Unfamiliarity with DP system leads to an undesired event
- DP Event
- Published on 13 June 2019
- Generated on 20 June 2025
- DPE 02/19
- 2 minute read
Undesired event
Vessel specific familiarisation programmes and operation manuals should make allowances for crew members not being familiar with systems.
Comments
Both DPOs had several years’ experience but with a different DP control system where it is common to stop the vessel during a move by reducing speed to 0.0kts.
However, on the system fitted to this vessel a retardation factor is used so speed is reduced automatically when the stop request is made.
Setting a speed at 0.0kt led to an unstable situation. The master instructed DPOs to keep a minimum speed on DP of 0.1kts and not set speed to 0.0kts.
Considerations
- Vessel specific familiarisation programmes and operation manuals should capture and make allowance for crew members not being familiar with systems. Each system/vessel has peculiarities which must be taught and learned by the crew onboard.
- The DP system manufacturer should be involved as it should not be possible for the operator to apply a valid setting which then causes an unstable DP system.
- It is recognised practice to slow down during a move, but it is not considered good practice to use zero speed.
- The use of the present position would maintain the vessel in the wanted position.
Latest DP incidents
-
Complete the job
Whilst connected to a turbine, an alarm was generated on the DP operator station, ‘Unbalanced load on SWBD 1’.
DPE 01/25
16 January 2025
Undesired event
-
How is your alignment?
Loss of the CyScan position reference system generated a reference system failure alarm and moments later the vessel began to lose position with the accompanying alarms.
DPE 01/25
16 January 2025
Incident
-
Beware your centre of rotation
The stern thrusters started to oscillate which transferred to an oscillating motion of the vessel and high forces were being used to try to maintain position.
DPE 01/25
16 January 2025
Incident
-
A-Tension
Whilst pipelaying in shallow water, the vessel experienced a tension sensor failure on one tensioner.
DPE 01/25
16 January 2025
-
DP Drill Scenario
DP emergency drill scenarios are included to assist DP vessel management, DPOs / Engineers, and ETOs in conducting DP drills onboard.
DPE 01/25
16 January 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.