Skip to content

IMCA annual seminar breaks all records – the 'sold out' sign goes up!

With over a week to go before the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Annual Seminar takes place at London’s Landmark Hotel, it has already broken all previous records, with over 500 delegates from 30 countries registered. Additionally it has nine sponsoring organisations, 34 exhibiting companies, and the seminar is endorsed by 14 organisations. “We are delighted to have reached the 500-mark and have now reached capacity so put up the ‘SOLD OUT’ sign,” says Chris Charman, the association’s Chief Executive. “We certainly have a highly relevant and topical theme in ‘Where next for the offshore marine industry’ and a superb

IMCA signs agreement with China's CDSA

During meetings held at the China International Diving, Salvage and Offshore Summit 2014, a Cooperation Framework Agreement was signed between the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI), and the China Diving & Salvage Contractors Association (CDSA). “Working together we have one overall aim,” says Jane Bugler, IMCA’s Technical Director, who spoke at the Summit.”Safety is of paramount importance, and sharing knowledge and working at a strategic level can only help to ensure ours is an ever-safer and more global efficient industry. “We are delighted that Mr. Daiji Zhang, Executive Vice President of CDSA will

Where next for the offshore marine industry? Including information from exhibitors on what they will be featuring

This year’s International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Annual Seminar (Landmark Hotel, London, 19-20 November) has as its theme ‘Where next for the offshore marine industry?’ and focuses on the initiatives being employed to improve performance across all IMCA’s technical divisions – Marine, Diving, Offshore Survey and Remote Systems & ROV – as well as IMCA’s core activities – Competence & Training and Safety, Environment & Legislation and offers the opportunity to discuss and debate the initiatives throughout the two days. “It will also, as always, enable our speakers, delegates, sponsors, endorsing companies and exhibitors to contribute to the important discussions

IMCA reaches membership milestone

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) now has over a thousand member companies involved in offshore, marine and underwater engineering in more than 60 countries, delivering major offshore construction projects from arctic to equatorial waters. “This is an important ‘membership milestone’ for us, and for our members,” says Chris Charman, the association’s Chief Executive.”Ours is an impressive industry, collectively our members employ some 350,000 people and have an annual turnover of around $150bn. They work in all the world’s major offshore areas, delivering major offshore oil and gas and marine renewables projects around the globe that quite literally fuel the

IMCA issues revised version of key diving plant and equipment code

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has produced a revised version of ‘Code of Practice for The Initial and Periodic Examination, Testing and Certification of Diving Plant and Equipment’ (IMCA D 018 Rev. 1). The revision has taken place as part of the overall review of the DESIGN (Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note) documents (IMCA D 023, 024, 037, 040) in 2013/14. “Just as the name of the document implies, this code addresses the initial and periodic examination, testing and certification of all diving plant and equipment as utilised within the offshore diving industry,” explains Jane Bugler, IMCA’s Technical

IMCA launches 'Working in Confined Spaces' DVD

More people die or are injured in enclosed spaces than through any other related onboard work activity – this despite numerous guidelines, safety regimes, operational procedures, manuals and assurance surveys. One of the most public ‘confined space’ disasters was that of the Apollo 1 capsule on 27 January 1967. At 6.30pm that evening one of the astronauts reported a fire in the cockpit. All three – Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee – were dead in less than 20 seconds. Another incident took place when an employee of an oil facility climbed down a ladder into an innocent-looking water

IMCA revises saturation (bell) diving systems inspection guidance

The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA)Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note (DESIGN) for Saturation (Bell) Diving Systems(IMCA D 024) has now been revised and updated to incorporate equipment improvements and changed operating practices since its first publication in 2001 as well as expanding the sections for the hyperbaric rescue unit, its launch system and its interfaces with the saturation diving system. “There is also a new section for the life support package (LSP),” explains IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler.”The format has also been changed slightly to improve ease of use and provide better referencing. It is intended that this document

IMCA taking part in Tradewinds Offshore Marine Knowledge Leaders event

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is delighted to have been invited to send a representative to the TradeWinds Offshore Marine knowledge leaders’ dinner in Oslo on 8 September. “Mike Meade, CEO M3 Consultants Singapore, and the Marine Representative for IMCA’s Asia-Pacific Section will be representing us at this important industry event, which is the precursor to the TradeWinds Offshore Marine Forum taking place the following day,” explains IMCA’s Chief Executive, Chris Charman. “With an interesting mix of guests from across all sectors, Mike Meade will be able to talk knowledgably about IMCA’s guidance documents, competence assurance and assessment scheme

IMCA taking part in two important events in China

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) will take part in two important events in China this autumn – Oceanology International China 2014 (OI China 2014) and China International Diving, Salvage & Offshore Summit-2014 (DSOS-2014). The association is an official supporter of both events, and is also fielding speakers. Nick Hough, Technical Adviser, Offshore Survey and Safety will speak at OI China 2014 in September, and Technical Director, Jane Bugler will deliver a keynote address at the China International DSOS-2014 in October – her colleague Peter Sieniewicz will speak at the same event. IMCA is the international trade association representing companies

IMCA to hold fibre and hybrid rope workshop in Amsterdam

High value subsea construction rope plays a crucial role in the subsea construction industry. A seminar being held by the International Marine Contractors Association in Amsterdam on Wednesday 29 October will enable attendees to fully understand, and become involved with the discussion on, what is what is required by the subsea construction industry. This includes the approaches taken in fibre and hybrid rope system adoption into subsea hoisting, the readiness of such systems and clarification of any technical developments still required to close any gaps preventing adoption, awareness of existing systems, their performance and track record. This free-to-attend workshop, one

New technical adviser joins strong IMCA Technical Team

Chris Baldwin is the newest member of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Secretariat. He has joined the Team as a Technical Adviser following a short secondment from the Royal Navy. The association has a strong team of eight Technical Advisers working with Jane Bugler, IMCA’s Technical Director. Chris has spent 29 years in the Royal Navy and most recently held a position in the UK MoD’s Defence Safety and Environment Authority, as the Diving Regulator and Superintendent of Diving. His career has encompassed a range of Warfare Officer (which equates to Seaman or Deck Officer in the merchant marine)

Safety and environment and diving statistics produced by IMCA

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has produced two important sets of statistics – ‘Safety and environment statistics for IMCA members: Report for the period 1 January-31 December 2013‘ and ‘World-wide diving personnel statistics for IMCA members: Statistics for 2012‘. “Safety and environment statistics are a useful insight into the performance of a company and industry sector in the areas of health, safety and environment,” explains IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler.”And our diving statistic aim to give a global snapshot of how many people are active in the industry on three specific dates in the year.” “The purpose of our

Bribery and corruption – a pressing issue around the world

Bribery and corruption is a growing concern for businesses in all sectors and jurisdictions. Corruption is a problem not only from an ethical and competition-distorting perspective, but also because of the substantial risk it creates to the reputation of affected businesses and the potential financial implications of a conviction, or even just the adverse publicity of an allegation or investigation. The increase in enforcement of national and international bribery and corruption legislation means businesses must demonstrate compliance. Due to its complexities, this can be a challenging area for businesses to address. Indeed, they need to stay ahead of developments in

Busy autumn lies ahead for IMCA experts

September sees the start of the Autumn conference season, and a busy time lies ahead for experts from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), who will be speaking at events in the UK, Singapore, China and The Philippines. Dynamic positioning (DP) specialists Ian Giddings and Chris Baldwin, both Technical Advisers at the association will be speaking at Kongsberg Maritime’s Simulator User Conferences; Nick Hough, also a Technical Adviser, will be speaking and chairing a session at Oceanology International China 2014; and Technical Director, Jane Bugler, will be delivering a keynote address at China’s Diving, Salvage & Offshore Summit-2014; and Peter

IMCA competence workshop being held in Singapore

A competent workforce is a productive one, operating with fewer risks, meaning shorter downtimes and fewer injuries – all steps towards that much sought after industry ‘holy grail’ of zero incidents. Effective competence schemes established by companies of all sizes ensure confidence in the offshore industry, and that all appointed to safety-critical positions can carry out their jobs in an effective manner. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) first introduced a competence assurance and assessment framework in 1999, and IMCA sees encouraging evidence of an ever-increasing number of competence schemes, using that regularly revised framework, being introduced by companies around

Keynotes will get IMCA's annual seminar off to a flying start

Keynote addresses on both days at this year’s International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Annual Seminar (London, 19-20 November 2014) will ensure both days get off to a flying and highly relevant start. Following an introduction and welcome by Pascal Grosjean of Technip, Chairman of IMCA’s Europe & Africa Section keynote addresses on the conference theme ‘Where next for the offshore marine industry?’ will be delivered by IMCA’s President Massimo Fontolan, Vice President Commercial, North Atlantic and Arcticof Saipem; Dave Turner, Vice President Subsea Upstream Production Operations, BP; and Judith Hackittt CBE, Chair of the UK Health and Safety Executive. Day

IMCA publishes 'Guidance for Diving Supervisors'

The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) ‘Guidance for Diving Supervisors’ (IMCA D 022 Rev 1), (formerly ‘The Diving Supervisor’s Manual’) has been updated to reflect the latest diving industry good practice for diving supervisors all over the world, and is now available online and in printed format. “Some of the most noteworthy changes to the document include new or revised guidance on eight key topics,” explains IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler.”These are, the safe movement of moored vessels acting as dive platforms; the safe conduct of dynamically positioned (DP) diving (example vessel hazard drawings have been added); secure isolation of

IMCA publishes revised Guidance on the Transfer of Personnel to/from Offshore Vessels and Structures

One of the activities specific to offshore operations is the transfer of personnel between vessels and other offshore structures. Such transfers can include movements of personnel at crew change and shift change from vessel to vessel and also between vessels, offshore structures (including offshore wind turbines), barges and crew boats as well as to and from the quayside. Safety of transfer is of paramount importance. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has revised its ‘Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels and structures’ (IMCA SEL 025 Rev. 1 / IMCA M 202 Rev. 1) to include

IMCA addressing personnel shortages at forthcoming Macaé meeting

The ways in which different sections of the offshore industry are approaching the pressing need of meeting the challenges of personnel shortages; coupled with identification of the attractive career development opportunities and frameworks offered to those recruited in – order to retain and develop them – will come under the conference spotlight in Macae, Brazil next month. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is holding a seminar ‘Addressing personnel shortages in South America’ (Teatro Sesi Macae Auditorum, Wednesday 4 June) aimed at interested offshore industry bodies, operators, contractors, academic institutions, training providers and personnel agencies working across South America’. The

IMCA's Asia-Pacific meeting in Perth, Australia

A busy day lies ahead for members of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) on Thursday 29 May when the Association holds its Asia-Pacific Section meeting in Perth, Australia. The open meeting for IMCA members, corresponding members and guests follows a closed early morning voting member meeting. From 10.00 the open meeting will consider competition law policy; provide a worldwide update on all IMCA divisions – Competence and Training; Safety, Environment and Legislation (SEL); Diving; Marine; Offshore Survey; and Remote Systems & ROV; and then encompass an international regulatory update; and discuss recent safety-related incidents before the first of a