Nautical Institute - Dynamic Positioning

What is Dynamic Positioning?

Dynamic Positioning (DP) is a vessel capability provided via an integration of a variety of individual systems and functions*.

A computer control system automatically maintains a vessel's position and heading by using her own propellers and thrusters. Position reference sensors, combined with wind sensors, motion sensors and gyro compasses, provide information to the computer pertaining to the vessel's position and the magnitude and direction of environmental forces affecting its position.

Examples of vessel types that employ DP include but are not limited to ships and semi-submersible Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU)

The computer program contains a mathematical model of the vessel that includes information pertaining to the wind and current drag of the vessel and the location of the thrusters. This knowledge, combined with the sensor information, allows the computer to calculate the required steering angle and thruster output for each thruster. This allows operations at sea where mooring or anchoring is not feasible due to deep water, congestion on the sea bottom (pipelines, templates) or other problems.

Dynamic positioning may either be absolute in that the position is locked to a fixed point over the bottom, or relative to a moving object like another ship or an underwater vehicle. One may also position the ship at a favorable angle towards wind, waves and current, called weathervaning.

Class Requirements
Based on IMO (International Maritime Organization) publication 645** the Classification Societies have issued rules for Dynamic Positioned Ships described as Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3.

Equipment Class 1 has no redundancy.
Loss of position may occur in the event of a single fault.
Equipment Class 2 has redundancy so that no single fault in an active system will cause the system to fail.
Loss of position should not occur from a single fault of an active component or system such as generators, thruster, switchboards, remote controlled valves etc. But may occur after failure of a static component such as cables, pipes, manual valves etc.
Equipment Class 3 which also has to withstand fire or flood in any one compartment without the system failing.
Loss of position should not occur from any single failure including a completely burnt fire sub division or flooded watertight compartment.

Classification Societies have their own Class notations >>

* Capt. D. Bray FNI – DP Operator’s Handbook. The Nautical Institute, 2008. P.1
** IMO MSC/Circ.645, Guidelines for vessels with dynamic positioning systems"

Dynamic Positioning

The Nautical Institute DP training scheme is the Industry recognized, learning route to becoming a qualified Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO).

The Nautical Institute has managed the scheme since its inception in the mid 1980’s and in conjunction with industry has developed the certification criteria. It administers the certification of DPO’s together with the accreditation of the training providers.

In order to ensure that the scheme continues to meet current Industry needs, the Dynamic Positioning Training Executive Group (DPTEG) was established to facilitate communication and input from a broad range of stakeholders.

The group is a pan Industry forum of training providers, trade organizations and professional associations who have a remit or interest in DP training.

The remit of DPTEG is to review and develop the Nautical Institute DP Operator training scheme and to evaluate its effectiveness in providing the DP industry with competent DP Operators. It seeks to make decisions and to implement actions to improve the Nautical Institute DP training scheme, including certification criteria, DPO competency and training support.

DPTEG comprises of two groupings – Member organizations and observers.

Member organizations are:

The Nautical Institute
Accredited DP training providers

Observers include, but are not restricted to:

There are currently 55 accredited DP training centers and over 10,000 DP certificates have been issued.

Dynamic Positioning

Logbook Sample Guidance

Please read the Guide to completing your DP Log Book >> (pdf). Many applications for DP certificates are unsuccessful because the logbooks are completed incorrectly. Follow this guide to ensure that your logbook can be processed quickly and your certificate issued as soon as possible.

Once it is completed, please post to:

The Nautical Institute
DP Department
202 Lambeth Road
London – SE1 7LQ
United Kingdom

Please enclose a cover letter within your full details including email address and telephone number for contact.

For all enquiries concerning DP certification, please email dp@nautinst.org

THE NAUTICAL INSTITUTE DOES NOT EVALUATE OR CALCULATE THE SEATIME AND/OR DP WATCHKEEPING EXPERIENCE BY EMAIL. FOR THIS, PLEASE USE THE CALCULATOR ON THIS WEBSITE.

Dynamic Positioning

Upgrading Guidance

If you currently hold a Limited DP certificate and would like to upgrade to a Full/Unlimited certificate then you must meet the following criteria:

60 days DP watchkeeing time on board a DP2 or 3 vessel
Section F Upgrade form signed off on DP2 or 3 vessel

Please note that the following cannot be used to upgrade your DP certificate

DP1 watchkeeping time
DP2 or 3 watchkeeping time accumulated before gaining your Limited certificate
Intensive simulator courses

Section F form >> (WORD) Section F form >> (PDF)

Section F - guidance to complete >> (PDF)


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