Jane Bugler
How fit for purpose are the practices and technologies we employ in our industry? asks the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) in launching the programme for the 19th IMCA Annual Seminar. This year’s event, being held 27-28 October in Abu Dhabi, has the theme ‘A Health Check for the Marine Contracting Industry’ and will see speakers tackling topics such as: the challenge of adding value not cost; the latest operational and technological advances – in the fields of marine, diving, ROV and offshore survey; and discuss the need to get back to basics to operate safely and efficiently in difficult economic times. The full programme is available online, and registration is now open at www.imca-int.com/events/
“Our Annual Seminar provides an opportunity to join those at the forefront of the marine contracting industry from around the globe, ” explains IMCA’s technical Director and Acting Chief Executive, Jane Bugler. “It is largely attended by (but not limited to) those in operational management and QHSE roles for contractors, oil companies and suppliers involved in offshore operations.
“Although most of the delegates are from IMCA member companies – of which we have over a thousand in more than 60 countries, those with an interest in the technical developments and QHSE in marine contracting from non-member companies are welcome to attend, and voice their opinions in the discussions too.
“As has become traditional the Seminar combines plenary sessions; technical presentations in three parallel sessions; workshops on technical issues and, very importantly, networking opportunities both during the day within the exhibition hall, and in the evenings – indeed, we have a welcome reception the night before the event opens, an Arabian Nights Desert Safari at the end of the first day of the event; and a closing night beach BBQ.”
She adds: “This year’s seminar has a strong list of endorsing organisations – ADCI, DCSA (China Diving & Salvage Contractors Association), The Hydrographic Society; IADC, the Dynamic Positioning Committee, The Nautical Institute, The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), and the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP).
A highly relevant programme
Following the opening keynote addresses on the ‘Health Check’ theme including those by IMCA’s new President, Bruno Faure of Technip, David Leckie of Clyde & Co, and Tom Mackie of McDermott Inc, speakers in the plenary session will talk on ‘Back to basics’ (Thom Koning, Heerema Marine Contractors); ‘Enough administration already! Refocusing business processes on operations’ (Celine Thom, DOF Subsea); and ‘Current and future environmental challenges confronting vessel operators’ (Cathal Redmond, Technip).
Following the lunch break with a chance to visit the exhibition with its 25 exhibiting companies, the conference will break into its three parallel sessions – Marine, Diving, Survey & ROV. Each comprises three highly relevant technical presentations. These are then followed by workshops on DMAC issues, People training and competence; Time to Reflect (looking at safety issues); IMCA DP workgroup: Issues to take forward; and Vessel space fires.
Day 2’s plenary session sees presentations on ‘The Search for Malaysian Airlines flight MH-370’ (Mike Dravitzki, Fugro); ‘Medical solutions in challenging offshore environments’ (Nosa Aihie, International SOS), and ‘Adding value not cost: Investing in employees’ (Ibrahim Fahmy, ZADCO). As on Day 1, this is followed by the parallel sessions devoted to Marine, Diving, Survey & ROV.
Following lunch a quick fire 90-minute Quick Fire, Totally Technology Session will see eight technical presentations given under the watchful eye – and clock – of Jim Mann of Fugro; before delegates once again make their choice of workshop to attend, this time the choice is between Modular versus integrated diving systems; Rope workshop; Health issues: offshore personnel; Next generation of seabed machines: new technologies; and Security issues.
“It’s a packed programme which will provide our delegates with a highly stimulating two days and enable them to contribute to the important discussions that often drive the development of IMCA’s guidance, ” explains Jane Bugler. “We look forward to welcoming participants from all over the world – our 18th IMCA Annual Seminar held in London attracted 520 delegates from 30 countries, and was a true ‘record breaker’, we’re looking forward to similar success in Abu Dhabi.”
Further information
Further information on IMCA and its work on behalf of its 1000+ member companies in over 60 countries is available fromwww.imca-int.com and imca@imca-int.com. The association has LinkedIn and Facebook groups and its Twitter handle is @IMCAint
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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
