"As my time as Managing Director ends, I want to say thank you. Serving this Forum has been one of the great privileges of my career."
Director's Log
As my time as Managing Director ends, I want to say thank you. Serving this Forum has been one of the great privileges of my career. It has been demanding and occasionally unpredictable, but I would not change it for anything. I leave with no regrets and many great memories.
Over the past four and a half years, I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary group of people across OCIMF’s membership, committees and secretariat. Your willingness to contribute, challenge constructively, and work together is what makes OCIMF credible, relevant, and respected.
Maritime safety and responsible operations are built through collaboration. I am grateful for the partnership and shared commitment demonstrated by so many people and organisations across our industry. Together, we have navigated significant challenges and change. I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved.
I welcome our new Managing Director, Don Davis. I know you will extend the same support, candour, and collaboration to Don that you so generously provided to me. I leave knowing that OCIMF remains in capable hands.<
Karen Davis
Director OCIMF
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Engaging SIRE Inspector Forum held in London
Continuing with the series of inspector engagement forums, OCIMF hosted a half-day inspector engagement forum for SIRE Cat-1 inspectors in London on 18 June, attended by nearly 40 inspectors from the EU region.
Lively, engaging discussions were facilitated by presentations from the Programmes Director, Dave Cudbertson, and the Training and accreditation Manager, Ajay Gour, on the inspector training programme as well as statistics on inspection reports and their quality. Quality Assurance Manager Reuben Peter and UK-based Quality Assessors Nigel Walker and Tony Jones also supported the event.
Issues discussed ranged from challenges with the inspection tablet to the correct use of the response tools within the inspection programme, as well as updates on technical improvements to the programme and associated documents such as the Harmonised Vessel Particulars Questionnaire (HVPQ). Attending inspectors provided positive feedback on the benefits of these forums, expressing a desire for such forums to be held regularly and expanded to a full-day event.
OCIMF will hold similar inspector engagement forums in different regions worldwide and a schedule will be made available on the OCIMF website.
For further information contact Ajay Gour, Training and Accreditation Manager,
Kuala Lumpur OVID User Forum
OCIMF will be hosting an OVID User Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 1 September 2026 for OVID Programme users to discuss its use.
The agenda will cover publications updates, OVID User Survey results, OVID Inspection statistics, planned improvements to the OVID Programme, use of GOMO | Guidelines for Offshore Marine Operations and Q&A with inspectors, vessel operators, and OCIMF members. The venue information will be shared soon.
OCIMF’s Offshore Adviser, Christopher Holland, and Publications and Advocacy Director, Darron L. Biddle, will also be exhibiting at Home - Oil and Gas Asia 2026 at booth 7307, 2–4 September in Kuala Lumpur to highlight OCIMF’s Offshore publications and programmes.
All are welcome to visit the booth to learn about OCIMF's existing offshore publications and ongoing efforts of the Floating Systems and Offshore Vessel Operations work groups on the following publications:
- Revision of Guide to Manufacturing and Purchasing Hoses for Offshore Moorings (GMPHOM).
- Revision of Guidelines on the Marine Assessment of F(P)SOs.
- Revision of Offshore Vessel Management and Self Assessment (OVMSA).
- Development of new publication – Best Practices for the Management of Lifesaving Appliances (LSA) on Fixed and Floating Offshore Installations.
- Improvements to OVID Programme.
For any enquiries, please contact Christopher Holland, OCIMF Offshore Adviser,
OCIMF participates in PIANC Hull 2026 Annual General Assembly
OCIMF Engineering Adviser Alexys Nielsen presented at the PIANC Hull 2026 Annual General Assembly, contributing to a strong programme of industry-led insights on decarbonisation and sustainable maritime development.
Alexys, pictured above right with Marta Mendizabal Del Arco, delivered a presentation on the Information Paper Onshore Power Supply Systems – Recommendations for Tankers and Terminals, highlighting practical considerations to support safe and effective implementation of shore power solutions for oil and chemical tankers and terminals.
The session formed part of a broader technical programme covering offshore wind, port electrification, maritime infrastructure, and emerging technologies, reflecting the industry’s collective effort to advance decarbonisation and long-term sustainability. OCIMF’s participation supported ongoing engagement with key stakeholders and reinforced its role in promoting safe, consistent guidance aligned with industry needs.
The event also provided a valuable opportunity to exchange insights, share key learnings, and strengthen collaboration across the maritime and offshore sectors.
For enquiries, contact Alexys Nielsen, OCIMF Engineering Adviser,
Mooring Equipment Guidelines revision kick-off meeting
OCIMF has officially launched the revision working group for Mooring Equipment Guidelines (MEG), a flagship publication. The working group has over 50 participants representing OCIMF member companies, sister organisations, industry bodies and technical experts.
The kick-off session introduced the scope, objectives and structure of the revision, along with the planned approach to managing the programme of work over an anticipated two-year timeframe.
Initial discussions focused on priority topics and the establishment of sub-groups to support efficient progress across key technical areas. The revision will incorporate industry feedback, align with relevant international standards, and integrate human factors considerations, with a focus on practical operational updates to ensure the guidance remains clear, relevant and fit for purpose.
This milestone marks an important step in continuing to support safe and effective mooring operations across the industry.
For enquiries, contact Alexys Nielsen, OCIMF Engineering Adviser,
IMO News
76th session of the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee (TC 76)
The IMO Technical Cooperation programme aids developing countries to further develop the ability to implement international rules and regulations relating to maritime safety and the environment. It does so by focusing on developing human resources and capacity, which is overseen by the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee.
Discussions highlighted three converging pressures shaping the sector:
TC 76 took place from 8–12 June 2026 at the IMO headquarters in London. Developments of interest to OCIMF membership are highlighted below.
Progress on the Global On-Board Training (GOBT) Programme
Conducted in Busan, Republic of Korea, over 2021-25, the GOBT programme was instrumental in the training of 204 cadets, including 87 female cadets, from 28 countries. TC 76 noted the difficulties faced by cadets in securing sea-time required under the STCW and urged Member States and the industry stakeholders to work towards addressing the issue of availability of training berths on board ships.
Promoting Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusion (DEEI) in the maritime sector
TC 76 noted the progress of several IMO-supported activities to promote DEEI in the sector, including the following:
- Global Strategy for the IMO Women in Maritime Associations (WIMA) – promotes leadership, mentoring, networking, training and professional development.
- IMO/WISTA International Women in Maritime Survey 2027 – invited maritime industry stakeholders to participate.
13th session of the Subcommittee on Navigation, Communication, Search and Rescue (NCSR 13)
NCSR 13 took place from 22–26 June at the IMO headquarters in London with the following developments of interest to OCIMF membership taking place.
Routeing measures and ship reporting systems under SOLAS Chapter V
- European reporting systems to introduce mandatory reporting of ship insurance certificates.
- New or amended Traffic Separation Schemes introduced off Delaware Bay, New York, and approaches to Cape Fear River and Chesapeake Bay.
Transition to digital VHF voice communications
- Agreement of a draft MSC Circular outlining general principles on the introduction of digital technology for communication in the VHF maritime mobile band.
- Circular features a draft roadmap of development, training and implementation activities until 2045, subject to approval at MSC 112.
Development of guidance to support implementation of Series S-100 capable ECDIS
- A high-level summary of issues associated with implementation of modern-day ECDIS was agreed, with stakeholders such as IMO and other international bodies tasked to consider possible solutions.
An NCSR 13 summary report will be issued to OCIMF members in due course.
For enquiries regarding IMO matters and meeting participation, contact Abhijit Aul, Risk and Regulatory Affairs Adviser,