Nav LEO positioning solution. Onestep Power’s presentation explores their Designed for Validation (D4V) concept.  Sonardyne will present their SPRINT-Nav, Ship Position Reference System. The Switch will share their Semiconductor-based protection concept, which allows DP operations with closed bus ties in DC

Karen Davis, OCIMF is keynote speaker at DP Conference 2023

IMCA is delighted to announce the keynote speaker for its Dynamic Positioning (DP) Conference 2023, which takes place in Amsterdam on 9 and 10 May.   Karen Davis, managing director of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), will share her insights and experiences with delegates, exploring collaboration, safety and the direction of industry.  The Conference is aimed at those involved in offshore energy DP operations, both renewable and oil & gas, providing an opportunity for IMCA members and the wider industry to come together to explore technical and regulatory issues in DP. The outputs from the Conference will help formulate

IMCA welcomes workboats with new membership category

IMCA has introduced a new membership category enabling workboat owners and operators around the world to join the Association. The new category is uniquely for the owners and operators of small workboats – including crew transfer vessels, mooring assist vessels, and survey vessels – which are less than 500 gross tonnage and with a load line length of less than 24 metres. Workboat membership will provide companies with full access to IMCA’s offering, including its extensive technical library and the opportunity to participate in technical committees and specialist workgroups. Mark Ford, IMCA’s marine and quality manager commented: “The workboat community

Updates to IMCA’s eCMID and eMISW Inspection System

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) dedicated eCMID website at www.ecmid.com provides the marine and offshore industry with a wealth of information on what the eCMID and eMISW vessel inspection reports are, why they benefit the industry, how to use the database and inspection app, along with news on updates affecting the system. Over 1,500 vessels worldwide are currently covered by a live inspection report providing a safety management system health check for both operators and clients. The latest additions to the website embrace a new quality assurance process alongside updates to IMCA M 167 – Guidance on the IMCA

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