The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) provides an authoritative voice for its 900+ members, as Chris Charman, chief executive, explains
European oil & gas
europeanoilandgas.co.uk
Guiding the
I am delighted to be asked
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Above A frame before ROV intervention Below Chris Charman, chief executive at IMCA
to write this introduction to the section of European Oil & Gas Magazine, which has a strong link with the marine contracting sector. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) represents the offshore, marine and underwater engineering industry with governments, regulatory bodies and clients worldwide, and has well over 900 member companies in more than 60 countries. Between them it is estimated that they collectively turn over in excess of $150 billion annually and employ well over a quarter of a million staff across the world. What’s more, their vessels account for four per cent of the global shipping fleet. Without their innovation and dedication it is a salutary thought that little or no offshore oil or gas would reach markets. We work with our members in a collegiate and inclusive style to deliver safer working practices, pool knowledge and learn from each other in order to reduce risk, losses and damage to the environment. IMCA does not set standards or regulations. It is not a legislative body. Our approach is that safe and efficient operations must be coupled with a good risk culture, guidelines and attitudes. We therefore provide our members with guidance, allowing them to self-regulate rather than look to clients or governments for setting
rules and procedures. While governments legislate on a range of issues in the public interest, they cannot produce legislation for every part of an industry’s operations – nor may that be desirable. A key benefit of industry guidance is that it can be implemented and updated more quickly than legislation. This is vital in an industry such as ours with its rapidly advancing technology. Naturally, as a trade association we must also comply with international competition law (competition, antitrust and similar laws). Our stated aims include our commitment to strive for the highest possible standards with a balance of risk and cost in health and safety, technology, quality and efficiency, and environmental awareness and protection. We also aim to help our members achieve equitable contracting regimes; and provide the framework for training, certification, competence and recruitment to support and sustain the industry globally. We seek to promote our members’ common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues, and to provide an authoritative voice for our members. Our members have made a conscious decision to set the most challenging goals possible, with the ‘holy grail’ being ‘zero incidents’ – after all, they are protecting their most valuable asset, their workforce. The objective, as an industry, is