IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 10/06

IMCA'S GUIDELINES FOR TRAINING DP PERSONNEL

The offshore industry is in agreement that trained and experienced key DP (dynamic positioning) personnel are essential for a safe and commercially successful DP operation. The challenge is always to find the most cost-effective method to achieve a satisfactory level. IMCA, the International Marine Contractors Association, initially took up this challenge by publishing "The Training and Experience of Key DP Personnel" in early 1996.

"Now, ten years later, this widely used publication has been updated to reflect current best practice," explains IMCA's chief executive, Hugh Williams. "As before, details on formal training courses to be attended by DP operators and others are included, together with a structured familiarisation procedure for personnel joining a vessel or starting a new project; and there is guidance on refresher training too.

"The guidelines are designed for vessels engaged in operations where loss of position could cause major damage, economic loss, severe pollution, or even loss of life."

The updated review includes input from a range of members and organisations including the Nautical Institute. The formal training courses to be attended by DP operators are defined in content, verification and approval, as are the practical experience and certification requirements. Training for watchkeeping marine engineers and electronic maintenance staff (EMS) is specified.

"The International Maritime Organization referenced the previous edition in its Maritime Safety Circular MSC/738, "Guidelines for Dynamic Positioning (DP) Operator Training". The updated version has been submitted to the IMO and will be the subject of an introductory paper at its next Maritime Safety Committee meeting," explains Hugh Williams.

Notes to Editors (common)

• IMCA is an international association with over 450 members in more than 50 countries, representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Americas Deepwater, Asia-Pacific, Europe & Africa and Middle East & India regions, as well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members' common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
• IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports. These have been developed over the years and are widely distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document, safety recommendation, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and safety flashes.
• Judith Patten is here to help you if you want any additional information on IMCA; would like to discuss a feature article; want to organise interviews with key members of the IMCA team, etc.