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IMCA publishes guidance on operational activity planning

Published on 10 December 2012

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published Guidance on Operational Activity Planning (IMCA M 220) to provide a brief overview of tabulated methods that are increasingly being used in the planning and execution of offshore marine vessel projects and routine offshore support activities.

“Operational activity planning applies to all sectors of offshore marine operations, including offshore drilling, project and construction vessels and offshore supply vessels,” explains IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler.”Although usually applied to dynamically positioned (DP) vessels, the processes described in our new guidance can be used for non-DP vessels.”

She adds that”operational activity planning comprises three processes: critical activity mode (CAMO), task appropriate mode (TAM) and activity specific operating guidelines (ASOG).”

The new guidance on operational planning defines:

  • The vessel’s systems/equipment configuration appropriate to the location and the activity the vessel is undertaking (CAMO or TAM)
  • variable limits in equipment and operational parameters for the location and specific activity (ASOG)
  • actions to be taken by the DP operator (DPO) in response to faults and deteriorating conditions and performance identified in the CAMO, TAM and ASOG

It presents the guidance to the DPO in a user-friendly tabular format, and the approach produces a brief document which provides a cross reference for relevant vessel personnel such as the DPO, driller, diving superintendent, bridge, etc.

The document can be downloaded free of charge by members and non-members alike from the IMCA website at legacy.imca-int.com. Printed copies can be purchased from the association at £5.00 for members and £10.00 for non-members via the website, or from publications@legacy.imca-int.com or from IMCA at 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU, UK. Tel; +44 (0)20 7824 5520; Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 5521.