A systematic, and common, approach to vessel assurance is seen increasingly as invaluable to both owners and operators eager to improve safety and efficiency. It is an approach that encourages self-audit, promotes good record keeping and provides a means to demonstrate capability/status of compliance with identified requirements. With this in mind, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) published guidance on vessel assurance (IMCA M 204) last year and now, by means of their first Vessel Assurance Workshop, will turn ‘words into action’.

“Our afternoon-long workshop being held Monday 12 September at Trinity Hall Aberdeen is free to attend and aims to provide an overview of the IMCA vessel assurance framework; explore what vessel assurance entails; and discuss the development of a vessel assurance user guide,” explains IMCA’s Chief Executive, Hugh Williams.

The afternoon begins at 13.00 with registration and a buffet lunch. Pete Somner of Technip, Chairman IMCA Marine Division Management Committee, will start the proceedings in his presentation covering IMCA competition law policy, explaining what vessel assurance is, looking at IMCA M 204, and the steps toward development of an IMCA vessel assurance user guide.

Kjell Gunnar Olsen of Subsea 7 will then provide an overview of his company’s vessel assurance scheme; Derek Judd of Bibby Offshore will give a case study on implementing a vessel assurance programme based on the IMCA framework; and Ian Bacon of GL Noble Denton will provide a consultant’s view of vessel assurance.

After a coffee break, an hour is devoted to discussion and feedback with suggested topics encompassing:

• Development of IMCA vessel assurance user guide • Which different parties have ownership/responsibility for vessel assurance within a company? • Vessel integrity management • How should a vessel assurance system be kept and managed? • The challenges of keeping vessel assurance ‘live’ • Platform for running vessel assurance system/availability of communication technology • Access to the system? • Close out of items? • Any other areas identified for inclusion in a ‘user guide’

“We are looking forward to a stimulating afternoon with very positive outcomes designed to contribute to our work programme,” says Hugh Williams. “The day ends with a summary and then a networking session over drinks.”

Tags: International Marine Contractors Association