DP trial leads to partial blackout
- DP Event
- Published on 29 November 2016
- Generated on 22 December 2025
- DPE 04/16
- 1 minute read
Undesired event
The 230v supply breaker was open and the two uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries completely discharged.
Comments
It was discovered that the 230v supply breaker was open and the two uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries completely discharged.
Warning alarms generated by the DP system regarding the condition of UPS 2 were overlooked. An additional checklist item was added to the field arrival trials to check UPS 1, 2 and 3 are clear of alarms and operating as normal.
Vessel maintained position throughout.
Considerations
- The lessons to be learnt from the above are obvious and barriers preventing such errors are essential.
- Alarms presented to operators must be acknowledged and acted on.
Latest DP incidents
-
Simultaneous Operations
A DP Incident report highlighting the importance of maintaining focus during time on the DP desk
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
-
DP drill scenario
DP emergency drill scenarios are included to assist DP vessel management and DPOs / Engineers and ETOs to conduct DP drills onboard.
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Drill Scenario
-
Know your settings
This Dynamic Positioning (DP) incident involved a DP equipment class 2 offshore supply vessel (OSV) during loadout operations from a drilling rig.
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
-
Importance of familiarisation and paying attention
The importance of maintaining full attention during the operator's time on the DP desk can never be underestimated, or forgotten
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
-
Worst case failure preparedness
Operators must be prepared for worst case failures
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
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.