Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have revolutionised the way we navigate and locate ourselves on the surface of the Earth. However, GNSS signals are prone to interference and one of the most significant sources of interference is increased ionospheric activity.
Information Notes
IMCA produces a range of materials for its members as information notes, covering safety, technical, regulatory, commercial and various other issues relevant to its members.
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Information Notes
Combined Heading/Motion and Gyro Sensor Concerns
The IMCA DP Committee has been made aware of potential common-mode failures regarding Combined Gyro Compass and Motion Reference Sensors (MRU). These potential failures are discussed below and must be understood and considered while using/updating/purchasing combination MRU/Gyro, or gyro sensors that may rely on a GNSS signal to remain functional.
Field Arrival Trials
What are Field Arrival Trials? A pre-defined programme of tests and checks to be performed prior to the entry into the area of operation that are designed to confirm the […]
ASOG – The Decision Support Tool You Need
Following a review of the 2021 Annual DP Station Keeping Event Report published by IMCA in March 2022, the IMCA Marine Division Management Committee & DP Committee agreed that an objective for 2022 was to create an information note explaining the subject of Activity Specific Operating Guidelines (ASOG) and its
FMEA – Five Yearly Review
Guidance and lessons learned may be missed if the FMEA/FMECA document is not periodically refreshed. A neglected DP system FMEA/FMECA may lead to a reduction in robustness, resilience, and single fault tolerance if it is only updated after deficiencies have been identified by a vessel DP Assurance process or after
DP Consequence Analysis – A Timely Reminder
Read this Information Note for DP Consequence Analysis.
Digital Certification – New IMCA Certificate Formats
IMCA has updated the format of certificates issued under its certification schemes. This information note sets out details to help IMCA members and certificate holders recognise and understand the new […]
Verification of IMCA Certificates
IMCA has launched a new online facility for the verification of certificates issued to those working in safety-critical roles, as part of its wider digital transformation initiative. This adds to […]
Position Reference Systems – correct set-up is essential
1 BACKGROUND The IMCA Marine DP committee has identified a trend of DP station keeping events relating to the incorrect setup, use or selection of Position Reference Systems and Sensors. […]
IMCA DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme, March 2021
Dear DP Accredited Practitioner, Welcome to this 2nd DP Accredited Practitioner news bulletin. We are well into 2021 and regrettably, there is no let up with the issues we face […]
GPS systems – Warning of interference
The United States Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued revised advisory notice 2020-016-Various-GPS Interference on multiple instances of significant GPS interference that have been reported worldwide. This interference is resulting […]
DPO Certification – The available schemes
DPO Certification – The available schemes: There are currently three organisations offering DPO certification. Each organisation states that the training scheme is in accordance with IMCA M 117 – Guidelines for the Training and Experience of Key DP Personnel. This information note provides an outline of each scheme. It does
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IMCA clarification of test requirements for DP annual trials programmes
IMCA has become aware that some vessel owner/operators are undertaking a fixed percentage of an overall trials programme per year on the basis that over 5 years the full programme […]
Marine and DP assurance – IMCA advice during ongoing COVID-19 situation
In view of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, and the extremely challenging times that many are facing, IMCA recommends the following approach to marine assurance activities, should it not be possible […]
The nautical institute dynamic positioning training executive group (NI DPTEG) minutes and action points, May 2019
These are the minutes and action points of the DPTEG meeting held in May 2019. Please direct comments or questions to Andy Goldsmith [email protected]. Originally issued with the following reference(s): IMCA M 02/19
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Toolbox talk prompts – CTV transfer with DP vessel
This information note was produced under the supervision of the IMCA Marine Renewable Energy Committee. Prior to a personnel transfer to or from a DP vessel, check and confirm that: Combined responsibility: Weather windows are suitable and communicated to allow transfer;Site and task risk assessments are available to cover specific
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GNSS interference, jamming and spoofing
This briefing provides a brief overview of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference, jamming and spoofing. Interference is the unintentional transmission of signals stopping the reception of the GNSS signals.Jamming is the intentional interference of the GNSS signal reception to deny the receiver GNSS signals.Spoofing is the practice of tricking
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Reactivation of DP vessels following a period of lay-up
This information note was produced under the supervision of the IMCA Marine Division Management Committee (MDMC). During 2017, the committee recognised that with improving industry metrics, member companies could now be considering reactivating their owned and managed vessels, following a period of layup. This note has been produced as a
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IMCA DP station keeping information bulletin
The first IMCA DP event bulletin was published in May 2016. Eight bulletins have been produced since then and 36 individual events have been scrutinised. All received DP station keeping event reports […]
DP station keeping reporting
DP station keeping reporting has further evolved during 2016. The experience and knowledge of the IMCA DP Focused Workgroup has enabled the production of a new electronic DP station keeping event form, introduction of a periodic DP event bulletin and the inclusion of a gap analysis tool to complement the
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