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these individuals to develop a portfolio of work records and competence assessments that can be transferred from one company to the next ? a full suite of nearly 60 publi-cations has now been published for freelancers. Based on the core IMCA frameworks, the IMCA freelance materials come complete with introductory guidance, worked ex- amples and supplementary sections to record both assessor and veri? er details and comments. We keep the competence documentation live and relevant with regular revisions; for example a revised version of our Guidance on assessor training was published in April, of- fering up-to-date guidance on criteria to build in to tailored company assessor training programs. Work is also under way on a new collection of competences entitled Offshore Project and Supporting Roles. Previously any role that had not fallen within one of IMCAs four technical divisions had been issued an as information note. These guidance documents are free for members and non-members alike to download from our website. A variety of logbooks and competence records is also available for purchase. Competence assurance is for everyone, whatever the off- shore sector. Contractors are required by clients, regulators and others to demonstrate that the individuals working for them ? particularly in safety critical roles ? are competent, whether experienced, new to the industry, freelance or agency personnel. Competence schemes based on the IMCA framework ensure that no matter where, when, or who you are work- ing with, you will be seen as a valued member of an ef? cient team. Good delivery relies on teamwork and trust ? everyone needs to feel they are working alongside someone they trust. Any team is as strong as its weakest link, and that weak link has to be encouraged to become stronger and thus more com- petent and more trustworthy for the good of the whole team. IMCA on the Web: www.imca-int.com OFFSHORE OPERATIONS Chris Charman is the Chief Executive of International Marine Contractors As- sociation (IMCA).44 MNSeptember 2013MN Sept2013 Layout 32-49.indd 448/29/2013 5:27:14 PM