IMCA Membership Application Support

1. Deep‑Technical Diving Expertise 

Our advisors are seasoned subsea professionals with extensive operational backgrounds and auditing experience. Clients benefit from ORCA’s proven capability to interpret and apply IMCA Diving Division guidance, including requirements for safety management systems, diver competency, equipment compliance, PMS records, and emergency preparedness.

2. A Structured “End‑to‑End” Process

Achieving IMCA membership requires far more than simply submitting documents. Many contractors underestimate the workload, leading to rejected applications, unexpected delays, and repeated resubmissions. ORCA eliminates this risk through a clear, comprehensive support model that mirrors the IMCA review process.

3. Compliance

For organisations seeking membership for affiliate companies in other regions, ORCA ensures full alignment with the requirements, including:

• Insurance declarations and evidence requirements
• Letters of Confirmation covering competence, equipment, PMS, SOPs, and adoption of IMCA Diving Division guidance
• Mandatory supporting documentation for office facilities, emergency medical support, hyperbaric evacuation plans, and key personnel structure
• Preparation for IMCA’s desktop audit and potential on‑site audit stages

1. Initial Gap Analysis & Diagnostic Review

Your dedicated Diving Advisor conducts an in‑depth assessment of your current systems, including:

• Diving Operations Manual
• Safety Management System
• Emergency & Hyperbaric Evacuation Procedures
• Competence & Training Framework
• Equipment Certification & Maintenance Records
• Medical Support & Welfare Arrangements
• Office & Base Infrastructure (for affiliate applications)

This mirrors the scope of an IMCA desktop audit, giving you a clear roadmap before you begin.

2. Development of an IMCA‑Aligned Compliance Framework

Based on the gap analysis, ORCA will help you build and refine all operational systems to IMCA Diving Division expectations, including:

• Updated safety and operational procedures
• Revised Diving and Emergency Manuals
• Implementation of PMS aligned with IMCA D 018 (plant and equipment examination and certification)
• Verification of diver and supervisor certification requirements
• Standardisation of equipment logs and technical documentation

3. Application Package Preparation

For Core Diving Contractor Applications:

• Full alignment of all required evidence with IMCA guidance
• Ensuring completeness and accuracy to prevent delays

For Affiliate Membership Applications (per Information Note 1573):

• Director’s Insurance Declaration
• Letter of Confirmations (competence, equipment, SOPs, PMS, IMCA adoption)
• Supporting documentation (office facilities, emergency medical support, key personnel, etc.) 

All documents are prepared and formatted precisely to IMCA expectations to avoid rejection due to missing or misaligned materials.

4. IMCA Liaison & Submission Support

ORCA acts as your interface with IMCA, helping you:

• Submit the online application
• Respond to IMCA queries and requests for evidence
• Manage timelines, resourcing, and desktop audit feedback
• Prepare for potential on‑site audits when IMCA deems it necessary 

5. Pre‑Audit Preparation & Mock Audit

Before IMCA reviews your submission, your advisor conducts a full mock audit, replicating the structure of an IMCA technical review.
This includes:

• Verification of operational systems and documentation
• Review of certification and competence evidence
• Equipment examination & PMS traceability
• Emergency preparedness checks
• Interviews with key personnel

Technical Authority-Level Expertise

• Our Diving Advisors bring high‑level operational, auditing and regulatory experience, ideal for contractors new to IMCA requirements or upgrading their operational capability.

A Proven Success Rate

• Organisations often attempt the application themselves and struggle through multiple failed submissions, costing valuable time and money. ORCA’s model significantly reduces the risk of rejection and ensures a clean, complete submission aligned to IMCA’s expectations.

Independent, Unbiased Evaluation

• As a third party, we provide clear, objective insight into gaps and strengths within your diving operations, essential for meeting international best practice.

A Partner Rather Than a Vendor

• We work collaboratively with your leadership, supervisors, and operational teams, ensuring not only a strong application but improved operational performance and safety culture.

Whether you are an established contractor seeking growth, a new entrant to the offshore diving sector, or an organisation expanding into new regions through affiliate companies, ORCA provides the expertise, structure, and technical guidance needed to succeed.

Contact ORCA below to speak with one of our Advisors and begin your IMCA membership journey...