From award of a contract to the first in-water test of the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) there are a significant number of issues that need to be addressed by both the onshore and offshore ROV teams.
Each mobilisation is unique and needs to be planned in a comprehensive and structured manner.
To assist in this process ‘ROV Mobilisation’ (IMCA R 009 Rev 1) published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) considers many of these issues in a checklist format.
Each ROV operator has its own management system to cover their internal requirements and the IMCA document is intended to complement and support those systems.
“ ROV systems themselves vary greatly from small observation ROVs to large and complex trenching ROVs and their needs vary significantly ,” explains IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler.
“ The users of this document need to identify those sections that are pertinent to their requirements .
“ The original ROV Mobilisation document was issued in 2003, ” she adds. “ During 2012 and 2013 it underwent a review and update in order to reflect changes and developments in industry practice in the ensuing period. A number of small changes to wording have been made in a number of places, although the layout and general theme of the document has not altered. Some of the sub-sections on project preparation (carnage, ROV system and vessel) and some of the sub-sections on mobilisation (pre-mobilisation briefing and on-deck installation) have been updated as have the references, in particular with respect to IMCA R 018 ‘Guidelines for installing ROV Systems on vessels or platforms’. ”
Press Release, October 15, 2013; Image: IMCA