The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published a new industry guidance document, A Guide to Conducting DP Drills and Ensuring Preparedness for DP Failures (IMCA M273), aimed at strengthening operational readiness and safety across the global DP vessel fleet.
The guidance provides practical, operational advice on how Dynamic Positioning (DP) drills can be planned, conducted, and reviewed to improve crew preparedness for DP system failures on DP1, DP2 and DP3 vessels. It supports IMCA’s ongoing commitment to improving performance, safety, and competence in marine contracting operations.
The new document is intended to be read alongside IMCA M117 – Code of Practice for the Training and Experience of Key DP Personnel. While M117 defines the required competence standards for DP personnel, IMCA M273 focuses on the “how” – offering detailed guidance on the effective use of drills to reinforce decision-making, communication, human performance, and system familiarity.
This guidance is about helping crews practise those responses in a structured, realistic and safe way, so that when something does go wrong, the response is calm, effective and well understood.
Richard Purser, IMCA Technical Adviser – Marine, said: “DP incidents rarely result from a single technical failure alone. How people recognise developing problems, communicate, and intervene often determines the outcome. This guidance is about helping crews practise those responses in a structured, realistic and safe way, so that when something does go wrong, the response is calm, effective and well understood.”
IMCA M273 covers a wide range of drill types, including live drills, desktop exercises, and touch drills, recognising that preparedness is built through a combination of realistic simulations, structured discussion and hands-on familiarisation. The guidance emphasises that drills are learning tools, not system proving trials, and should never compromise vessel safety or operational integrity.
A key theme throughout the document is the importance of preparedness for failure. Drawing on the principle of anticipating credible failure scenarios, the guidance highlights how well-designed drills can reduce reaction times, improve situational awareness and help crews respond effectively under pressure. Particular attention is given to understanding vessel-specific redundancy concepts and identifying situations where continued station keeping may rely on operator intervention
The guidance also provides practical advice on planning and execution, including scenario design, pre-drill safety briefings, observer roles and post-drill debriefs. Appendices include a range of generic DP drill examples that operators can adapt to suit their vessel design, operational profile and risk exposure.
By publishing IMCA M273, IMCA aims to promote a more structured, consistent, and meaningful approach to DP drills across the industry, supporting continuous professional development and reinforcing a strong safety culture onboard DP vessels.
IMCA members are encouraged to review the new guidance and consider how it can be incorporated into their existing DP assurance, training and familiarisation programmes.
IMCA M273 – A Guide to Conducting DP Drills and Ensuring Preparedness for DP Failures is available to download from the IMCA website.
