The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has crossed a major milestone by increasing its membership to 50 countries.

The international trade association represents offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies, who between them account for an industry worth $20 billion each year.

“Membership is growing at an amazing rate; we now have over 430 member companies, and are delighted that the geographic spread is keeping up with overall membership,” said CEO , IMCA, Hugh William.

“We reached 200 member companies in 2002; we passed the 300 mark in April 2006; and by September 2007 had reached 400 member companies; now we are rapidly heading towards 450 member companies. Chalking up our 50th country is certainly a major milestone,” he added.

IMCA promotes improvements in quality, health, safety, environmental and technical standards through the publication of guidance and information notes, codes of practice, and by other appropriate means.

“We strive for the highest possible standards with a balance of risk and cost in relation to: health and safety; technology; quality & efficiency; environmental awareness & protection; and to achieve and sustain self-regulation in the industry,” said Williams.

Membership of IMCA is open to companies active in the offshore, marine and/or underwater engineering industries. There are separate classes of membership for contractors; suppliers (suppliers of equipment and services; personnel agencies; and training establishments); and non-voting corresponding members (which embraces oil companies, governmental and regulatory bodies).

There are now IMCA member companies in the following countries: Angola, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, UK, US and Vietnam.

Each member organisation (membership is not open to individuals) joins one or more of IMCA's four divisions - diving, marine, offshore survey, remote systems & ROV) according to its own areas of operation and expertise; and gains access to the core world-wide activities of the association and to its local regional section (Americas Deepwater; Asia-Pacific; Europe & Africa; Middle East & India). – TradeArabia News Service