New Guidance supports Members making the transition to digital data recording

As the pace of digitisation increases in our workplaces, IMCA has produced two new Guidance documents to support Members making the transition to online/digital approaches for the recording of skills, competences, and work experiences.

Digital platforms are increasingly preferable to physical logbooks owing to the additional data they hold and the in-depth analysis of offshore work they unlock. They ensure records of training course completion can be kept, especially important given many roles require this for CPD, or can act as an online CV for individuals when moving onto new roles.

Principles for data platforms for work and skills (digital logbooks) (IMCA C019), is a recommended practice document which assists Members in the selection of digital platforms for the recording, analysis and sharing of work and skills data by creating a set of principles against which platforms can be assessed. Alongside this document, IMCA has also released the Interim scheme for IMCA approval of data platforms for work and skills (IMCA G011) for the approval of these data platforms.

IMCA C019 sets out how to safely process personal details, training course history, work records with operational data, as well as competence assurance and assessment records. Alongside the types of data to be recorded, the principles cover critical themes such as identity and trust, interoperability, data availability and security.

The guidelines are based on IMCA’s physical Logbooks – which require details to be recorded for a particular operation or task – but when converted to a digital record these can be presented in a more flexible format allowing for increased customisation and a lower risk of data loss.

Jim Cullen, Technical Director, IMCA, said: “Our new Guidance will enable Members to assess new platforms with the knowledge that IMCA has provided them with everything they need to make informed and rounded decisions for their data needs.

“Members with a keen interest in data management are invited to get in touch to discuss their thoughts and offer recommendation on improvements on upcoming editions, such as the inclusion of standardised data exchange formats. This project will help set a standard for the industry and shape the future of the sector.”