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