Overview

The CPD covers familiarisation with the vessel and the vessel-specific DP system, DP operation, DP maintenance and emergency drills.

Written by an industry expert with two decades of experience on board dive vessels and teaching Dynamic Positioning, this comprehensive guide outlines how to develop and sustain competence.

Introduction 

The standard of DP training at shore-based training centres has taken a quantum leap in the last decade. However, continuum of DP competence for key DP personnel on board, known as ‘continuous professional development’ (CPD), is left to individual companies, and requires streamlining.

MSC.1/Circ.738/Rev.2 – Guidelines for Dynamic Positioning System (DP) Operator Training sets out how to develop and sustain competence. To achieve the objectives of the Guidelines, this book provides CPD exercises, level, frequency and methodology to deliver supervised, structured onboard CPD training. At the end of the CPD training, the participants are assessed to determine their suitability for the job and the need for refresher training, if any.

Broadly, key DP personnel are divided into two categories, DP operators and technical DP personnel. The CPD covers familiarisation with the vessel and the vessel-specific DP system, DP operation, DP maintenance and emergency drills. The desired skill level and frequency varies with the category and rank of the DP personnel.

Mentoring by senior DP professionals plays an important role in achieving the CPD objectives. Mentoring in the onboard environment remains a challenge due to the short tenures and lack of instructional training of senior DP personnel. Vessel owners should foster a positive environment to achieve this. To optimise CPD training, the training sessions should be conducted with maximum participation in a classroom-like environment followed by a debrief.

IMO, IMCA, The Nautical Institute, MTS, DNV (formerly known as DNV GL) and various class societies provide DP-related references, guidelines and DP safety reports online, which must be accessible during the CPD training.

I hope this book, in conjunction with ‘Dynamic Positioning, Theory & Practices’, will help maintain the required knowledge and skill continuum.

Capt KC Shukla

Content

1. Introduction

1.1 Definitions

1.2 Training of Key DP Personnel

1.3 DP Competence and CPD

1.4 Manning Personnel

1.5 Competence Assessment

2. Vessel-specific Competence

2.1 The Guidance

2.2 Vessel Familiarisation

2.3 DP Theory

2.4 DP System Familiarisation

2.5 DP Planning

2.6 DP Safety Reports

2.7 DP Vessel Operation

2.8 DP System Maintenance

2.9 DP Emergency Drills

2.10 DP Knowledge Repository

3. CPD Training Methodology

3.1 CPD Training

3.2 Training Plan

3.3 Training Records

3.4 Qualified Trainer

3.5 CPD Training Aids

3.6 The Methodology

3.7 Debriefing

3.8 Assessment

3.9 Verification

4. CPD Training-Need Analysis

4.1 Factors Affecting CPD Training

4.2 The Training-Need Analysis

5. MSC.1/Circ.738/Rev.2 – Guidelines for Dynamic Positioning System (DP) Operator Training

1 Executive Summary

2 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

3 Introduction

3.1 Background

3.2 Operational Conditions

4 Aim and Objectives

4.1 Aim

4.2 Objectives

5 Key DP Personnel Identified

5.1 Master/OIM

5.2 Senior DP Operator (SDPO)

5.3 DP Operator (DPO)

5.4 Chief Engineer

5.5 Senior Engine Room Watchkeeper

5.6 Engine Room Watchkeeper

5.7 DP Electrical and Electronics Technicians

5.8 Company DP Authority

6 DP Training

6.1 Types of Training

6.2 Training Records

6.3 Training Courses & Certification for DPO Personnel

6.4 Training Courses for Key Technical DP Personnel

6.5 Training Courses for Other Personnel Involved in DP Operations

7 Qualification and Knowledge Requirements of Key DP Personnel

7.1 Master/OIM

7.2 Senior DPO

7.3 DPO

7.4 Chief Engineer

7.5 Senior Engine Room Watchkeeper

7.6 Engine Room Watchkeeper

7.7 DP Electrical and Electronics Technicians

7.8 Company DP Authority

8 Recommended Vessel Experience of Key DP Personnel

8.1 Recommended Minimum Experience on an Established DP Operational Vessel

8.2 Recommended Minimum Experience on a New or Unfamiliar Vessel

8.3 Minimum Period of Familiarisation on a Familiar Vessel

9 DP Vessel and Industrial Mission Familiarisation

9.1 Procedure

9.2 Current Project Familiarisation

10 Key DP Personnel Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

10.1 CPD Definition

10.2 DP Competency and CPD

10.3 DP Refresher Training

10.4 Maintaining Personal Performance

Appendices

Appendix A – Vessel Familiarisation

Appendix B – DP Theory

Appendix C – DP System Familiarisation

Appendix D – Operational Activity Planning

Appendix E – DP Station Keeping Review

Appendix F – DP Vessel Handling

Appendix G – DP Operation

Appendix H – DP System Maintenance

Appendix I – DP Emergencies

Appendix J – Mentoring

Appendix K – Debriefing

Appendix L – CPD Master Record

Introduction 

This book bridges the knowledge gap between the users of dynamic positioning (DP) and the knowledge encapsulated in sources such as DP system manuals, onboard documentation, IMO publications, class society rules and regulations, IMCA guidelines and research papers. This book has been updated to MSC.1/Circ.1580 and its text is quoted in italics.

It is a challenge to deal with a subject as complex as DP and with features differing between systems. DP vessels vary in shape, size and role, with often very little in common in their operating procedures, eg a diving vessel and an FPSO. This book comprehensively explains the principles and procedures of DP for all users.

DP differs from other maritime activities and, in effect, is more akin to aviation where the reaction time is usually less and averting a disaster depends solely on the operator’s proficiency, training, team work and reliability of the DP system. The aviation industry has evolved over the years in terms of training and standard operating procedures; DP has a long way to go, but it is heartening to note that, in the past few years, it has made significant strides in the quality of training delivered.

In the recent past there have been a few high profile offshore accidents resulting in fatalities and damage to property and the environment. Education is vital in avoiding future incidents and I sincerely hope that this book will be a small step in bringing about this change.

In the second edition, a chapter on DP incident investigation has been added, an important function for SDPOs. The scope of Chapters 17–23 on mission-specific operations has been broadened to enable bespoke project planning. These chapters in Part V should be read in conjunction with chapters in Part I dealing with generic DP operations. I hope this edition will adequately meet the need of the complete spectrum of DP users.

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