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Dynamic Positioning Operator News

01 Nov 2022

DPS Safety Alert Follows DP3 Drillship Blackout Investigation

Copyright donvictori0/AdobeStock

The United States Coast Guard issued the following Marine Safety Alert rergarding Dynamic Positioning Systems.Dynamic positioning (DP) systems1 meeting equipment class 2 (DP2) and equipment class 3 (DP3) have control features and redundancies that are often regarded by the crews of vessels using these systems as infallible. A recently investigated DP incident revealed that a DP system may still have weaknesses, even when the design and testing of the system aims to remove or mitigate those weaknesses through engineering controls.

26 Jun 2020

Kongsberg Maritime Launches Remote DPO Training

(Photo: Kongsberg Maritime)

As the maritime world continues to turn to digital technologies to help maintain business operations amid the coronavirus pandemic, Kongsberg Maritime is planning to digital platforms to ramp up remote delivery of targeted training.The Norwegian tech company says it is now offering basic Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) courses fully remotely from start to finish, including the practical part of the training.Using virtual machines, students can engage in practical exercises with a remote K-Pos trainer, in addition to completing theory and assessment modules online.

13 May 2020

MacGregor's Gangways and Cranes for Edda Wind SOVs

Image Credit: MacGregor

Cargotec's MacGregor has secured orders to equip Edda Wind's new offshore wind service vessels, ordered from Spanish shipyards.Two of the equipment packages were awarded by the shipbuilder Astilleros Gondán in Asturias for Edda Wind's Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV), the first of which will enter into a firm charter period of 11 years starting Q1 2022.Each of these vessels will be equipped with a Horizon all-electric walk-to-work gangway, including the largest integrated passenger lift ever fitted to a wind service vessel…

02 Nov 2018

OP/ED: Mariner Credentialing Evolves – for the Better

Steve Mason (CREDIT: OSVDPA)

As the Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority’s new dynamic positioning operator (DPO) certification body evolves, its pathway to training and certification gives mariners options, and a seat at the table.The other day I was thinking about what makes me a captain. What I came up with as the relevant points were the ability to handle the vessel and read the environmental conditions, leadership abilities, risk detection and mitigation, managing peers, and mentoring my crew.

28 Aug 2018

OSVDPA Accredits Texas A&M Maritime Academy

A&M becomes first U.S. Maritime Academy to teach accredited DP courses.The Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority (OSVDPA) has announced that Texas A&M Maritime Academy (TAMMA) is accredited to provide OSVDPA courses to its cadets. TAMMA, in Galveston, Texas, is the first Maritime Academy in the United States to be accredited by a dynamic positioning operator (DPO) certification body.In announcing the accreditation, OSVDPA Executive Director, Aaron Smith, said, “The OSVDPA Board of Directors and our staff are very excited to issue this accreditation. Going in to the accreditation process we obviously knew of A&M’s reputation as a great maritime training institution, but they surpassed even those lofty expectations.

18 Dec 2017

Simwave Welcomes Lopes

Cinthya Lopes (Photo: Simwave)

Cinthya Lopes has joined Simwave, the maritime simulation center in Rotterdam, as simulator operator. Prior to joining Simwave she worked in a variety of roles in the field of maritime training at the Brazilian Navy and Kongsberg. After finishing her studies in her home country of Brazil at the Merchant Marine Academy, Lopes completed her Post Graduate Program in Conference Interpretation at PUC Rio. Lopes started her career as a Navigation Officer at Norsul Shipping Company.

03 Oct 2017

OP/Ed: Why I Became a Member of the OSVDPA

Capt. Robert "Bobby" Moyer

A new voice for today’s workboat professional emerges. As the captain of an OSV, I’ve spent a great deal of my life waiting. Waiting at the dock, at anchor, at the 500. Wherever one could wait, I have waited there. I can wait with the best of them. Now, just out of habit, I’ll wait when doing so is not required or helpful. Because of this waiting I, like most mariners, can gripe with the best of them. I also excel at grumbling, grousing, and my bellyaching is hard to beat. I guess mariners develop this skill while we wait (or maybe because we wait).

22 May 2017

Lloyd Named Nautical Institute CEO

John Lloyd (Photo: The Nautical Institute)

Last week’s Nautical Institute London Command Seminar saw the appointment of Captain John Lloyd RD MBA FNI as the Institute’s new chief executive officer, succeeding Philip Wake OBE RD MSc FNI, who is retiring after 14 years in post. Speaking at Trinity House, the venue for the third of the Institute’s 2017 command seminar series, Captain Lloyd said, “I am delighted to be leading the next phase of development at The Nautical Institute, at a time of great change for our industry.

17 Apr 2017

DP Training: Expanded Choices & Evolving Methods

Perhaps one the most obscure skill sets in today’s rapidly emerging workboat landscape is also arguably its most important. Kongsberg today remains at the cutting edge of DP training and credentialing efforts. Not lost in last month’s Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority (OSVDPA) announcement that Kongsberg Maritime’s Houston training center had been accredited to conduct OSVDPA dynamic positioning operator (DPO) training courses and assessments was the fact that Kongsberg has been offering DP training for many years. This wasn’t Kongsberg first DP training accreditation and probably won’t be its last. But, Kongsberg…

03 Feb 2017

IMO Accepts IMCA Paper as Basis for Updating DP Guidelines

John Bradshaw, IMCA’s Policy and Regulatory Affairs Manager, and Eleni Antoniadou IMCA’s Policy and Regulatory Affairs Adviser appear on a screen at the IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkekeping (HTW4) (Photo: IMCA)

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed to continue using the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) document covering the Guidelines for Training and Experience of Key DP Personnel as the basis of the IMO Guidelines for Dynamic Positioning System (DP) Operator Training (MSC/Circ.738). The IMCA Guidance on the Training and Experience of Key Dynamic Positioning Personnel (IMCA M 117) has recently been revised and earlier this week IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 4) agreed to revise MSC/Circ. 738 to reflect the revision.

30 Sep 2016

Interview: Aaron Smith Zeroes in on the Offshore Sector

Aaron Smith

As the Executive Director for the 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), Aaron has helped to craft the Authority’s dynamic positioning operator (DPO) certification program. This includes ensuring that the program is ultimately accepted by the offshore energy industry, and its many international and domestic counterparts.

02 Sep 2016

The Marine Training Institute Accredited for DP Training

The Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority (OSVDPA) in the U.S. has announced that the Marine Training Institute (TMTI) in Gray, La. Has been accredited to conduct OSVDPA dynamic positioning operator (DPO) training courses and assessments. Under the OSVDPA certification system, those wanting to become DPOs must complete two classroom courses, one focused on the theoretical knowledge behind DP operation and the other gaining DP experience via the use of DP simulators. By securing accreditation, TMTI can now begin conducting these courses. Accreditation provides TMTI the ability to conduct the OSVDPA final assessment and revalidation assessment.

08 Jul 2016

Seminar on DNV GL DP Operator Training & Certification

Kongsberg Maritime Ltd, the UK subsidiary of global marine technology company Kongsberg Maritime, welcomed customers to its Aberdeen training centre on Thursday 30th June for a seminar on the future of Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) Training and Certification. Delegates from operators including Helix, V-Ships and Technip attended the seminar to find out more about the new KONGSBERG Training and Certification Scheme for DP Operators, which is certified by DNV GL and recognised by the industry. The seminar detailed how the KONGSBERG Training Scheme for DP Operators is a step-change in the critical area of DPO training, with teaching and assessor competence, and the use of advanced simulators forming the platform for training and certification.

03 Jun 2016

MARACAD to Focus on Training in Dubai

Three of the maritime industry’s most respected global professional bodies have announced their commitment to September’s Maritime Academic Conference and Expo in Dubai, demonstrating the priority they are giving to regional education and training needs. The Nautical Institute, the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology and the Royal Institution of Naval Architects have confirmed participation in MARACAD - which will be staged September 20th–21st September at Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Public Works Chairman of The Federal Transport Authority – Land and Maritime…

15 Jun 2015

New DPO Training from Kongsberg

Image: Kongsberg Maritime

Kongsberg Maritime has become the first global maritime training provider to offer a new DNV-GL approved Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) training scheme at its training centers worldwide. The new KONGSBERG Training Scheme for DP Operators is based on a combination of new and established DNV training standards, with the learning process designed by Kongsberg Maritime. The scheme is a step-change in the critical area of DPO training, with teaching and assessor competence, and…

08 Apr 2015

The New Reality: Investment in Maritime Simulation Surges

Resolve Marine Group (Photo: Resolve)

The proliferation of increasingly sophisticated and realistic maritime simulation facilities is taking the market by storm, with investment globally to train new and old mariners alike to exacting new standards. “Simulation technology has continued on a more or less steadily upward trajectory over the last ten years,” said Sam Pecota, Director of Simulation, California Maritime Academy, “The clarity and fidelity of our current full mission simulators is significantly superior to that which was possible at the turn of the century.

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.

24 Mar 2014

Kongsberg Delivers Simulator Upgrades

The new model will be used to train semi-submersible rig personnel in operation of Dynamic Positioning, position mooring system, stability / ballasting and rig move / anchoring. Photo courtesy: Harald Nordbakken.

The Simsea AS maritime training center in Haugesund, Norway, has chosen Kongsberg Maritime to support the extension of its offshore simulation facilities with new simulators and significant upgrades to existing simulators. Kongsberg Maritime has also recently delivered a new rig simulator model at Simsea, based on the Floatel Superior accommodation unit, which is currently in operation in the North Sea. Developed as a part of the K-Sim Offshore simulators installed at Simsea,…

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.

20 Dec 2013

Kongsberg's New DP Simulator DNV Certified

DP trainer: Image courtesy of Kongsberg

Kongsberg Maritime informs that its latest version of K-Sim DP, a Dynamic Positioning (DP) Manoeuvring simulator, has received Class A Certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV). This makes it compliant with the highest DNV standard for DP simulators according to Standard of Certification of Maritime Simulators number 2.14 (January 2011). The manufacturers explain that the K-Sim DP Manoeuvring is the most advanced in a long line of Dynamic Positioning simulators developed by Kongsberg Maritime.

19 Dec 2013

New Kongsberg DP Simulator DNV Class A Certified

Photo: Kongsberg

The latest version of K-Sim DP, a Dynamic Positioning (DP) Maneuvering simulator from Kongsberg Maritime, has received Class A Certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV). This makes it compliant with the highest DNV standard for DP simulators according to Standard of Certification of Maritime Simulators number 2.14 (January 2011). K-Sim DP Maneuvering is the most advanced in a long line of Dynamic Positioning simulators developed by Kongsberg Maritime. It is built on the same…

12 Jul 2011

Tromsø Maritime School Chooses Kongsberg Maritime

Tromsø Maritime School has selected Kongsberg Maritime to provide Polaris simulators for navigation and Dynamic Positioning training. The established Northern Norway training facility has ordered an extensive suite of new simulators following an open tender that saw leading simulator developer Kongsberg Maritime come out on top in terms of the proposed technical solution, customer service program and customer references. The scope of supply, which has been designed to enable Tromsø Maritime School to meet strict new Nautical Institute guidelines for Dynamic Positioning operator training and certification, includes a Polaris ship’s bridge simulator (DNV class B)…