Offshore staff
LONDON – The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published its new ‘AUV Audit Guidance Document’ (IMCA S 028).
This was developed by the association’s Offshore Survey Division Management committee to promote a common approach to auditing of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and their support systems.
Although the document contains some parallels with IMCA R 006 ROV Audit Guidance it also highlights technical guidance on appropriate use of AUVs, for instance, in terms of safe management of lithium batteries.
It is intended to serve as a framework for offshore contractors to form their own AUV audit document, as Nick Hough, IMCA’s technical adviser – Offshore Survey, explained:
“The AUV Audit Guidance Document applies to all classes of AUV, whether they are hybrid vehicles operating on a tether or launched from a harbour and managed from an onshore facility. These machines are operated by survey personnel to carry out surveys offshore.
“As autonomous technology gathers momentum within the industry as a viable method of undertaking offshore surveys, it is vital that members play their part and develop an AUV audit document of their own to ensure equipment is fit for purpose.”
08/02/2021
