IMCA diving certification schemes growing

Organisations and Associations - April 13, 2010

The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Certification Scheme covering offshore Air and Bell Diving Supervisors and Life Support Technicians (LSTs) has seen a notable increase in the number of exam applications being submitted and administered – a trend that is continuing in 2010.

These industry schemes have played an important role in improving health, safety and technical standards since the late 1980s. The schemes have found international acceptance having been originally designed for UK diving operations, but modified over the years as an ever-increasing number of international clients asked for certification of personnel, wanting the reassurance that the IMCA guidelines were being used on their diving operations globally.

“The schemes have proven extremely valuable in providing a standard for training of key personnel in the offshore industry and have, without doubt, contributed to the safety both of diving operations and divers,” said Jane Bugler, Technical Director of IMCA. “A measure of the international reach is the fact that exam invigilation is now available in 35 countries.”

So far 1216 air diving supervisors, 2048 bell diving supervisors and 814 LSTs have qualified through the schemes. During 2009 alone there were 240 air diving supervisor applications; 108 bell diving supervisor applications; and 139 LST applications.

”The safety and successful undertaking of offshore diving operations is of paramount importance to IMCA and its member companies and depends on a team of individuals who are fully trained and possess the skills required to undertake each aspect of their safety-critical roles,” said Mrs Bugler.

IMCA publishes a variety of guidance documents and undertakes a number of initiatives to help diving contractors to ensure they can recruit, train and retain the skilled personnel they need. Further information on IMCA’s work for, and on behalf of, its 650+ member companies in over 50 countries is available at www.imca-int.com and from the association at 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 5520; Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 5521; and from imca@imca-int.com.