Simultaneous activities on the bridge caused a DP incident
- DP Event
- Published on 3 December 2020
- Generated on 19 December 2025
- DPE 04/20
- 1 minute read
Incident
The experienced DPO was new to the vessel and misinterpreted a 30 degree heading increment as being a 30 degree/min rate of turn.
Comments
The DPO, though experienced, was new to the vessel and the DP system. He had undergone familiarisation of the system but misinterpreted 30o heading increment as being a 30o/ min rate of turn. As the 6-hourly checklists were being completed, the vessel was making moves and deploying references. Multiple operations were initiated just prior to watch handover which could have been delayed by a few more minutes.
Considerations
- Bridge resource management was not properly exercised. In principle, the second DPO should fill out the checklists and the DPO at the desk should concentrate on vessel position keeping only.
- The familiarisation process should be reviewed to be more robust to ensure new DPOs are completely familiar with the desk and functions.
- Reference should be made to, The training and experience of key DP Personnel (IMCA M117).
- It should be noted that a 30o per minute rate of turn was considered to be far too high whilst engaged in diving operations.
Latest DP incidents
-
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
-
Worst case failure preparedness
Operators must be prepared for worst case failures
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
-
Simultaneous Operations
A DP Incident report highlighting the importance of maintaining focus during time on the DP desk
DPE 03/25
17 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
17 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.