Tag: Diving

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has revised IMCA D 016 ‘Guidance on open parachute type underwater air lift bags’. The new version is now ready for free downloading from the IMCA website at www.imca-int.com. The guidance addresses the initial and periodic examination, testing, certification and maintenance of open parachute-type underwater air lift bags used to lift submerged objects. It also addresses the operational use of these bags and the safety precautions that should be taken during their use. The principle major revisions in this fourth revision are to those sections dealing with the use of inverter lines and hold-back

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published revisions of two important diving publications – Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note (DESIGN) for Mobile/Portable Surface Supplied Systems (IMCA D 040 Rev 1) and Mobile/Portable/Daughtercraft Surface Supplied Systems (IMCA D 015 Rev 1). Both documents can be downloaded free of charge from the IMCA website, with printed copies available for purchase from the association. “Our diving guidance documents are used throughout the world, indeed often use of them is a requirement for diving contractors responding to a tender,” explains Jane Bugler, IMCA’s Technical Director and Acting Chief Executive.”The DESIGN series of

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has recently published the revised document ‘Hyperbaric Evacuation Systems (HES) Interface Requirements’ (IMCA D 051 Rev. 1); and an Information Note that demonstrates the importance of cross-industry collaboration of a topic as vital to safety as hyperbaric evacuation. IMCA D 051 seeks to address the interface issues encountered when a diving contractor needs to remove its divers from a stricken facility by use of a hyperbaric rescue unit (HRU). It outlines IMCA’s recommendation of requirements for future builds, it is not written with intent to retrofit existing systems. The guidance has clear objectives, as

DIARY DATE: Event:IMCA PLCs in Diving Workshop Date:11 March 2015 Venue:Amsterdam, The Netherlands Cost:free to attend but registration vital Further information and registration: events@imca-int.com Time to Talk PLCS in Diving Systems Since 2010 diving systems featuring programmable logic controllers (PLCs) have undergone rapid development. With use of these systems set to continue to rise, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has taken the initiative to future-proof by organising a workshop in Amsterdam on 11 March 2015 to discuss the big issues. “The workshop will be a great opportunity for members using PLCs in diving systems to get involved, it could

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

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

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

The ‘International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving’ (IMCA D 014) is one of the key guidance documents for contractors and clients published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) – Booth S18 at OTC 2014. It provides advice on ways in which offshore diving operations can be carried out safely and efficiently, and references other IMCA diving guidance documents extensively. An industry-wide consultation has led to this invaluable document being expanded and refreshed with better layout to ensure greater clarity. It offers examples of good practice and includes personnel, equipment a systems guidelines for surface supplied diving using air,

The safety of divers in saturation is of paramount importance. With this in mind, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) – Booth S18 at OTC 2014 – has published ‘Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note (DESIGN) for the hyperbaric reception facility (HRF) forming part of a hyperbaric evacuation system (HES)’ (IMCA D 053). “D 053 should always be used in conjunction with IMCA D 018 ‘Code of practice on the initial and periodic examination, testing and certification of diving plant and equipment’,” explains IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler.”Indeed, cross references to this Code are provided where appropriate. “Our new document

‘DESIGN for Surface Orientated (Air) Diving Systems’ has been revised and updated by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) to incorporate equipment improvements and changed operating practices since its first publication in 2000. The format has also been changed slightly to improve ease of use and provide better referencing. As IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler explains:”DESIGN of course stands for Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note’. Known globally by its reference number IMCA D 023, this guidance, addresses various aspects of a surface orientated diving system as utilised within the offshore diving industry and aims to provide a comprehensive reference

Underwater high pressure water jetting equipment is used by fully submerged divers for cleaning, or cutting, purposes. Effective and safe operation of this equipment, and of its associated surface support equipment, is covered in the latest publication from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) – ‘Code of Practice for the use of High Pressure Jetting Equipment by Divers’. “The code of practices is also intended to apply to diver controlled jetting operations on, or near, the surface where there can be a risk, though contract with the water jet stream or flying debris, of traumatic injury to others working in

The ‘International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving’ (IMCA D 014), published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), provides advice on ways in which diving operations can be carried out safely and efficiently. Risk management lies at its heart as it outlines minimum requirements, creating a safe ‘level playing field’ for all diving contractors. It also recommends how clients and contractors may analyse the safety implications of commercial requirements. Updated in 2007 from the original 1998 version, the latest updated text has now been widely circulated in draft form for international input and comment before the revised and updated

Work is under way on reviewing the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Diver Medic Scheme which is widely used and taught by IMCA recognized schools around the world. The scheme has changed little since its development in 1999, although there have been some significant improvements in training as a result of changes in technology and recent experience in trauma medicine. In addition, the problem of skill fade amongst Diver Medics, especially with some of the more complex procedures, has become an increasing cause for concern. “Initial work on reviewing the scheme will include the establishment of a workgroup later this

When a vessel is severely damaged there may come a time when it has to be abandoned. For such a situation vessels are required to have adequate lifeboats (or life rafts) on board for all personnel. In such an emergency, the evacuation of divers in saturation represents a particular problem as they cannot be readily decompressed in order to be evacuated in the same way as other crew members. The divers need to be transferred to a pressurised compartment which can be detached from the diving system on the vessel and launched or floated into the sea. “This means that

Competent and well trained technicians are vital for safe offshore diving operations. Equipment used to support and conduct diving operations requires technicians for its installation, maintenance, inspection, testing and repair. The correct functioning of the equipment is essential to the well-being of the divers and other members of the dive team. Contractors who use the services of dive technicians have an obligation to ensure that personnel are correctly trained and have the required level of competence for the equipment, and in the operations they are conducting. With this in mind, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published ‘Dive Technician

One of the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) key Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Notes (DESIGN) – IMCA D 023 ‘DESIGN for Surface Oriented (Air) Diving Systems’ has been substantially revised, and is in its industry-wide consultation phase until 14 June 2013. “This is an important document and we have distributed the draft widely throughout the industry, but are eager to hear from all who are interested to become involved with the consultation exercise,” explains Jane Bugler, IMCA’s Technical Director.”D 023 was initially published in February 2000, and offers examples of good practice and gives advice on aspects of a

Offshore equipment and operating practices are routinely improved in the constant quest for ever-greater levels of safety and efficiency. The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) newly published ‘Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note (DESIGN) for Saturation (Bell) Diving Systems’ (IMCA D 024 Rev 1) reflects the changes that have taken place since its initial publication in 2001. “It is intended that this document should be used in conjunction with IMCA D 018 ‘Code of practice on the initial and periodic examination, testing and certification of diving plant and equipment’, says IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler.”Cross-references to this Code are provided