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Unreliable component causes a DP undesired event
Comments from the report:
Investigation found that a 24v bridge rectifier supplying voltage to the main generator switchboard breakers 1 and 2 had burned out. The age and quality of the rectifier was thought to be the main reason for failure. Planned maintenance routines were updated and shared with the fleet. It was recognised that the system was vulnerable due to a single 24v bridge rectifier supplying the entire port switchboard.
Considerations of the IMCA Marine DP Committee from the above event:
The vessel validated that it could maintain position following the worst-case failure of a complete switchboard. Though redundancy is a must in DP 2/3 designs, components quality may impact the likelihood of such DP events occurring.
DP Event
Published: 25 February 2020
Download: 
IMCA DPE 01/20
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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.
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