Case Study: IMCA Membership Assistance
Overview
Nemo Pro Diving is a commercial diving company based in Romania. It specialises in underwater inspections, repairs, and maintenance services for the maritime and offshore industries. The company sought to elevate its professional standards and gain international recognition by joining the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA).
IMCA membership is a prestigious credential demonstrating adherence to global safety, competence, and operational efficiency standards. For Nemo Pro Diving, this membership would enhance its credibility and open opportunities for high-value contracts in international waters.
However, the path to IMCA membership requires rigorous compliance with strict technical, operational, and safety guidelines. Nemo Pro Diving recognised the need for expert assistance to streamline this process and turned to Namaka Subsea for support.
Issues
1. Compliance Requirements:
IMCA membership demands detailed documentation and adherence to standards in areas such as safety management systems, equipment certification, and diver training records. Nemo Pro Diving lacked a fully developed framework that was aligned with IMCA’s guidelines.
2. Resource Constraints:
With a focus on daily operations, Nemo Pro Diving had limited internal resources for the extensive preparatory work required for the IMCA application.
3. Knowledge Gap:
Although Nemo Pro Diving had a strong reputation for operational excellence, their team was unfamiliar with specific IMCA criteria and application processes.
Solution
Namaka Subsea, a leading consultancy specialising in subsea operations and compliance, provided a tailored solution for Nemo Pro Diving. Their approach included the following key components:
1. Initial Gap Analysis:
· Conducted a thorough review of Nemo Pro Diving’s existing operations, safety procedures, and documentation.
· Identified areas of non-compliance and developed an actionable roadmap to address deficiencies.
2. Development of Compliance Framework:
· Assisted in creating and implementing a robust safety management system (SMS) aligned with IMCA guidelines.
· Reviewed and standardised equipment maintenance and certification records.
· Structured diver training and competence assessments to meet IMCA standards.
3. Application Support and Advocacy:
· Guided Nemo Pro Diving through the application process, ensuring all documentation and evidence met IMCA’s stringent requirements.
· Acted as a liaison between Nemo Pro Diving and IMCA, addressing queries and facilitating communication.
4. Audit Preparation:
· Conducted mock audits to simulate the IMCA membership evaluation process.
· Provided actionable feedback to ensure readiness for the official assessment.
Conclusion
Namaka Subsea’s strategic guidance and hands-on approach transformed Nemo Pro Diving’s journey to IMCA membership. This case exemplifies Namaka Subsea’s ability to deliver customised solutions that empower companies to achieve international accreditation and unlock new growth opportunities.
