News, Views and Reviews from the International Dynamic Positioning Operators Association

Issue5: Fall 2010

News, Views and Reviews from theInternational Dynamic Positioning Operators Association

6degrees°

Issue22: Winter 2015

IMO ImpactULTRA DEEP DRILLING

30 DP PointersNAVIGATING NEW RULES

Thank You IanEXPERT RETIRES

Brave New WorldONBOARD DP TRAINING

US DP PlansUNDER ASSESSMENT

New System RECORDING DESK TIME

WELCOMETO 6degrees, THE E-JOURNAL FROM IDPOA

IN THIS ISSUEINSIDEInside this issue we bid farewell and thank you to an industry stalwart as IMCA’s Ian Giddings lays swaps DP redundancy for retirement.

We also look at a new proposed rulemaking from the United States Coastguard and urge DPOs to read and respond to the calls for change.

New rules from the IMO are also making themselves of late, and we assesss the impact they are having in the world of deepwater drilling - especially where vessels go ultra deep.

New changes to the Nautical Institute scheme entered into force on 1st January 2015 – and we are grateful that Surinder Mahandwan, AFNI took the time to review in detail the implications.

Add to that the proposed changes to the United State Coastguard rules on DP, and the fact that the Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority, Inc. (OSVDPA) is looking to makes its mark, then we could all be forgiven for not really knowing where and how this will all end.

Safe trip and please do share your thoughts and feedback – that way we can ensure that DPOs present a united front and are able to make themselves heard on an international, cross sector basis. Email dpo@dpoperators.org to have your say.

Thank you to Narcissco Montilla for his wonderful cover shot - if you are away at sea and want to be a cover start of 6degrees just send your image to us, and we will be hugely pleased to feature your work.

The year ahead looks to be one of tremendous change – not just as new DP certification changes kick in, but also as the market appears to be going through a period of readjustment.

There can be, nor should there be, any shying away from the fact that the drop in oil prices is likely to impact projects…which in turn will hit contractors, and of course, less

projects and vessels contracted to them has implications for DPOs and crews in general.

It is perhaps too soon to speculate on the scope and scale of projects which will be cut back – that will begin to emerge as the months go on. But with the barrel prices of crude falling below $50, the projects which looked so attractive at the $100 mark are beginning to receive close scrutiny.

That may actually just mean that we do not see the predicted shortages of DPOs, and most skilled, experienced and certified operators may not see too much impact. However, it is something to be monitored, and some companies may be forced to the wall or we may see some fleet mergers and acquisitions.

Aside from the harsh commercial realities for the offshore and exploration side of the industry, the fact remains that DP is continuing to change the industry – allowing vessels to perform hitherto unimagined feats. So it could be that other parts of the shipping industry may now be in a position to invest the savings they make on fuel into new capabilities. Perhaps the realities of “low oil” can translate into more advanced and better quality vessels. We can but hope.

The changes to DP Certification are coming thick and fast – it is increasingly difficult to gain a true picture.

It seems the DNV scheme has been gaining some popularity of late, perhaps just because it provides some degree of certainty while those all around are going through so much change.

What remains clear is that there is a responsibility for rule makers and the bodies charged with managing their provisions need to ensure that DPOs and their employers are fully aware of the changes, the plans for development and the implications which these carry with them.

May you live in interesting times, runs the ancient Chinese proverb - we are certainly doing just that.

www.dpoperators.org

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It is not just the industry and certification which is going through change, there is an evolution happening within key DP personnel too.

We have long known it, but perhaps tried to shy away from the harsh truth that we have an aging population of expertise. Those who have been in DP for decades are now coming up for retirement, and taking their big brains with them.

One such goodbye was said last month when Ian Giddings retired from his role as DP technical advisor with the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). Ian had also worked in Aberdeen college, when they became the first in the world to be accredited by the Nautical Institute (NI). He then also spent many years in the NI heading up their DP Operators training and certification scheme.

Ian has been a true pillar of the DP industry for decades - and someone whose quiet studied demeanour helped to find answers at times when confrontation could have reigned.

The fact that the NI scheme and the accredited colleges came to be considered to be the gold standard for so long was down to Ian’s hard work and the

empathy he felt for students, DPOs, colleges and employers alike.

an intimate, almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the rules, Ian was willing to provide wise counsel and insight for those that needed it. Something which has provided so much assistance for so many over the years. Moving over to IMCA from the NI, Ian never lost his drive to improve standards, safety and to raise the bar for DP.

IDPOA attended a retirement party to thank Ian for his work, vision and dedication – and we were proud to have worked with one of the best in the business.

The only problem with Ian was that, sadly, he is a West Ham United supporter – we hope for his sake that his retirement does not afford too many opportunities to visit Upton Park.

Take it easy Ian, enjoy the rest, relaxation and enjoyment, you have earned it. Don’t forget f you ever get so frustrated that you have things you need to share, then 6degrees will always have a page ready and waiting for you.

US Plans DP Revolution

The USCG has released its NPRM regarding the regulation of dynamic positioning MODUs and vessels on the OCS. This will be a game changer in the Americas and will have a global effect on the offshore industry. https://lnkd.in/bJMqkf3

The document, “Requirements for MODUs and Other Vessels Conducting Outer Continental Shelf Activities With Dynamic Positioning Systems” is vitally significant and Chad encourages all to read through the document carefully and present questions and concerns to the USCG prior to the closing date in February.

According to Chad, as shared first within our LinkedIn forum, the main points can be boiled down to the following items of concern/interest:

• As a general observation, more specific definitions are required. As has happened in the past, attempting to cover an entire industry with a set of rules inevitably creates many grey areas. This can lead to conflicts and may do more harm than good. Additionally, it provides areas of loose interpretation that follow the letter of the law but not the intent.

• More definition is needed with regard to MTS guidance. In my experience, MTS guidance can change quickly and the guidance is updated and revised frequently. Laying out some defined criteria for critical operations or perhaps even referencing a specific (i.e., dated) MTS document may assist.

• The use of the term “reliable” is simply wrong in reference to DP class. The DP class of the vessel is meant to be a direct reference to its level of redundancy and has little to do with reliability. Reliability comes primarily from the diligence in

operating and maintaining the asset and adherence to recommended practices and the vessel's design. • In the same vein, the redundancy of the vessel is directly related to operating the vessel in accordance with its WCDFI, regardless of class or open/closed bus design.

• There are strong assumptions throughout that the class and size of the vessel dictates its level of risk. Chad sees certain benefits of this approach, in particular with using it for the purposes of applying the requirements gradually across the industry.

However, in keeping with earlier bullet points, recommended practices are applicable any time a vessel is operating in DP mode regardless of other factors. If a risk assessment is conducted to determine an asset’s level of redundancy for a given operation, it should only apply for open water operations that do not include manned diving operations or operating in the vicinity of any other vessel or unit. To apply differing levels of risk to Class 2 vs. 3 or 500 ton vs. 1600 ton (tonnage determination is not straightforward, either) vessels and include operations invites varied interpretations, perceived loopholes, and above all, confusion.

To put it simply, he thinks that criticality considerations should start with the specific operation being undertaken rather than on size of vessel. While critical operations are defined in referenced documentation the NPRM as it stands creates ambiguity as it is presented.

There is no specific reference to assurances surrounding software. In keeping with other trends in FMEA analysis and the like, DP system manufacturers and software providers (e.g. Kongsberg, L3, GE, etc.)

Chad N. Fuhrmann Maritime Assurance & Consulting has been raising awareness of the new USCG Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) regarding DP regulation. Something that all in DP need to be aware of.

need to provide adequate information to DPSAOs demonstrating due diligence in developing and testing software.

• Some of the costs outlined in the NPRM are inaccurate. Unless I am misunderstanding the analysis, I cannot conceive of what a $600 annual DP trial program entails.

• Chad does not like the ambiguity created by simply presenting a Class Society as a “DPSAO.” A DP trials program run by a Class Society is vastly different to a program run by the commercial arm (if applicable) of that same Class Society. Class surveyors are not necessarily qualified to be DP surveyors. A distinction needs to be made here as well as consideration of individual surveyor’s qualifications as a DP surveyor rather than assume their qualifications based on whether or not their affiliated organization receives a stamp as a DPSAO.

• There are several references to DPOs and DPOQs being required to understand the FMEA, vessel specific documentation, etc. There is no clear definition of how this is gauged or how it is to be demonstrated.

• There is a heavy reliance on DPSAOs for incident investigation and reporting. As an independent third party I certainly appreciate an amount of more or less guaranteed work made available by this proposed requirement. However, my concern is that this will make third parties part of a de facto enforcement arm of the USCG. This creates an issue (in Chad’s perspective) by taking the “independence” out of being an independent third party. Assurance providers offer their services free of conflicts of interest such as having physical assets, equipment, or operational software in the field.

Likewise, we strive to have no direct ties to Class or regulatory agencies. Our core service is to provide objective review and analysis based on a recommended practice over and above class or regulatory requirements. This may seem minor point but it serves as a clear distinction that a level of guarantee against conflicts of interest. By putting reporting responsibilities for owner/operators on the shoulders of third parties that separation is clouded.

Additional items highlighted during a recent IMCA meeting: • What are the critical OCS activities? Does this include windfarm activities and other non-oil

related projects? The definition seems to restrict these to “mineral” related projects.

• “New” DP systems versus existing systems – potential grandfathering issues.

• Are Class Societies capable of DP oversight? • DP verification document and special class notation for DP vessels – What are the specific details surrounding these requirements? Are these US specific documents/classifications on top of existing international standards?

• While IMCA standards are noted in the background material (pp. 70944 – 70985), some of the referenced IMCA standards are omitted from the actual proposed rules (pp. 70985 – 70994).

• Definition of “risk” is questionable and considers only consequences rather than both consequences and likelihood.

• Credentialing is not in line with current international guidance from NI and DNV GL and appears to fall more in favour of OSVDPA.

To have your say, and you really should – makes sure you send thoughts, feedback and comments to dpo@dpoperators.org. IDPOA will then be in a position to produce formal feedback to the USCG.

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Impact of IMO Regulation on Drilling

The IMO MSC Circular 645 (Guidelines for Vessels with Dynamic Positioning System) has been submitted to IMO for the first revision since 1994. At the time when IMO circular 645 was created the focus on DP operations was basically on diving support vessels and semisubmersible rigs designed for rough seas and the maximum water depth was around 600 meters which is totally different scenarios compared to the present offshore operations reaching out 4000 meters water depth.

Through the last 20 years, there have been a tremendous technology development in shipbuilding, DP equipment and systems as well as the complexity of DP Operations in ultra deep water. Therefore, the new DP vessels needed to have a robust power plant, power management system, optimized equipment capability and DP redundancy.

However, apart from the out of dated Circular 645 many DP guidelines from notable organizations such IMCA, IADC and MTS have been published. In parallel to DP guidelines there are different rules from different Classification Societies.

Even with various IMCA DP Guidelines, by 2011 there had not been guidelines for DP operations on deep and ultra-deep water thereafter it became an urgent issue for the DP operations the creation of new guidelines taking into consideration criticality of DP operations, vessel design, quality of operations and human factor for deep and ultra deep water.

In 2010, after the incident with the 5th generation semisubmersible Deepwater Horizon in Golf Of Mexico, Macondo well, unfortunately having lives lost, Oils Spill and catastrophic consequences for the environment, the offshore industry started redirecting DP operations focus to parameters not taken with relevance before such as the DP critical activities for vessel specific.

For the last 3 to 4 years, MTS (Marine Technology Society) has created impacting guidelines changing the line of thought from the old guidelines focusing on potential risks for DP vessel operations, including design, operations, people element and Technical and Operational Guidance notes.

The new DP guidelines from MTS provided more information and accurate means to perform high quality services on various types of DP FMEA. By creating more realistic DP guidelines, the ambiguity and confusing definitions related to DP subjects, which were present before on previous guidelines turned into clear guidelines to offshore industry.

Finally, in 2014 the IMO/MSC Circular 645 (Guidelines for Vessels with Dynamic Positioning System) was submitted to IMO for revision based on the new published DP MTS guidelines in conjunction with IMCA, Nautical Institute, Classification Societies and other organizations in order to become more realistic with the present DP operations worldwide. Among the new DP MTS guidelines already published examples can be mentioned such as “DP Vessel Design Philosophy guidelines, DP Operations guidance, Technical and

Marcelo Borba Master Mariner and Principal DP Surveyor at Aqualis Offshore has shared his thoughts on the impact of MSC/Circ.645 revision on Offshore industry focusing on Ultra deep waters

Operation guidance –TECHNOP (various ), Technops including FMEA Gap Analysis, Annual DP trials and Gap Analysis, Black out Recovery etc.

Yet, there are some MTS draft guidances available on the marked for comments until the end of January 2015 to be published such as Technical and Operation Guidance for DGNSS Position Reference Sensors, Continuous Trials for DP MODUs, external interfaces, etc.

Another important point discussed on the new guidelines is the interface between systems and equipment not part of DP Systems and sub-systems but may impact seriously on ship´s Position keeping in case of fault or failure such as Emergency Shutdown (ESD) and Fire and Gas System from DP drilling units, tensioner systems on pipelay vessels, etc.

As most of the new guidelines are focused on vessel design and different critical activities, it is clearly noted new concepts such Critical Activity Mode of Operation (CAMO), task of appropriate Mode of Operation (TAMO) and Thruster and Generator Operating Strategy (TAGOS) which will be of paramount importance for the Key DP Personnel to analyze the configuration of both modes of operation and their requirements.

In Case of IMO Circ. 645 revision proposal is accepted by IMO, the Surveys and testing related to DP FMEA’s which were focused on attaining Class notation and Class approval and did not meet the guidance standards stipulated by the DP guidelines will be now clear for the industry.

Having the new guidelines it will be possible to minimize the redundant quantity of DP guidelines, cover some gaps found on the DP trials carried out by Classification Society and also motivate Coastal States to address attention to such important subject. USCG already recommends the use of MTS Guidelines, which will definitely be beneficial for the Offshore Industry.

Having all the above mentioned upcoming revisions about to happen next year will strongly force the industry require more training for Key DP Personnel and specifically for DP Operators simply fact of having DP Certificate will not be sufficient to prove competence to operate various types of DP Vessels without specific training.

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A new training simulator which connects directly to the ship has been launched, and is proving to be extremely popular.

SMSCs new "Onboard Training System"(OTS) is connected to the ship actual movements. It gives new opportunities for DP and manual ship handling training.This article with excerpts and translattion from the Weekly Technical Magazine (Teknisk Ukeblad) by permission, takes us through the trials of the system.

Onboard the PSV Strilmøy on the 3rd of November, Ship Modelling & Simulation Centre AS (SMSC) invited oil majors to a live demonstration of their newest innovation within DP and manual ship handling training - the “Onboard Training System” (OTS)

So what happened on that day? The PSV Strilmøy embarks in a calm sea from the pier at the base in Dusavik in Stavanger. The vessel is soon in safe open water, and the captain rolls down a screen in front of the control station at the aft bridge.

By the use of a tablet he logs in, select the exercise “manual takeover from DP” and enter information about the weather outside. This way the simulation will be mirroring the conditions the vessel is operating in.

Then the captain is using the vessel’s own equipment to maneuver the vessel around on the sea. At the same

time the vessel’s real movements are transmitted to the OTS computer and from there are mirrored on the screen. He can then complete the task he has been given, and can see in front of him.

The exercise mission is to maintain the vessel’s position alongside the virtual rig using manual leavers only, after disconnecting the DP system. After ten minutes the exercise ends.. On the tablet the exercise report is ready to be reviewed. This time the exercise report shows that the captain managed to keep the vessel in position during the operation. -Today the sea was calm and the weather was good. On days with heavy weather this exercise is really hard, the captain said. The exercise can then be replayed on the screen for further evaluation and discussions.

The OTS exercise “manual takeover from DP” is just one out of 8 OTS exercises that could be performed on board by the use of the system. The whole industry has stressed the importance of how to act properly when the DP system on board fails and one have to control the vessel manually. However to perform realistic training on the situation has so far been proven difficult. With this type of training you can perform realistic training and use both your own vessel and equipment during training. Every exercise is designed by skilled and experienced instructors from the offshore industry, and by the use of our customized OTS grading system, we are able to give the user an objective feedback after the

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exercise is carried out, Product Manager Knut Jarle Lysklett explains.

Among those who have been able and test the OTS is the captain of Strilmøy Sigurd Byrknes. - It's a nice system to use, especially since we can use our idle time offshore to do exercises. And so we have the opportunity to train under various conditions using our own ship, he says .

The captain explains that usually they have used the training system a couple of times a week. He feels that using idle time on training is useful. - And with the system you have suddenly a rig or structure to relate to on the open waters. It is not the same when you have to fabricate situations. Now we get trained properly, under safe conditions, and we all need to train on regular basis, points Byrknes.

- We have developed a virtual world that communicates with the vessels GPS and gyro. It is a tool that enables you to conduct realistic training on critical situations without any risk attached. You are not allowed to position the vessel alongside a rig in the North Sea and disconnect two thrusters just for the purpose of training. Now you can train on situations you've never been able to train on before, and utilize real weather, says Lysklett.

Among the representatives from the companies and suppliers on the demonstration are Geir Danielsen from the shipowner OH Meling & Co. AS and Arvid Longva from Statoil. They are mostly satisfied with what they have been watching.

- It might be interesting for us to look into. The system can be very helpful and provide good training opportunities. It seems quite fresh yet, but I still think it's not long before this type of system will be standard, says company representative.- These are the situations we want crews to practice. For example, going from dynamic positioning for manual, points Longva. He compares it with mandatory driving exercises, to get to take the driver's license.- It is not so difficult to steer a vessel as long as everything goes well. But when something fails, you must know how to respond, he says.

Captain Byrknes

All Offshore, a new company in the dynamic positioning (DP) world, has announced the launch of DPDesktime. This patent-pending system is the first to provide truly accurate logging of the actual hours carried out by DP operators (DPOs), as well as the conditions they experience.

In addition to its clear benefits for operator training, the system gives owners and managers, as well as the operators themselves, a completely independent way to demonstrate expertise. This can play an important role when dealing with charterers, as well as potentially reducing costly training expenses while personnel are on leave, as they will be able to show they achieved the necessary experience on board.

It is also good news for the accreditation bodies, as they can be certain the data they receive is inherently impartial.

Dan Endersby, Managing Director of All Offshore, said: “I’ve been in the industry for nearly 20 years and worked in various fields from running world-leading DP training facilities to managing fleets.

"However, one point that has always frustrated me is that time logging is hugely inefficient – and, given the generalisations it works on, as well as its honesty basis, it’s likely there are times when it’s actually wrong.

“DP operators are some of the most important specialists on board a vessel, so I believe it’s essential that owners and managers can rely on the people they hire, while the many good operators in the industry deserve a new approach that allows them to show

what they can do. DPDesktime is our revolutionary solution to this challenge.”

Although DPDesktime is the first of its kind, it is inexpensive to install, as it is based on technology from other industries and operates with industry-standard communication types. It’s also straightforward to use. The equipment has a passive link set up from the dynamic positioning systems, which means it can receive all the necessary data without interfering with the safety-critical dual-redundant networks.

Operators are issued with smart cards, which act as electronic log books for tracking real-time operational data, as well as being an integral part of the dual-authentication process. All Offshore then stores this data on a central cloud server and automatically analyses it, so their system can generate confirmation letters and bespoke reports whenever they are required.

Mr Endersby added: “We have kept the installation and ongoing costs of this system down, as we want to roll it out across the industry. In fact, the ongoing costs per vessel work out at less than a cup of coffee a day.”

“Although All Offshore is a new company, it’s backed by my experience and has the support of an expert team that averages ten years in the marine industry. DPDesktime is a major step forward for the industry, but it is still just the first of our developments. We look forward to announcing more soon.” More information about DPDesktime and All Offshore can be found at www.alloffshore.com.

The Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority, Inc. (OSVDPA) has made some wide reaching new changes to their general membership program, specifically inviting dynamic positioning operators (DPOs); DPO instructors and other entities and individuals engaged in DP training, operation or related endeavors to apply for membership.

Members of the OSVDPA shall receive a number of benefits, chief among them participation in the annual election, whereby the OSVDPA members shall elect two of their own to be membership representatives to the OSVDPA’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC).

The TAC is the portion of the OSVDPA leadership composed of industry professionals and charged by the board of directors with writing the OSVDPA’s certification system.

Executive Director of the OSVDPA, Aaron Smith, said, “The OSVDPA has greatly benefited from the input it has received from the maritime industry. We’re certain that offering everyone—from the DPOs to the CEOs—the chance to have a seat at the table and steer the OSVDPA, will create a better certification system, one that effectively and practically trains DPOs in the safest use of DP technology.

“The OSVDPA has always been about listening to the needs of the industry, the membership program is simply the next logical step in that process,” said OSVDPA Board Member Willard Robison, SEACOR Marine, LLC. “I know the

mariners I’ve talked to are excited about the opportunity to have a direct line to a DPO certification provider.”

In addition to electing membership representatives to the TAC, OSVDPA members are able to address the OSVDPA board of directors during its annual meeting, have access to direct and specific notice about new features of the OSVDPA certification system, and are invited to participate in member surveys and other information-gathering endeavors in order to shape the future of OSVDPA’s training system.

OSVDPA Chairman Carl Annessa said, “Hornbeck Offshore has always valued the input we receive from our mariners. I’m certain the OSVDPA’s certification system will also benefit from having exposure to the real-world experience and expertise of its DPO members that are working in the service vessel industry and are using DP solutions extensively.”

The OSVDPA divides its membership into two classes, corporate members and individual members. The OSVDPA shall accept corporate member applications from DP training providers that have taught DPO courses for at least five years, vessel owners or operators that operate DP-equipped vessels and follow industry-accepted guidance and other entities involved in the manufacturing or use of DP. Individual member applications are DPOs, DPO instructors, or other individuals involved in DP for a period of no less than two years.

IDPOA is a proud supporter of the Lloyd’s Maritime Academy - Dynamic Positioning North America Course. Which is set to provide an industry guide to innovations in DP technologies - with an incredible line up of speakers and array of subjects being tackled.

Held on the 19 - 20 March 2015, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston Greenway Plaza, the event will help attendees learn about DP solutions and improve accuracy and safety of operations:•Discover the latest innovations in redundancy and DP system design•Receive updates on the guidelines for assessment of DP performance•Compare and understand the different training schemes available for DPOs•Gain insight into the application and management of human factors in DP operations•Learn about conducting FMEAs and solutions to reduce DP failure

While attendees will also benefit from practical and interactive sessions with leading DP personalities. There will also be a Market Update, with the latest on regional DPO demand and market drivers for DP vessels, a Design Investigation as a selection of DP experts will discuss solutions and developments in DP systems. Learn about new safeguards and technologies being developed. Also Practical Simulation too as attendees examine the Onboard Training System “OTS”: could the use of augmented reality be a possible game changer for DPO and navigator training in the future? It will also be possible to participate in a live demonstration of next generation DPO training.

Perhaps one of the most innovative elements will be a Mind Mapping exercise examining what a DPO needs to know? Considering the essential skills and training for DPOs for safe and efficient DP system operation. Read more for speaker details and for link to gain massive discount on attendance....

The expert speaker line up includes:

• Sudheer Chand, Director Corporate Offshore Technology, ABS

• Captain Aksel David Nordholm, Manager Simulator Certification, DNV GL – SEASKILL

• John Roger Nesje, Vice President & Site Director for Power Electric Systems, ROLLS-ROYCE MARINE

• Lisa Moreau, Sales Representative & Training Coordinator, C-NAV

• Knut Jarle Lysklett, Project Manager, SMSC

• Riku Kiili, Project Manager, AKER ARCTIC TECHNOLOGY INC.

• Sue Wang, Senior managing principal engineer, ABS

• Andrew Stead, Head of Business Development, GUIDANCE NAVIGATION

• David M.A. Hollaway, Human Factors Engineering Manager, ABS CONSULTING INC.

IDPOA members can get 20% discount on attendance, so please follow the link and sign up today.

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IMOSTI is pleased to announce the relocation of our new office premises starting January 2015.

This is to meet the fast growth of the company as well as to improve the working conditions of our employees.

The new office is located at Unit 1008 10th Floor, Aseana Two Building, Bradco Avenue, Aseana City Barangay Baclaran Parañaque City 1702 Philippines.

The new centre is a massive leap forward for the company, and it is twice the size of the old office at Victoria Building UN Avenue Ermita Manila.

The 474.29 sqm office can now accommodate four DP classes in a week due to the additional classrooms.

It also has a separate longue and pantry for the convenience of both students and employees.

A new system will be implemented for the improvement of registration processes and cctv cameras are installed in every room to ensure security.

In line with the relocation, IMOSTI will also upgrade its DP system as per the new requirement of the Nautical Institute. The NI representatives will visit IMOSTI for audit on February 9-13, 2015.

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Thank you to Surinder Mahandwan, AFNI DP Operations Trainer who as one of our top Contributors has shared this broken down, easy to digest guide to the new NI training regime. Please check NI Website for details.

30

DP

1. DP Training Scheme : New changes are now in effect with 01 Jan 2015 the trigger date.

2. Old DP Training Scheme : Old Scheme will continue. But students enrolling after 01 Jan 2015 will come under new scheme

3. Certification Title : Split into two schemes: a) Offshore Training and Certification b) Shuttle Tanker Training and Certification

4. Pattern for Offshore Training and Certification : Basic Course – 60 Days DP Sea Time – Advanced Course – 60 Days DP Sea Time – Master Sign Off

5. Qualifications : Same as before. In addition Electro-Technical Officers too can be enrolled for this DP Scheme. Cadets can do a max of 30 days DP Sea Time till they receive their CoC.

6. DP Sea Time required for DPO Certification : This has been reduced to 120 Days. Those in old scheme will continue with 210 Days

7. Class of Vessels : The DP Training on board can now be done on classed as well as unclassed vessels. NI will scrutinize the documents and issue the appropriate Certification viz: a) Restricted to Unclassed

Vessels b) Limited Certificate c) Unlimited Certificate

8. Assessments : The assessment after the Basic Course will continue. In addition the Simulator Course / Advanced Course will have a Practical Assessment and Online Examination. Formative assessments will continue as the Advanced Course progresses. This will also be conducted for students from the old scheme who are yet to do the Advanced Course. Will commence in Apr 2015.

9. Failure in Online Assessment in Basic Course : Student gets 3 attempts. Centre where student passes will issue the Log Book

10. Failure in Practical Assessment in Advanced Course : Only 1 attempt. Student has to repeat Advanced Course

11. Failure in Online Assessment in Advanced Course : Student gets 3 Attempts. Cannot progress DP Sea Time till student passes

12. Duration of Course : Both Basic and Advanced Courses must have a minimum of 28 h of tuition

offshore shipping in the cross hairsDP Changes...

13. Time for Certification : This is now reduced to 4 years.

14. DPO Log Book : New Grey Colour Log Books (offshore ) and Burgundy (ST) with effect 01 Jan 2015

15. DP Sea Time Definition : Min of 2 h per day

16. DP Auto Pilot : Cannot be claimed as DP Time

17. Passive DP Sea Time : Can only be claimed between Basic and Advanced Courses. Max 25%

18. DP Sea Time before Basic Course : Not valid in new scheme

19. Excess DP Sea Time between Basic and Advanced Courses : Will be counted towards the 120 Days. But must have at least 30 days sea time after Advanced Course

20. Company Verification Letter : Required for DP Sea Time entered in Log Book

21. DP Sea Time Reduction : Max 30 days can be reduced. Can be done back to back with Advanced Course.

22. Loss of Log Book : Candidate to apply to NI with affidavit and Police Report

23. Fraudulent Applications : Banned for 5 years.

24. Convert from Unclassed to Limited or Unlimited : 120 Days DP Sea Time + Task Section in Log Book + Master Sign + Company Letter

25. Convert from Limited to Unlimited : 60 Days DP Sea Time + Master Sign + Company Letter

26. Validity of DP Certificate : 5 years

27. Conditions for Revalidation : a) 150 Days DP Sea Time within a period of 5 Years b) If the DPO has less than 150 Days, must do Advanced Course + 30 days DP Sea Time c) If no DP sea service, must do Advanced Course + 60 Days DP Sea Time d) A combination of 150 Days through various DP related activities is possible

28. Masters’ and DP Sea Time logging : Masters’ holding DP Certificate can claim DP Sea Time as they are directly responsible for the activity.

29. Revalidation dates : Commencing 2015 for Certificates issued 1984-2002, 2009, 2010. Check NI Website

30. Reference materials to be provided to students at the end of Basic Course : a) DP Set up Practical Assessments Form b) DP Set up Practical Assessments Skills Table c) IMCA M103/ M109 / M117 / M166 / M182 / IMO 645

Guidance Navigation Ltd, 4 Dominus Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1RP, UKTel: +44 116 229 2600 Email: sales@guidance.eu.com www.guidance.eu.com

www.marine.direct

The standard laser sensor of choice by all major DP integrators

• Operating range up to 2500m• Close range operating from 10m• False target reflection rejection• Full 360° scanning• Automatic wave compensation• New touch screen Dashboard

Position reference sensors you can trust

Upgrade programme for legacy CyScan Mk3 and competitive systems

SHIP to SURE THE FUTURE TECH YOU WON’T WANT TO SAIL WITHOUT

Pebble SteelPebble Steel introduces us to the second iteration of wearable computing. But don’t think of this as just a sophomore effort. There’s serious refinement in this new product, both in hardware and software. However, the Pebble Steel asks a lot of its potential buyers in its $250 (£150) price. In a way, though, this new product is exactly what was needed. The option to choose a more decorous smartwatch should exist. And here Pebble has succeeded by providing that option without hampering the software experience.

Bellroy Travel WalletNo more beading with nervous sweat as you shuffle through your bags, looking for your passport. The Travel Wallet enables you to keep all of your important documents in one place while fitting snugly in your pocket.

With two note sections, a tailored passport pouch, card slots and even a handy pen, the only thing you need to worry about is making sure you get a window seat on the plane.

Colorfly C3 audiophile

Any smartphone will make a decent fist of playing your digital music on the go, but if you care about sound quality, it pays to invest in some higher quality equipment. The Colorfly C3 is for such a musical connoisseur, a player that puts sound quality well ahead of usability.

It’s on sale now for £149... the C3.

What's On

Guide

Advertise with IDPOA and reach out to the world of DP.

• Readership over 30,000

• Reach thousands of DPOs• Over 200,000 hits per month

IDPOA is the place to reach DPOs - so help your recruitment or

marketing needs while supporting the world’s first and only dedicated

website and associationfor DPOs.

For the full range of advertising possibilities, sponsorship packages

on our website, in 6degrees or e-mail blasts, contact Tony Stein:

Call +44 (0)1892 514508 / email tony.r.stein@btinternet.com

www.dpoperators.org

10 February -12 February 2015Underwater InterventionMorial Convention Center,New Orleans,United States of America

11 February -13 February 2015Subsea ExpoAECC,Aberdeen,United Kingdom

17 February -19 February 2015Annual OSJLancaster Hotel,London,United Kingdom

26 February -27 February 2015Subsea Vessels BrazilSheraton Rio Hotel & Resort,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil

2 March -6 March 2015European Shipping WeekECSA,Brussels,Belgium

10 March -12 March 2015EWEA Offshore 2015Bella Center,Copenhagen,Denmark

16 March -18 March 2015SPE Americas HSSEOmni Interlocken Resort,Denver,United States of America

19 - 20 March 2015Lloyd’s Maritime Academy DP CourseDoubleTree by Hilton, Houston Texas, USA

26 March -28 March 2015China Maritime - IOETEENCIEC,Beijing,China

What's On

Guide

Advertise with IDPOA and reach out to the world of DP.

• Readership over 30,000

• Reach thousands of DPOs• Over 200,000 hits per month

IDPOA is the place to reach DPOs - so help your recruitment or

marketing needs while supporting the world’s first and only dedicated

website and associationfor DPOs.

For the full range of advertising possibilities, sponsorship packages

on our website, in 6degrees or e-mail blasts, contact Tony Stein:

Call +44 (0)1892 514508 / email tony.r.stein@btinternet.com