IMCA publishes guidance on operational communications

Clarity in communications is vital. There are few better demonstrations of a company’s quality than the manner in which it communicates by radio. Poor communication can cause misunderstanding – and misunderstandings cause accidents.

Members of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) have noted that standards of communication in offshore projects vary and are often not uniform in style, resulting in some confusion and communication difficulties.

In the interests of improving the situation, IMCA has published “Guidance on Operational Communications” (IMCA M 205 AND IMCA D 046), which deals specifically with communications between bridge and dive control stations and with lifting operations. The document brings together two IMCA documents – ‘Operational communications: Part I – Bridge and dive control’ and ‘Guidance on operational communications: Part 2 – Lifting operations’, which are now withdrawn.

“The variation in standards of communication can be from project to project, or even between different work sites operated by the same company, sometimes even in the same operational areas of the globe,” explained Hugh Williams, chief executive of IMCA.

“In addition a number of users of communication equipment have not had any specific training in its use, particularly in the use of radio. Clearly ships’ officers have that training although they can also fall into bad habits, but other members of project teams often do not. Also company procedures are sometimes difficult to implement when non-company personnel are involved. These factors clearly have implications in relation to safety – and there is no topic of greater importance to us and to our members.”

The 84-page publication is full of helpful information covering general guidelines for operational procedures, communications in bridge to dive control and communications in lifting operations; it also includes useful definitions and references, and suggestions for further reading.

Copies can be ordered from www.imca-int.com/publications and publications@imca-int.com – they cost £15 for members and £30 for non-members. OSJ