The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has revised its ‘Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels and structures’ (IMCA SEL 025 Rev.,1 / IMCA M 202 Rev. 1) to include the equipment and practices that are currently used in the offshore renewable energy industry.
These primary methods of personnel transfer are personnel transfer carrier; gangways, bridge or accommodation ladders, including motion-compensated hydraulic gangways; small boat or launch; larger crew boat or support vessel; mating ‘surfer’ structures allowing personnel to transfer safely. For each case the document covers the main safety issues and gives some information about the specialist equipment that may be involved, such as ‘surfers, as well as special duties or responsibilities of personnel involved, particularly with regard to communications. The document does not cover personnel transfer by helicopter. The document can be downloaded free of charge from the IMCA website.