The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has reached a milestone with over 800 member companies from 61 countries.
"We have actually reached 808 member companies around the globe, a net increase of over 60 during 2011; and over a hundred since this time last year," said IMCA chief executive Hugh Williams. "The overall increase is around 9 percent, but diving contractor membership has increased by 12 percent and we have 14 percent more corresponding (generally oil company clients) members."
The IMCA promotes good practice in marine operations, particularly in the areas of health, safety and environmental standards, quality and efficiency and technical standards. In addition to two core divisions – Competence and Training and Safety, Environment and Legislation – the IMCA has four technical divisions – Diving, Marine, Offshore Survey, and Remote Systems and ROVs. Additionally, there are five regional sections.
The IMCA was formed in 1995 when the International Association of Offshore Diving Contractors (AODC) and the DP Vessel Owners Association (DPVOA) merged, creating an association a membership of around 100.
