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Tag: Diving

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 Leatt, noted:“During

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 statedWe fully respect and support the worthy charitable background and nature of this endeavour.“As long-serving saturation divers, they know all

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 of

IMCA Accredited Diving System Inspector Scheme in Development

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is currently developing its IMCA Accredited Diving System Inspector (ADSI) scheme which will introduce an industry-recognised professional accreditation for this important group of skilled workers. ADSIs will be accredited to conduct IMCA Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note (DESIGN) audits. As one of the final stages in development of the scheme IMCA is now asking for known, respected and experienced DESIGN auditors to be put forward for early ADSI certification so they can act as field training supervisors when the scheme is launched during 2022. IMCA Contact Bryan McGlinchy Diving Consultant Contact Error: Contact

Information Notes 1565 and 1566

Accredited Diving Inspector Scheme Currently in DevelopmentIMCA has recently published two Information Notes relating to a new scheme for IMCA Accredited Diving System Inspectors, which is in the process of being developed and will launch in 2022.However this scheme requires the input of existing experienced DESIGN auditors to become Experienced Practitioners and therefore IMCA is inviting nominations for this element by 30 September 2021.Information Notes 1565 and 1566 explain the process and objectives of the scheme.  Information Note 1565This information note is intended to make IMCA Diving Division members and other stakeholders aware that the Association is in the process of developing an

British Health & Safety Executive Offshore Diving Inspection Guide 2021 for External Consultation

The Diving at Work Regulations 1997 apply to energy industry diving operations within the territorial sea adjacent to Great Britain and any designated area within the UK continental shelf.  The Health and Safety Executive is the regulator of health and safety law for this, and related, legislation.The latest Offshore Diving Inspection Guide produced by the HSE is available for external consultation. The Inspection Guides are made available to duty holders who may find them a useful aid.The HSE’s closing date for responses/feedback is Tuesday 20 July 2021.  If you have any comments on the Diving Inspection Guide please enter them into the attached

IMCA publishes Guidance for Surface Swimmers

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published a new guidance document ‘Surface Swimmers’ (IMCA D 066). Historically surface swimmers have been used to complete a variety of offshore work tasks in the field and this new guidance provides firm recommendations for matters to be considered when planning surface swimming operations; PPE for the surface swimmer and the standby swimmer; limitations on surface swimming; operational planning; operational support; and, very importantly, information on when and where surface swimmers should not be used. As Phil Towers, IMCA’s Technical Adviser – Diving and Lifting, explained: IMCA Contact Phil Towers Technical Adviser –

Podcast on diving gas supply incident reporting

Technical Adviser, Ali Macleod explains the rationale and practicalities covered in IMCA Information Note 1559 on Diving Gas Supply Incident Reporting. The diving industry is in a highly vulnerable position should mix-ups or other errors in the provision of diving gases occur. Divers breathe life-supporting gases at high pressures. If the wrong gases are delivered to diving contractors by diving gas supply companies, and incorrect gas mixtures are then provided to divers in chambers or in the water, the consequences may quickly be very serious. IMCA Contact Ali Macleod Technical Adviser – Diving Contact Error: Contact form not found. In

IMCA supports International Anti-Corruption Day – 9 December 2020

The International Marine Contractor’s Association (IMCA) recognises and supports the United Nations (UN) International Anti-Corruption Day which falls on 9 December. This year’s campaign entitled “Recover with integrity” aims to raise awareness of the risks of the increased potential for bribery and corruption brought about by, for instance, any  changes in government funding, trading volumes, and other activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The UN included a statement in its campaign: “that all governments, businesses, civil society and all stakeholders – must resolve to work together to promote accountability and end corruption and bribery.” International Anti-Corruption Day is an

IMCA’s Diving Supervisors’ CPD App to be made mandatory from 2021 – fourth 2020 Knowledge Unit now available

In launching the fourth knowledge unit for its App-based Diving Supervisors’ continuing professional development (CPD) scheme, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has issued a reminder that the scheme will be mandatory from early 2021. The App incorporates the latest in training techniques to support Diving Supervisors in keeping up to date with current safety information and guidelines from IMCA. Bryan McGlinchy, IMCA’s Diving Manager said: I urge IMCA Diving Supervisors who have yet to register for the CPD scheme to act now. Visit our website, complete the simple registration process, download the App and complete the four knowledge units

Register for IMCA’s Diving CPD

Register for IMCA’s app-based continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for diving supervisors, which incorporates the latest in training techniques to support diving supervisors in keeping up to date with current information and guidelines from IMCA.Register hereThe scheme is currently voluntary and free to all IMCA certified supervisors with applications being accepted from both Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC) and Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) supervisors as wellAbout the App and SchemeThe app is user friendly and can be used across many mobile devices and operating systems, on or offline, allowing users the flexibility of choosing when and where to complete the

New Module for IMCA’s Diving CPD

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) launches the third module for its App-based continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for Diving Supervisors on 1 September. The App incorporates the latest in training techniques to support Diving Supervisors in keeping up to date with current information and guidelines from IMCA. The new module Module three is now available and covers the following areas: Trapped Diver umbilical in incidents Management of Change Hat Hygiene Diving Physics Decompression Illness (DCI) Bell Batteries Module four is scheduled for launch in December this year. The number of users has grown from the initial 250 at launch

Important Update to COVID-19 Diving Information Notes

Please note the issue of two recently published Information Notes advising Members of IMCA’s current policy on:   Renewal of Diver Medic Certification During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Rev. 1 Updated Information Note:  IMCA D05/20 – Rev 1  ( link)   Policy for the validity of diver medicals during the COVID-19 Pandemic Updated Information Note:  IMCA D19/20 – Rev 2.1  (link) Call to action Please ensure that you familiarise yourselves with these latest updates and share them with the appropriate individuals within your organisation. All previous versions of these documents have now been withdrawn.

IMCA Diving Experience Enhanced

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is pleased to announce that Phil Towers has joined the team as Technical Adviser – Diving. Phil Towers has extensive experience in the subsea construction industry having held diving roles with operators BP, ExxonMobil, Qatargas and Repsol Sinopec. A major part of his career was spent with what is now known as TechnipFMC as a discipline expert in their Diving and Operations Support Group, sharing project information and lessons learned, providing assurance to clients in the safe planning and best practice execution of projects. Phil was a working diver for 18 years working on

IMCA Announces Successful Launch of Diving CPD Scheme

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is pleased to announce the successful launch of its App-based continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for diving supervisors. The App incorporates the latest in training techniques to support diving supervisors in keeping up to date with current information and guidelines from IMCA. The scheme went live in early April with 250 diving supervisors who had pre-registered for enrolment. For 2020, the scheme is voluntary and free to all IMCA certified supervisors, and applications will be accepted from both DCBC and ADAS supervisors as well. However from 2021, it will become mandatory for all supervisors

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Diving Contractors

Guidance for Diving Contractors is provided below and also available to download here 1 BACKGROUND The novel Coronavirus disease, now named COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. It was first identified during an outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread worldwide with increasing signs that it is spreading easily in the community. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19, and no specific treatment for the infection. The best way to protect against infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. The aims of this

Pre-registration Open for Diving Supervisors Certification

IMCA is introducing a continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for diving supervisors, following a successful pilot which commenced in September 2019.  The CPD scheme incorporates the latest in training techniques to support diving supervisors in keeping up to date with the latest information and guidelines from IMCA. The CPD system will go live to IMCA’s global diving community in Q1 2020 and from Q1 2021 will be a mandatory requirement to maintain IMCA certification. More details will appear here shortly – in the meantime, please read our latest press release for more details. Pre-Registration The CPD scheme is due to

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