IMCA to Hold ROV Training at Oceanology International

As a supporting organisation of Oceanology International 2014, the world’s largest exhibition for marine science and technology (London’s ExCeL, March 11-13), the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is playing a very active role by holding an event on remotely operated vehicle (ROV) training and competence globally; presenting in the conference; being involved with the ‘careers day’ aimed at young potential entrants to the industry; and on its stand.
 

On Wednesday, March 12, IMCA’s Remote Systems & ROV Management Committee and Competence & Training Core Committee will be holding a joint afternoon seminar ‘ROV Training & Competence - Global approach, local delivery’. The intent is to discuss a common approach to ROV training and how this can be delivered in different regions including in the U.K., Canada and Brazil where there are initiatives addressing the training of new ROV personnel.
 

Speakers will include Jim Mann, Chairman of the IMCA Remote Systems & ROV Committee, Steve Ham of The Underwater Centre Fort William speaking on ‘ROV training in a contextual experience environment’, IMCA consultant Bill Evans, speaking on ‘A syllabus framework for ROV training’ and Dwight Howse, Marine Institute of Memorial University and Giorgio de Tomi, University of São Paulo, speaking on ‘Delivery of ROV training in Canada & Brazil - a global vision’. The afternoon will also include discussion of the syllabus framework for ROV training and other topics raised during the presentations.
 

The Seminar takes place in the South Gallery Rooms at ExCeL, with coffee being served from 13:30 and the seminar starting at 14:00 and due to finish a little after 17:00. The event is free to attend, and open to all, but registration is required, and space is limited. Please contact [email protected] to express interest in attending; attendees will also need to register (free of charge) for Oceanology International itself at www.oceanologyinternational.com (entrance to the South Gallery Rooms is through the exhibition).

IMCA at the OI 2014 Conference
IMCA’s Technical Adviser Offshore Survey and Safety, Nick Hough will be giving a technical overview ‘The IMCA Offshore Survey Division Management Committee – A Brief Work Programme Update’ in the OI conference on Underwater Positioning and Metrology on Tuesday 11 March, which in the morning session embraces a series of presentations on the theme of project specific applications of underwater positioning and measurement technologies.
 

“IMCA’s Offshore Survey Division was set up in 1997 and is concerned with all aspects of offshore surveying, positioning and inspection work,” explains Nick Hough. “Offshore Survey Division members carry out underwater surveys throughout the exploration and development phases of offshore projects as diverse as the laying and maintenance of pipelines and transoceanic telecommunications cables, environmental studies, harbour and coastal engineering works and offshore engineering and construction.

“IMCA’s technical output, developed through committees and workgroups based on members’ cumulative operational experience around the world, is well thought of, providing up-to-date technical knowledge, enhancing safety and promoting good practice in the offshore industry as a whole.
 

“At OI 2014 my presentation is intended as a technical update and overview of the Offshore Survey Division work programme, particularly with reference to underwater positioning and metrology. I will focus briefly on some of the salient points within IMCA’s published guidance on these subjects, outline some forthcoming documents to be published in the coming year, and encourage feedback on the focus of the Offshore Survey division.

“The presentation will address IMCA’s guidance on multi beam echo sounders, LBL and USBL acoustic positioning, subsea metrology and the use of peripheral sensors, before considering forthcoming work on INS, GIS and out of straightness survey. My presentation will conclude by setting these documents into context alongside the wider range of IMCA offshore survey guidance, including data management, digital video and satellite positioning. I am looking forward to feedback from the audience at the end of the session, and on our stand – number S700 where other technical Advisers and members of the Secretariat from IMCA will be on hand to answer questions about all aspects of our work programme.”
 

Thursday is “Careers Day”
The final Day of Oceanology International is traditionally the day when university students interested in finding out about careers in any aspect of the marine science and technology are welcomed at the show, and bussed in from around the country. This year, IMCA will run the morning session for them before they tour the exhibition. This session will comprise an introduction to IMCA and the industry; an overview of the marine, diving, offshore survey and remote systems and ROV sectors – together with insights from IMCA Technical Advisers into choice of job roles and routs into the industry; A series of spotlight presentations – personal testimonies from industry professionals such as recently qualified surveyors and ROV personnel will bring the session to a close.
 

As IMCA’s Technical Adviser Competence & Training, Neil Evans explained, “The aim of this session is to promote careers in these exciting and highly technical sectors within what is a highly challenging environment where there is serious career potential and opportunities to explore the world. We will also be highlighting how the industry is changing from a very male dominated environment to one where ever more women are encouraged to join the industry at all levels and within all disciplines.”