The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) committee is expected to produce three toolbox talk prompt guidelines for marine operations in the offshore energy sector, responding to the growth of involvement by its members in the marine renewable energy sector
The first toolbox talk, for a Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) deckhand during personnel transfers, has been published. The second on CTV/DP vessel operations is in preparation.
Andy Goldsmith, technical adviser for marine at IMCA, said, “IMCA’s Marine Renewable Energy Committee has been busy responding to the needs of our members in this growing sector. The Committee interacts directly with field developers, suppliers and regulators within the offshore renewable energy sector. It ensures that IMCA represents marine contractors in this sector and that its members use existing IMCA guidance.”
The committee is also developing an IMCA presentation covering the requirements for standardised boat landings and gangway landing areas, which will be used by the members to inform and influence offshore wind farm developers internationally.
In addition, a revised version of “Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels and structures” (IMCA M202) has been scheduled for 2018. The committee is working with G+ to provide appropriate guidance on the use of immersion suits when transferring to and from vessels at sea.
As part of its work programme, the committee has issued a safety flash concerning a collision by a vessel with the working platform on a wind turbine.
Looking forward to 2019, the committee aims to hold a technical seminar on marine renewable energy. This follows the IMCA Europe and Africa Regional meeting held in Aberdeen in June when the focus was on the offshore renewables sector with presentations by Marine Scotland, Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm (EOWDC), Saipem, TechnipFMC and Global Maritime ranging from the Scottish Government’s Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy to Hywind, the world’s first floating offshore wind farm.
Enhancing security and cybersecurity have become one of the most pertinent issues in the global maritime sector. In order to address this, Seatrade Maritime Middle East will be held in Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 29-31 October 2018. The event will discuss some major issues of cybersecurity in the increasingly technology-dependent global maritime industry to prevent growing attacks targeting international shipping companies.
