Code of practice for the initial and periodic examination, testing and certification of diving plant and equipment

Summary

This code addresses the initial and periodic examination, testing and certification of all diving plant and equipment as utilised within the offshore diving industry.

The aim of the code is to provide a comprehensive reference source addressing the philosophy of the competent person and the examination, test and certification requirements necessary to meet agreed industry practice. This will apply anywhere in the world being:

• outside the territorial waters of most countries (normally 12 nautical miles or 22.22 kilometres from shore), or
• inside territorial waters where offshore diving, normally in support of the oil & gas or renewable/ alternative energy industries, is being carried out. Specifically excluded are diving operations being conducted in support of civil, inland, inshore or harbour works or in any case where operations are not conducted from an offshore structure, vessel or floating structure normally associated with offshore oil & gas or renewable/alternative energy industry activities.

This document is intended to assist the following, among others:

• manufacturers and suppliers of diving plant and equipment
• diving contractors commissioning new build diving systems
• personnel involved in diving operations
• staff involved in the maintenance, repair, test or certification of plant and equipment
• client and contractor representatives
• vessel owners and marine crews involved with diving operations
• all personnel involved in quality assurance (QA) and safety
• diving system auditors.

IMCA has included recommendations in areas where there is a difficult balance between commercial considerations and safety implications. It is recognised, however, that safety must never be compromised for any reason.

Contents

• Introduction
• Glossary
• Certification and Classification
• The Competent Person
• Responsibilities
• Documentation
• Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS)
• Explanation of this Document
• Index to Detail Sheets
• Appendix 1 – Detail Sheets

Version History

July 2024, Rev. 2.5 – IMCA internal audit update

May 2024, Rev. 2.4 – Update of lifting terminology – see Information Note 1665

December 2023, Rev. 2.3 – Quality check; headers, footers, detail sheets & document map updated; no change to content

August 2022, Rev. 2.2 – Updated to align with the guidance contained in IMCA LR 001/IMCA SEL 022/IMCA M 194.

March 2022, Rev. 2.1 – Load test of lifting points on Man-Riding Basket/Bell (Details Sheet 3) reduced from 1.5 times SWL to 1.25 times SWL.

December 2021, Rev.2 – Updated to clarify any anomalies and bring the guidance into alignment with current industry good practice.

June 2014, Rev.1 – Updated to incorporate equipment improvements and changed operating practices since first publication.

February 1999 – Initial publication.