Skip to content

Both DP operating stations stopped communication – DP incident

Considerations from the above event:

  • It is possible that as the vessel was only recently set up on DP, field arrival trials had not yet been completed.
  • The use of DGNSS as the only position reference system for DP equipment class 2 operations is not good practice, however it is recognised that deployment of the CTD beacon could be in preparation for initiating a DP acoustic system.
  • It is not clear, from the information provided, of the exact sequence of events: sensors and position reference systems are hard wired to the DP controller or Fieldnet connections, located in the DP controller cabinet, they are not connected directly to the DP OS and therefore position keeping capability should not have been affected by the OS not communicating.
  • One possibility is that it was the DP controllers that stopped communicating and caused the problem; if this was the case the question should have been asked how this single point failure could have happened.
  • The vessel would probably be controlled better using the independent joystick rather than individual manual control of the thrusters.
  • The report suggests the possibility that the vessel returned to operations without sufficient testing to find the root cause of the problem.

DP Event

Published: 10 August 2017
Download: IMCA DPE 03/17

Classification:
Submit a Report

The following case studies and observations have been compiled from information received by IMCA. All vessel, client, and operational data has been removed from the narrative to ensure anonymity.

Case studies are not intended as guidance on the safe conduct of operations, but rather to assist vessel managers, DP operators and DP technical crew in appropriately determining how to safely conduct their own operations. Any queries should be directed to IMCA at [email protected]. Members and non-members alike are welcome to contact IMCA if they have experienced DP events which can be shared anonymously with the DP industry.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.