IN 1481 – Marine and DP assurance - IMCA advice during ongoing COVID-19 situation

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, and the extremely challenging times that many are facing, IMCA recommends the following approach to marine assurance activities, should it not be possible to obtain assurance services as a direct result in the vessel’s region of operation.

For audits expiring between now (March) and July 2020, IMCA recommends that the validity be extended for four months. The eCMID database website is being temporarily updated so that all expired reports are automatically available for four months following expiry, so no action is required by vessel operators.

Note that if AVIs are unable to travel to restricted destinations, please consider and make use of the wider AVI community and any in-country inspectors that may be able to attend inspections on their behalf. Details of AVI locations and their accreditations can be found on the eCMID Vessel Inspectors website using the map or search functions.

A user guide to the review and publication process is available on the eCMID website.

Anyone requiring further information or assistance should contact the eCMID Helpdesk – ecmid@imca-int.com or telephone +44 (0) 20 7824 5526.

The AVI scheme remains open and is fully functioning.

DP annual trials programmes – for those DP annual trials programmes due now or in the near future, IMCA recommends that vessel operators take full advantage of the window for trials already provided by IMO MSC/Circ. 1580.

This gives a +/- three month window either side of the anniversary date of either FSVAD/DPVAD or in most cases the FMEA proving trials. Beyond the three month window of the anniversary date, IMCA recommends trials are undertaken as soon as practically possible thereafter with safety of personnel as top priority.

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme – the application process remains open and fully functioning. Exam dates in May remain valid although we are actively in dialogue with all exam centres around the globe and we do expect cancellations. If so, we shall contact directly those affected and reschedule accordingly.

For audits expiring between now (March) and July 2020, IMCA recommends that the validity be extended for four months.

IMCA shall continue to monitor events over the coming months and may update guidance thereafter.