Swift action saved stress – Know your vessel
- DP Event
- Published on 13 December 2021
- Generated on 18 August 2025
- DPE 04/21
- 2 minute read
Observation
Familiarity of Key DP Personnel with the vessels Critical DP systems can lead to a successful outcome following a failure.
Comments
This is a positive report which highlights how familiarity of Key DP Personnel with the vessels Critical DP systems can lead to a successful outcome following a failure, which in this case had the potential to remove one redundant group.
We can all get into these situations, but it is how we react to them that defines us.
Example of the centralised LTFW system
Considerations
This event highlights the need for DP Key Personnel having good knowledge of their roles within the DP system of their vessel.
Qualification and Knowledge Requirements of Key DP Personnel (IMCA M117), Section 7– gives guidance for Key DP Personnel.
The report highlights the importance of the detection elements of the DP system, and the requirements for periodic testing, such as low-level alarms and pressure transducers.
Although not related to the event the number of same principle references seems inadequate. IMO MSC Circ. 645 and IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1580 guidance documents state that for DP 2 or 3 operations:
There is a requirement for 3 independent position references simultaneously available during operation based on two different principles.
Latest DP incidents
-
Always be prepared – Erroneous relative GPS heading input jeopardises follow target operations
Always be prepared – Erroneous relative GPS heading input jeopardises follow target operations
DPE 02/25
1 August 2025
Incident
-
Printer compatibility
This undesired event occurred on a DP Class 3 drillship, whilst operating in open bus configuration and undertaking drilling operations.
DPE 02/25
1 August 2025
Undesired event
-
Inadvertent act causes loss of DP, once again!
While vessel was recovering scrap metal using an ROV and crane, an alarm was triggered, but the DPO could not silence it
DPE 02/25
1 August 2025
Incident
-
Beware the solitons
An equipment class 2 pipelay vessel was engaged in pipelay operations in an area known for solitons
DPE 02/25
1 August 2025
Undesired event
-
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 02/25
1 August 2025
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.