
Neil Evans
A series of presentations and discussions session on the all-important topic of competence will be held following the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Central & North America Section Meeting on 18 June at the Houston Marriott Energy Corridor Hotel.
The Competence Seminar, which takes place in the afternoon of 18 June is open to members, potential members and their guests includes a welcome and introduction by Neil Evans, IMCA Technical Adviser and presentations by Katie Hulin of Epic Divers on Establishing a Competence Management System; by IADC on Competence Assessment in the Drilling Industry; and ‘Impacts of SEMS on competence assurance’ by Charlie Williams, Center for Offshore Safety.
Following a coffee break there will be two group discussion sessions. The first, facilitated by Phil Miller of Subsea 7, will be on progress and associated issues relating to SEMS implementation and compliance; and the second on personal and training, facilitated by Neil Evans, will look at three key topics:
- What skills shortages exist in the current climate?
- Are companies doing anything different to train and retain people?
- How is the downturn affecting recruitment practices in general?
A networking drinks reception will follow the Competence Seminar. Further information on all aspects of the day is available from events@imca-int.com and free registration is on the IMCA website at www.imca-int.com
About IMCA
- IMCA is an international association with over a thousand members in more than 60 countries representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Asia-Pacific, Central & North America, Europe & Africa, Middle East & India and South America regions. As well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training, IMCA seeks to promote its members’ common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
- IMCA Vision & Strategy. As a result of work and collective input in 2013, IMCA has redefined its stated core purpose to be “Improving performance in the marine contracting industry”. To achieve this goal, IMCA’s Vision & Strategy has been devised with two elements in mind: Core activities and ways of working.
- IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports – many are available for free downloading by members and non-members alike. These have been developed over the years and are extensively distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving code of practice, DP documentation, marine and ROV good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document (CMID) – now available electronically as eCMID, safety recommendations, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and distributes safety flashes.
About the industry IMCA serves
The marine contracting industry plays a vital global role. Its vessels account for 4% of the world’s maritime fleet. Collectively IMCA 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 large offshore oil and gas and marine renewables projects around the globe that quite literally fuel the global economy.