Information Note

No. 1619 – August 2022

Summary of IMCA D 023 Document Changes 2022

IMCA D 023 Rev. 1 DESIGN for surface orientated (air) diving systems was published in January 2014. The latest
revision of IMCA D 023 has now been published (Rev. 2). This Information Note summarises the changes that were
made during the Rev. 1 to Rev. 2 update process.

Table 1 – Summary of Changes Made During IMCA D 023 Rev. 1 to Rev. 2 Update Process

Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason

D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
1. IMCA D 023; Section 1 2A Diving System Assessment – General; 1. To ensure that
General Safety, Item 2 and appropriate systematic
System Assessment.  2B Diving System Assessment – assessments of saturation
Automated Control Systems. diving systems are
undertaken and made
The text of the 2A assessment has been available.
revised to read:
2. To ensure that
“A systematic assessment of the diving appropriate systematic
system should be available to demonstrate assessments of
that the equipment provided for the diving automated control
operation is both adequate and fit for its systems in saturation
intended use. This assessment must include diving systems are
an FME(C)A or detailed Risk Assessment.” undertaken and made
The 2B assessment is new and requires: available.
 2B1 - Identification of Automated
Control Systems.
 2B2 - Categorisation of Automated
Control Systems.
 2B3 - Assessment of Safety Critical
Automated Control Systems.
Guidance on satisfying the IMCA DESIGN
requirements for the systematic assessment
of control systems in automated diving
plant and equipment is contained in IMCA D
069.

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© 2022 Page 1 of 13
 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
2. IMCA D 023; Section 1 Text revised to read: To allow companies with
General Safety; new Item “Visual examination, function test (including modern complex diving
(7.6) Electrical Testing. protective devices) plus continuity and systems to create their own
Note: This change affects resistance tests of all cables and electrical electrical testing procedures
all electrical and equipment within the last 6 months OR in and methodologies in line
component testing accordance with a detailed electrical testing with the recommendations of
requirements in IMCA D schedule prepared by a competent person”. competent persons.
023.
3. IMCA D 023; Section 1 Text revised to read: To ensure the functioning and
General Safety; Item 7.6 “A test should have been carried out within adequacy of emergency
Testing. the last 12 months to demonstrate the electrical power supplies.
Note: This change affects functioning and adequacy of emergency
all emergency power electrical power supplies.”
testing requirements in Updated to align with the revised IMCA D
IMCA D 023. 018, Detail Sheet 37.
4. IMCA D 023; Section 1 Text given separate line item and revised to 1. To ensure there is a visual
General Safety; new Item read: and/or audio indication if
(7.8) UPS Testing. “UPS Testing – Where a UPS is fitted, a test the UPS fails; and
Note: This change affects should have been carried out within the last 2. To ensure the normal
all UPS testing 12 months to check power continues to be supply is maintained in
requirements in IMCA D supplied in normal circumstances, through the event of UPS failure.
023. bypassing the UPS, in the event of a UPS
failure, and that the visual and/or audio
indication of such failure functions
correctly.”
Updated to align with the revised IMCA D
018, Detail Sheet 37.
5. Section 1 General Safety. Additional section covering requirements New subsection for flexible
New subsection (9) added for flexible hoses added. hoses included in Section 1 –
between old Section 8 General Safety to help ensure
Pressure Relief Valves and the requirements for these
old Section 9 Medical items of equipment are
Equipment. comprehensively addressed.
IMCA D 023; Section 1 Note: These requirements are
General Safety; Subsection also found in other sections of
9 Flexible Hoses. the documents to serve as
timely reminders in those
locations.
6. IMCA D 023; Section 1 Text of requirement reads: Included in Section 1 to help
General Safety; new Item “All hoses must be suitable for the purpose, ensure the requirements for
(9.1) Hoses. properly installed and protected from these items of equipment are
damage.” comprehensively addressed.

7. IMCA D 023; Section 1 Text of requirement reads: Included in Section 1 to help

General Safety; new Item “All hoses must be appropriately supported ensure the requirements for
(9.2) Securing. and secured at intervals not exceeding 2m.” these items of equipment are
comprehensively addressed.

IMCA Information Note 1619 Page 2 of 13

 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
8. IMCA D 023; Section 1 Text of requirement reads: Included in Section 1 to help
General Safety; new Item “It must be possible to identify all hoses and ensure the requirements for
(9.3) Hose Identification. their latest test date. Such as by means of a these items of equipment are
hose register or PMS record.” comprehensively addressed.

9. IMCA D 023; Section 2, Text revised to add the qualification “… to Should a diver’s supply line
Dive Control; Item 5.7 Air the degree that the diver’s safety is fail, no matter the
Supplies – To the Diver. impaired.” arrangement adopted, it may
still be possible to detect
some slight degree of
“interference” for another
diver.
10. IMCA D 023; Section 2 Text revised to include the following note: To allow companies with
Dive Control; Item 7.12 “Note: The frequency and nature of the modern complex diving
Gauge Calibration. calibration of pressure sensors and gauges systems to define the
integral to automated functions may be frequency and nature of the
defined in a scheme prepared by a calibration of pressure
competent person.” sensors and gauges integral to
automated functions in line
with the recommendations of
competent persons.
11. IMCA D 023; Section 2 Title revised to read: To provide a fuller description
Dive Control; Subsection 8 “Pipework Systems, Valves, Regulators and of the item contents.
Pipework and Valves. Relevant Fittings.”

12. IMCA D 023; Section 2 Text revised to read: To align with the IMCA D 018
Dive Control; Item 8.10 “Valves and pipework need to have had a pipework testing regime
Pipework Testing. gas leak test to maximum working pressure (Detail Sheets 24.1 & 24.2).
Note: This change affects in last 2.5 years.”
all valves and pipework
gas leak testing
requirements in IMCA D
023.
13. IMCA D 023; Section 2 Text revised to read: To allow companies with
Dive Control; new Item “Visual examination, function test (including modern complex diving
(9.3) Electrical Testing. protective devices) plus continuity and systems to create their own
Note: This change affects resistance tests of all cables and electrical electrical testing procedures
all electrical and equipment within the last 6 months OR in and methodologies in line
component testing accordance with a detailed electrical testing with the recommendations of
requirements in IMCA D schedule prepared by a competent person”. competent persons.
023.

IMCA Information Note 1619 Page 3 of 13

 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
14. IMCA D 023; Section 2 Text revised to read: To ensure the functioning and
Dive Control; Item 9.3 “A test should have been carried out within adequacy of emergency
Testing. the last 12 months to demonstrate the electrical power supplies.
Note: This change affects functioning and adequacy of emergency
all emergency power electrical power supplies.”
testing requirements in Updated to align with the revised IMCA D
IMCA D 023. 018, Detail Sheet 37.
15. IMCA D 023; Section 2 Text given separate line item and revised to 1. To ensure there is a visual
Dive Control; new Item read: and/or audio indication if
(9.5) UPS Testing. “UPS Testing – Where a UPS is fitted, a test the UPS fails; and
Note: This change affects should have been carried out within the last 2. To ensure the normal
all UPS testing 12 months to check power continues to be supply is maintained in
requirements in IMCA D supplied in normal circumstances, through the event of UPS failure.
023. bypassing the UPS, in the event of a UPS
failure, and that the visual and/or audio
indication of such failure functions
correctly.”
Updated to align with the revised IMCA D
018, Detail Sheet 37.

16. IMCA D 023; Section 2, Text revised to include a requirement for Storage cylinders or self-
Dive Control; Item 12.1 emergency breathing apparatus cylinders contained breathing
Breathing Apparatus – (umbilical supplied or self-contained) to be apparatus (SCBA) sets must
Provision. of suitable capacity and endurance. have the capacity and
endurance required should
they be needed in an
emergency.
17. IMCA D 023; Section 2, Text revised to read: It would be very difficult to
Dive Control; Item 12.2 “If emergency air for the supervisor (and ensure that in an emergency
Breathing Apparatus – winch operator if relevant) is umbilical situation (e.g., during a fire or
Umbilical Supply. supplied, it should be fed from cylinder H2S alert) the air intake for a
stored compressed air. The cylinder stored compressor providing
compressed air source for the umbilical umbilical supplied emergency
supplied surface breathing apparatus should air will always be situated in a
be separate to compressed air sources contaminant free zone.
intended for the use of divers. SCBA with
suitable capacity and endurance should also
be available to allow escape.”

18. IMCA D 023; Section 3, Text revised to read: To provide clarity on viewport
Twinlock Air Chamber; “Relevant pressure testing of the viewport pressure testing
Item 3.5 Viewport Testing. should be in accordance with the design requirements.
standard of the chamber and/or a suitable
viewport manufacturing code such as ASME
PVHO-1.”

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 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
19. IMCA D 023; Section 3, The chamber paintwork and corrosion To provide greater clarity on
Twinlock Air Chamber; requirements have been split into two chamber paintwork and
Item 5.1 Paintwork. separate line items: Paintwork and corrosion requirements.
Note: This change affects Corrosion.
all chamber The paintwork requirement has been
paintwork/corrosion changed from a ‘Need A’ to a ‘Need B.’
requirements in IMCA D The text of the two requirements in the
023. separate line items read:
5.1 “Paintwork should be in good
condition.”
5.2 “The chamber should be free from
serious corrosion.”
20. IMCA D 023; Section 3, The chamber paintwork and corrosion To provide greater clarity on
Twinlock Air Chamber; requirements have been split into two chamber paintwork and
Item 6.1 Paintwork. separate line items: Paintwork and corrosion requirements.
Note: This change affects Corrosion.
all chamber The paintwork requirement has been
paintwork/corrosion changed from a ‘Need A’ to a ‘Need B.’
requirements in IMCA D The text of the two requirements in the
023. separate line items read:
6.1 “Paintwork should be in good
condition.”
6.2 “The chamber should be free from
serious corrosion.”
21. IMCA D 023; Section 3 Text revised to include the following note: To allow companies with
Twinlock Air Chamber; “Note: The frequency and nature of the modern complex diving
Item 6.30 Gauge calibration of pressure sensors and gauges systems to define the
Calibration. integral to automated functions may be frequency and nature of the
defined in a scheme prepared by a calibration of pressure
competent person.” sensors and gauges integral to
automated functions in line
with the recommendations of
competent persons.
22. IMCA D 023; Section 3 Text revised to read: To allow companies with
Twinlock Air Chamber; “Visual examination, function test (including modern complex diving
Item 6.37 Electrical protective devices) plus continuity and systems to create their own
Testing. resistance tests of all cables and electrical electrical testing procedures
Note: This change affects equipment within the last 6 months OR in and methodologies in line
all electrical and accordance with a detailed electrical testing with the recommendations of
component testing schedule prepared by a competent person”. competent persons.
requirements in IMCA D
023.

IMCA Information Note 1619 Page 5 of 13

 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
23. IMCA D 023; Section 3, Text revised to include a requirement for Storage cylinders or self-
Twinlock Air Chamber; emergency breathing apparatus cylinders contained breathing
Item 8.1 Breathing (umbilical supplied or self-contained) to be apparatus (SCBA) sets must
Apparatus – Provision. of suitable capacity and endurance. have the capacity and
endurance required should
they be needed in an
emergency.

24. IMCA D 023; Section 3, Text revised to read: It would be very difficult to
Twinlock Air Chamber; “If emergency air for the supervisor (and ensure that in an emergency
Item 8.2 Breathing winch operator if relevant) is umbilical situation (e.g., during a fire or
Apparatus – Umbilical supplied, it should be fed from cylinder H2S alert) the air intake for a
Supply. stored compressed air. The cylinder stored compressor providing
compressed air source for the umbilical umbilical supplied emergency
supplied surface breathing apparatus should air will always be situated in a
be separate to compressed air sources contaminant free zone.
intended for the use of divers. SCBA with
suitable capacity and endurance should also
be available to allow escape.”

25. IMCA D 023; Section 4, Text revised to include the following notes: To provide a specific weight to
Diver Launch and Recovery Note 1: For the purpose of this calculation be used for calculating the
System (LARS); Item 1.2 the weight of a fully kitted diver is weight of a fully manned and
Weight. considered to be 150 kg. equipped diving basket or
wet-bell.
Note 2: For classed diving systems the class
society may specify a different diver weight.

26. IMCA D 023; Section 4, Updated to align with the revised IMCA D To maintain the consistency
Diver Launch and Recovery 018, Detail Sheet 22.1. of IMCA guidance and reduce
System (LARS); Items 2.13 the need for overload testing.
& 2.14, Winch Testing,
plus two new items.

27. IMCA D 023; Section 4, Text revised to read: To clarify the requirements
Diver Launch and Recovery “Unless the wire is to be renewed every for all diving basket or wet
System (LARS), Item 3.3 2 years, from the time the wire rope is bell wire rope lubrication.
Lubrication. taken into service (i.e., fitted to the winch) it
should be pressure lubricated every
6 months, at least from the diving basket or
wet bell back to the maximum depth of
immersion in the period. If it has been laid
up for a substantial period, then it should
have been pressure lubricated before lay-
up.

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 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
Contractors should follow the wire rope
manufacturer’s recommendations and have
a documented maintenance regime and
wire rope policy in place.”

28. IMCA D 023; Section 4 Updated to align with the guidance To maintain the consistency
Diver Launch and Recovery contained in IMCA LR 001/IMCA SEL of IMCA guidance and remove
System (LARS); Items 3.4 022/IMCA M 194, and IMCA D 018, Detail the need for overload testing
to 3.9 Wire Testing; plus, Sheet 29.1. following re-termination.
one new item.

29. IMCA D 023; Section 4 Updated to align with the revised IMCA D To maintain the consistency
Diver Launch and Recovery 018, Detail Sheet 22.1. of IMCA guidance and reduce
System (LARS); Items 4.17 the need for overload testing.
& 4.18 Winch Testing;
plus, two new items.

30. IMCA D 023; Section 4, Text revised to read: To clarify the requirements
Diver Launch and Recovery “Unless the wire is to be renewed every for all diving basket or wet
System (LARS), Item 4.21 2 years, from the time the wire rope is bell wire rope lubrication.
Lubrication. taken into service (i.e., fitted to the winch) it
should be pressure lubricated every
6 months, at least from the diving basket or
wet bell back to the maximum depth of
immersion in the period. If it has been laid
up for a substantial period, then it should
have been pressure lubricated before lay-
up.
Contractors should follow the wire rope
manufacturer’s recommendations and have
a documented maintenance regime and
wire rope policy in place.”

31. IMCA D 023; Section 4 Updated to align with the guidance To maintain the consistency
Diver Launch and Recovery contained in IMCA LR 001/IMCA SEL of IMCA guidance and remove
System (LARS); Items 4.22 022/IMCA M 194, and IMCA D 018, Detail the need for overload testing
to 4.27 Wire Testing; plus, Sheet 29.1. following re-termination.
one new item.

32. IMCA D 023; Section 4 Text revised to read: To allow companies with
Diver Launch and Recovery “Visual examination, function test (including modern complex diving
System (LARS); Item 8.7 protective devices) plus continuity and systems to create their own
Electrical Testing resistance tests of all cables and electrical electrical testing procedures
Note: This change affects equipment within the last 6 months OR in and methodologies in line
all electrical and accordance with a detailed electrical testing with the recommendations of
component testing schedule prepared by a competent person”. competent persons.
requirements in IMCA D
023.

IMCA Information Note 1619 Page 7 of 13

 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
33. IMCA D 023; Section 4 Updated to align with the revised IMCA D To maintain the consistency
Diver Launch and Recovery 018, Detail Sheet 22.1. of IMCA guidance and reduce
System (LARS); Items 10.2 the need for overload testing.
& 10.3 Overall Testing;
plus, two new items.
34. IMCA D 023; Section 4 Text revised to include a requirement for Storage cylinders or self-
Diver Launch and Recovery emergency breathing apparatus cylinders contained breathing
System (LARS); Item 13.1, (umbilical supplied or self-contained) to be apparatus (SCBA) sets must
Breathing Apparatus – of suitable capacity and endurance. have the capacity and
Provision. endurance required should
they be needed in an
emergency.
35. IMCA D 023; Section 4 Text revised to read: It would be very difficult to
Diver Launch and Recovery “If emergency air for the supervisor (and ensure that in an emergency
System (LARS); Item 13.2 winch operator if relevant) is umbilical situation (e.g., during a fire or
Breathing Apparatus – supplied, it should be fed from cylinder H2S alert) the air intake for a
Umbilical Supply. stored compressed air. The cylinder stored compressor providing
compressed air source for the umbilical umbilical supplied emergency
supplied surface breathing apparatus should air will always be situated in a
be separate to compressed air sources contaminant free zone.
intended for the use of divers. SCBA with
suitable capacity and endurance should also
be available to allow escape.”
36. IMCA D 023; Section 5 Text revised to read: To improve clarity.
Diving Basket; Item 1.3 “For any diving basket manufactured after 1
Structure and Lift Point. January 2014, documentation should be
available showing clearly the designed SWL
which should be equal to or greater than
the gross weight. Gross weight = fully laden
with divers and equipment.”
37. IMCA D 023; Section 5 The structure and lift point paintwork and To provide greater clarity on
Diving Basket; Item 1.4. corrosion requirements have been split into diving basket structure and lift
two separate line items. point paintwork and corrosion
The paintwork requirement has been requirements.
changed from a ‘Need A’ to a ‘Need B.’
The text of the two requirements in the
separate line items read:
1.4 “Paintwork should be in good
condition.”
1.5 “The structure and lift point should be
free from serious corrosion.”
38. IMCA D 023; Section 5 New requirement inserted containing the Umbilical guides are
Diving Basket; new Item following text: considered essential
(1.11) Umbilical Guide. “For DP diving operations diving baskets components of diving baskets
should be fitted with umbilical guides to be used for DP diving
capable of preventing the passage of operations.
stoppers on the diver(s) umbilical(s).”

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 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
39. IMCA D 023; Section 5 Text revised to read: To improve clarity.
Diving Basket; Item 1.12 “The SWL of the diving basket should be
Weight Marking. clearly marked on it. The tare weight (i.e.,
unladen) should also be marked on it.”
40. IMCA D 023; Section 5 New requirement inserted containing the During an emergency it may
Diving Basket; new Item following text: be necessary for a diver to
(1.12) Emergency Release. “In an emergency, it should be possible for a release himself from the
diver to release his umbilical from any diving basket.
umbilical guide fitted to a diving basket and
free himself from the diving basket.”
41. IMCA D 023; Section 5 Text revised to read: To align with the IMCA D 018
Diving Basket; Item 1.14 “Load test of lifting point (this also applies man-riding basket load testing
Load Testing. to secondary lift points) at 1.5 times regime (Detail Sheet 3).
designed SWL of the diving basket in last
12 months.”

42. IMCA D 023; Section 5 NDE of lifting points or pad eyes before and To improve clarity.
Diving Basket; new Item after test in the last 12 months made a
(1.18) Load Testing. separate stand-alone requirement.

43. IMCA D 023; Section 5 Text of Section 2 heading revised to read, Consideration of nitrox should
Diving Basket; Subsection “Emergency Cylinder(s) – Note: Nitrox may be included in this section of
2 Emergency Cylinder. be used in place of air in certain IMCA D 023.
circumstances. If this is being used, then
substitute ‘nitrox’ for the word ‘air’ in the
following section”.

44. IMCA D 023; Section 5 Text revised to include the following: To maintain the consistency
Diving Basket; Item 2.1 “Note: For nitrox diving operations the of IMCA guidance.
Cylinder. emergency cylinder(s) should be filled with
the breathing gas mix specified in the diving
contractor’s operating procedures.”
Updated to align with the guidance
contained in IMCA D 048.
45. IMCA D 023; Section 6 Wet Text revised to read: To improve clarity.
Bell; Item 1.3 Structure “For any wet bell manufactured after 1
and Lift Point. January 2014, documentation should be
available showing clearly the designed SWL
which should be equal to or greater than
the gross weight. Gross weight = fully laden
with divers and equipment.”

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 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
46. IMCA D 023; Section 6 Wet The structure and lift point paintwork and To provide greater clarity on
Bell; Item 1.4. corrosion requirements have been split into wet bell structure and lift
two separate line items. point paintwork and corrosion
The text of the two requirements in the requirements.
separate line items read:
1.4 “Paintwork should be in good
condition.”
1.5 “The structure and lift point should be
free from serious corrosion.”
47. IMCA D 023; Section 6 Wet Item renamed “Weight Marking.” To improve clarity.
Bell; Item 1.12 SWL. Text of requirement revised to read:
“The SWL of the wet bell should be clearly
marked on it. The tare weight (i.e.,
unladen) should also be marked on it.”
48. IMCA D 023; Section 6 Wet Text revised to read: To align with the IMCA D 018
Bell; Item 1.14 Load “Load test of lifting point (this also applies man-riding basket load testing
Testing. to secondary lift points) at 1.5 times regime (Detail Sheet 3).
designed SWL of the wet bell in last
12 months.”
49. IMCA D 023; Section 6 Wet NDE of lifting points or pad eyes before and To improve clarity.
Bell; new Item (1.16) Load after test in the last 12 months made a
Testing. separate stand-alone requirement.
50. IMCA D 023; Section 6 Wet Text of Subsection 2 heading revised to Heading needs to allow for
Bell; Subsection 2 Air read, “Onboard Cylinder(s)”. the use of nitrox.
Cylinder(s).
51. IMCA D 023; Section 6 Wet Text revised to include the following: To maintain the consistency
Bell; Item 2.1 Cylinders. “Note: For nitrox diving operations the of IMCA guidance.
emergency onboard cylinder(s) should be
filled with the breathing gas mix specified in
the diving contractor’s operating
procedures.”
Updated to align with the guidance
contained in IMCA D 048.
52. IMCA D 023; Section 6 Wet Text revised to add the qualification “… to Should a diver’s supply line
Bell; Item 3.3 Air Sources/ the degree that the diver’s safety is fail, no matter the
Supplies – To the Diver(s). impaired.” arrangement adopted, it may
still be possible to detect
some slight degree of
“interference” for another
diver.

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 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
53. IMCA D 023; Section 6 Wet Text revised to read: To allow companies with
Bell; Item 4.8 Electrical “Visual examination, function test (including modern complex diving
Testing. protective devices) plus continuity and systems to create their own
Note: This change affects resistance tests of all cables and electrical electrical testing procedures
all electrical and equipment within the last 6 months OR in and methodologies in line
component testing accordance with a detailed electrical testing with the recommendations of
requirements in IMCA D schedule prepared by a competent person”. competent persons.
023.
54. IMCA D 023; Section 7 Wet Text revised to read: To allow companies with
Bell Main Umbilical; Item “Visual examination, function test (including modern complex diving
4.1 Electrical Components. protective devices) plus continuity and systems to create their own
Note: This change affects resistance tests of all cables and electrical electrical testing procedures
all electrical and equipment within the last 6 months OR in and methodologies in line
component testing accordance with a detailed electrical testing with the recommendations of
requirements in IMCA D schedule prepared by a competent person”. competent persons.
023.
55. IMCA D 023; Section 8 Title of item amended to “Pipework To improve consistency of
Diver Heating System; Testing.” language.
Item 6.2 Pipework. Text revised to read:
“Internal pressure test of all valves,
pipework, fittings, etc. to 1.5 times
maximum working pressure when new.”
56. IMCA D 023; Section 8 Title of item amended to “Gauge Testing.” To improve consistency of
Diver Heating System; language.
Item 6.5 Gauges.
57. IMCA D 023; Section 8 Text revised to read: To allow companies with
Diver Heating System; “Visual examination, function test (including modern complex diving
Item 6.6 Electrical Testing. protective devices) plus continuity and systems to create their own
Note: This change affects resistance tests of all cables and electrical electrical testing procedures
all electrical and equipment within the last 6 months OR in and methodologies in line
component testing accordance with a detailed electrical testing with the recommendations of
requirements in IMCA D schedule prepared by a competent person”. competent persons.
023.
58. IMCA D 023; Section 9 Text revised to read: To allow companies with
Divers’ Umbilicals; Item “Visual examination, function test (including modern complex diving
3.1 Electrical Components. protective devices) plus continuity and systems to create their own
Note: This change affects resistance tests of all cables and electrical electrical testing procedures
all electrical and equipment within the last 6 months OR in and methodologies in line
component testing accordance with a detailed electrical testing with the recommendations of
requirements in IMCA D schedule prepared by a competent person”. competent persons.
023.

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 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
59. IMCA D 023; Section 10 Text of Note revised to read: To cover all divers’ personal
Divers’ Personal “Note: This section covers primary breathing apparatus including
Equipment; Note and breathing systems e.g., helmets, bandmasks first stage regulators.
Items 1, 1.7 & 1.8. and full-face masks; open circuit bail-out
systems (including first-stage regulators),
and cylinders taken under water, but does
not include supply systems pipework or
other items such as suits, gloves etc. which
should meet normal standards for personal
protective equipment.”
Title of Item 1 revised to read:
“Personal Breathing Apparatus (used under
water).”
Description of Items 1.7 and 1.8 revised to
read:
“Personal Breathing Apparatus Testing.”
60. IMCA D 023; Section 10 Text revised to read: To clarify and simplify the
Divers’ Personal “The cylinder(s) must have sufficient emergency gas supply (bail-
Equipment; Item 2.2 endurance to allow the diver to return to a out) cylinder endurance
Endurance. place of safety. This will normally mean that requirement.
a calculation should be available showing
that the capacity of the cylinder(s) at the
maximum depth of diving will allow
breathing gas for 1 minute for every 10
metres of umbilical deployed. This
calculation should be carried out using 40
l/min as a minimum consumption.”
61. IMCA D 023; Section 10 Four line items added to bring IMCA D 023 To align with the IMCA D 018
Divers’ Personal into alignment with the requirements of (Detail Sheet 35.1.
Equipment; new IMCA D 018, Detail Sheet 35.
Subsection 4 Diver
Harnesses added.
62. IMCA D 023; Section 11 Updated to align with the revised IMCA D To maintain the consistency
Compressors, Pumps, Etc. 018, Detail Sheet 26. of IMCA guidance and reduce
Item 6.3 Receiver Testing. the need for overpressure
testing.

63. IMCA D 023; Section 11 Text revised to read: To allow companies with
Compressors, Pumps, Etc. “Visual examination, function test (including modern complex diving
Item 7.2 Electrical Testing. protective devices) plus continuity and systems to create their own
Note: This change affects resistance tests of all cables and electrical electrical testing procedures
all electrical and equipment within the last 6 months OR in and methodologies in line
component testing accordance with a detailed electrical testing with the recommendations of
requirements in IMCA D schedule prepared by a competent person”. competent persons.
023.

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 Location of Items in IMCA Summary of Changes Made Reason
D 023 Rev. 1 Edition
64. IMCA D 023, Section 12 Text revised to read: To introduce the alternative
High Pressure Air and Gas “Load test at 1.5 times maximum SWL in the of undertaking
Storage; Item 2.9 Lifting last 12 months or carry out alternative examination/testing as
Equipment (Quad Slings examination/testing as required by the required by the competent
etc.) Testing. competent person”. person.

65. IMCA D 023; Cylinder To revise cylinder 2 yearly testing To align with recognised
Testing. periodicities to 2.5 years and 4 yearly international standards.
Note: This change affects testing periodicities to 5 years.
certain cylinder testing
requirements in IMCA D
023.

66. IMCA D 023 – all sections Validity period of gas leak tests at maximum To align with the IMCA D 018
and items referencing working pressure of gas-only systems chamber pressure testing
IMCA D 018 Detail Sheets changed from 2 years to 2.5 years where regime (Detail Sheets 25.1 &
24.1 and 24.2. appropriate. 26).

For more information, please contact Bryan.McGlinchy@imca-int.com.

IMCA Information Note 1619 Page 13 of 13