International guidelines for the safe operation of dynamically positioned offshore supply vessels

 

Summary

The purpose of these guidelines is to make risk management tools available to vessel operators, charterers, Masters and Officers that will help ensure safe operation of DP offshore supply vessels in automatic DP mode.

These guidelines form part of an existing framework of rules and guidance issued by various authorities and organisations. Efforts have been made to ensure compatibility with the existing documents wherever possible.

As both the DP and offshore supply vessel sectors are constantly evolving, these guidelines are only fully valid when they were prepared and should be reviewed and updated, where necessary, on a three-year cycle, unless significant changes to industry guidance or technological advancements make such a review necessary, within the 3 year period.

The demands placed upon vessels and the intended work scope are areas that need addressing using these guidelines through the technical and operational capabilities of the vessels themselves or limitations demanded by charterers.

Vessel operators should take these guidelines into account when carrying out DP supply and other ancillary operations. They should also incorporate these guidelines into their own vessel management systems, including preparation of company and vessel documentation in accordance with document IMCA M109 – A guide to DP-related documentation for DP vessels. This can be done simply, by reference, if necessary.

The document also addresses the application of existing international rules and guidelines and considers such measures as classification society requirements for their DP class notation, and the continuous verification processes.

It provides guidance on what vessel operators should have in place, regarding certification and documentation, and contains guidance but also manning, including levels of training, certification, skills and experience.

Guidance on managing risk within DP operations aimed at minimising the risk of loss of position is also present in Section 4 along with further risk reduction measures, DP operating procedures and DP incident reporting.

 

Contents

• Preface
• Introduction
• Existing Rules and Guidance
• Managing Risk in DP Operations – Competence
• Managing Risk in DP Operations – Operations
• Managing Risk in DP Operations – Practical Application
• Appendix 1 – Relevant Publications
• Appendix 2 – DP FMEA and Annual Trials
• Appendix 3 – Annual DP Trials
• Appendix 4 – DP Capability Plot
• Appendix 5 – DP Footprint Plot
• Appendix 6 – DP Vessel Specific Location Checks Document
• Appendix 7 – Sample DP Watchkeeping Handover Checklist
• Appendix 8 – DP Incident Reporting
• Appendix 9 – Example of Critical Activity Mode of Operation (CAMO)
• Appendix 10 – Example of Activity Specific Operating Guideline (ASOG)

 

Version history

May 2022 Rev. 4 – General update by IMCA & MSF workgroup

November 2018 Rev. 3 – Updated to reflect current industry practice following the recent publication of IMO MSC.1/Circ.1580

April 2015 Rev. 2 – General update by cross industry workgroup on DP for OSVs

August 2009 Rev. 1 – General update by cross industry workgroup on DP for OSVs

March 2006 – Initial publication