With these challenges in mind, the publication 'Guidance on the Selection of Vessels of Opportunity for Diving Operations' has been developed by the London based International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Diving Division Management Committee by a workgroup of members active in the IMCA Asia-Pacific Section.

The new IMCA publication provides guidance to both clients and contractors when selecting a vessel of opportunity for diving operations. It is not designed to be exhaustive but is intended to cover the minimum requirements that should be satisfied.

'Many countries do not have specific regulations that govern offshore diving operations and in such cases best practice should prevail which incorporates the client's requirements and specifications together with the diving contractor's safety management systems and IMCA codes of practice and guidelines, said the IMCA's technical director Jane Bugler. 'Our new publication provides generic guidance on assessing the suitability of vessels of opportunity for diving operations and provides an indication of factors to be considered in selection of the diving support vessel.'

The Selection of Vessels of Opportunity for Diving Operations contains sections on safety, deck and working areas, mooring/ positioning, accommodation and messing facilities, medical facilities, and additional services, which encompasses communications, power supplies, carnage, life saving appliances, fire fighting appliances, other vessel services and hyperbaric evacuation systems.

The publications costs £5 for IMCA members and £10 for non-members. It is available via Email: publications@imca-int. com or on the Web: www. imca-int. com