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Certification Systems News

16 Sep 2018

Brexit Shouldn't Mar Prospects of Seafarers: UK Chamber

UK Chamber of Shipping said that no deal could limit the opportunities for UK seafarers. A no-deal Brexit would also potentially inconvenience operators of UK-flagged ships, the UK Chamber says.On Thursday, the UK Government published another 28 technical notices, which advise on how potential disruption from a no-deal exit from the European Union can be minimised. The latest batch includes two important shipping-related notices: one on seafarer certification and one on maritime security.The UK Chamber’s immediate concerns are focused on how seafarer employment would be affected by a no-deal Brexit.The technical notice on seafarer certification identifies the basis for seafarer employment in STCW…

19 Dec 2014

NZ Report: Human Error to Blame for Rena Grounding

Photo: maritime New Zealand

New Zealand's Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) published its final report into the grounding of containership Rena in October 2011. The TAIC’s investigation found that the grounding was a result of improper crew practices, and that equipment/machinery malfunction played no part in the incident. According to the report, the Liberian-registered containership Rena had left the New Zealand port of Napier at 10:20 a.m. on October 4, 2011 bound for the New Zealand port of Tauranga. The master had given an estimated time of arrival at the Tauranga pilot station of 3 a.m.

27 May 2014

Talking DP with Aaron C. Smith, Executive Director OSVDPA

Aaron C. Smith

When the Offshore Supply Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority (OSVDPA) held its first board meeting in March, it began charting the course toward a new dynamic positioning operator (DPO) certificate especially designed for the offshore service vessel industry. As the Executive Director for the newly created Offshore Supply Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority (OSVDPA), Aaron Smith is charged with managing the day-to-day operation of the Authority. Along with the OSVDPA Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Council (TAC)…

21 Apr 2014

If You Have DPS Questions ... OSVDPA Has Answers

Aaron C. Smith

Over the past two years, the only constant in the dynamic positioning industry has been uncertainty. A new certification scheme, a long-awaited revision of the industry standard and threats of regulation continue to cause oscillating senses of hope and fear. As a result, the DP industry has a collective case of whiplash. However, even today few answers exist as to what direction the industry should take toward a worthwhile system of DPO certification. To some, the answer is a return to a one-size-fits-all DPO certification system.

08 Apr 2014

The Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority

In a recent study, two groups were shown the same painting; one group was told it was painted in 1905, the other was told 2005. Not surprisingly, the first group reported liking the painting more than the second, proving the human brain almost automatically equates longevity with quality. But does longevity always equal quality? Of course not, but our natural inclination is to respect that which has been around and to be uncomfortable with change. I admit it; I fear change as much as the next person. However, in certain circumstances we must take a breath and recognize the status quo can no longer be our only option. Nowhere in the maritime community is the need for well-crafted options more evident than the certification of dynamic positioning operators (DPOs).

21 Mar 2014

New DPO Certification Authority Announced

OSVDPA seeks to start training and certifying DPOs by the end of this year. A new organization, the Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority, Inc. (OSVDPA), held its first board meeting Thursday, March 12, charting the course toward a new dynamic positioning operator (DPO) certificate specially designed for the offshore service vessel industry. Incorporated as a non-profit, the OSVDPA is seeking to improve the safety of the maritime industry by improving the quality and quantity of certified DPOs. The Authority’s training and certification system will seek to emulate the structure of existing DPO certification methods with some enhancements. Specifically, the Authority’s system is unique in its change of emphasis from measuring sea-time to assessing competence.

03 Feb 2014

Guide for Hazardous Areas from E2S

E2S Warning Signals have published a new ‘Guide for Hazardous areas’ which is available as a free download from their website. The guide has been put together with specifiers and hazardous area engineers in mind with matrix tables that enable fast cross-referencing of information between the main certification systems: ATEX, IECEx, North American and Canadian standards. Protection concepts are listed along with applicable zone, class or division and typical equipment protection level in an easy to read format. To download the guide for hazardous areas visit www.e2s.com.