Safe Management of Survey and Inspection Data – new IMCA publication

Published on 19 June 2012

There is not a computer user alive who has not experienced the frustration of losing data – however, when talking about the safe handling and management of large volumes of valuable or significant survey and inspection data in the offshore industry, this escalates the problem from annoying to crucial and potentially costly. Technical developments have led to a rapid increase in the volume of data being collected, and more complex data handling via onboard networks. Data management strategies have changed to meet these new requirements and conditions.

The International Marine Contractors Association has published ‘Guidelines on the Safe Management of Survey and Inspection Data’ (IMCA S 020) to provide guidance designed to minimise or prevent unnecessary corruption and/or loss of data, and to help users understand how to safely handle large volumes of material.

“The real cost of corrupted or lost data on a project can be significant, particularly if any re-working is required. It is important that proper systems are in place to protect data and ensure it is safely archived and delivered to the end client or end user,” explains IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler. “The principles outlined in our new publication can be applied to any survey or inspection data, from acquisition phase to final end delivery and archiving, irrespective of the volume of data, project duration or complexity, and are intended to ensure data security and quality.”

Aimed at anyone involved in handling data, the new slim but invaluable volume, provides a high level consideration of some of the risks involved, and how to address and mitigate them. It has been written from a project perspective, addressing the various aspects of data management that can occur during the project lifecycle, from the preparation phase through to project completion.

The guidance is available for downloading free of charge for members and non-members alike from the IMCA website at legacy.imca-int.com; with additional; printed copies available at £2.50 for members and £5.00 for non-members (plus 20% for delivery outside Europe).

Copies can be ordered online or from publications@legacy.imca-int.com and from IMCA at 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU. Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 5520; Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 5521.