DP drill scenario – Loss of main DP system UPS
- DP Event
- Published on 11 May 2026
- Generated on 11 May 2026
- DPE 01/26
- 1 minute read
Drill Scenario
The objective of this scenario is to identify risks and impacts of losing the main DP system uninterruptible power supply, possibilities to reduce that risk and suitable actions to be taken if such an occurrence happened.
DP emergency drill scenarios are included to assist DP vessel management and DPOs / Engineers and ETOs to conduct DP drills onboard. The intent is that the template can be used on any DP vessel, so specific details regarding the technical outcome are not included. The benefit of using this template is to monitor and learn from the human reactions of key DP personnel. It is also important that the crew are familiar with various DP system set-ups including their failure modes.
Refer to IMCA M273 A guide to conducting DP drills and ensuring preparedness for DP failures, Appendix A.
Latest DP incidents
-
Hybrid system won't accept load
A DP equipment class 2 vessel was engaged in operations whilst holding position on auto DP, when this undesired event occurred
DPE 01/26
11 May 2026
Undesired event
-
All swept up
A DP equipment class 2 vessel was engaged in rock placement operations, within close proximity to a structure, when this event occurred.
DPE 01/26
11 May 2026
Undesired event
-
Network issues, not a thing of the past
A DP equipment class 3 vessel was engaged in saturation diving activities, with two divers in the water when this DP incident occurred.
DPE 01/26
11 May 2026
Incident
-
Think twice. Press once!
On a DP equipment class 2 supply vessel engaged in drilling, an incident occurred due to lack of operational knowledge
DPE 01/26
11 May 2026
Incident
-
DP drill scenario – Loss of main DP system UPS
The objective of this scenario is to identify risks and impacts of losing the main DP system uninterruptible power supply, possibilities to reduce that risk and suitable actions to be taken if such an occurrence happened.
DPE 01/26
11 May 2026
Drill Scenario
The case studies and observations above 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 technical crew.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information, but it is not liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
Any queries should be directed to DP team at IMCA. Share your DP incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive DP event bulletins straight to your email.