Unintentional deactivation of the DP system
- DP Event
- Published on 27 February 2018
- Generated on 18 September 2025
- DPE 01/18
- 2 minute read
Incident
Operators are reminded of the importance of DP mode selection buttons, and should assess if the system is susceptible to unintentional deactivation.
Comments
The initiating event was the unintentional activation of the DP standby button whilst in Automatic DP control.
The radio used to call the installation control was situated over the DP control panel. In order to put the DP system in ‘Standby Mode’ it required the operator to Press the ‘Standby’ button twice. There were no alarms generated during the incident.
After leaving the 500m zone attempts were made to re-enact the situation of the VHF radio handset pressing the button but this failed to put the system in standby.
Follow up
Information was sent to the DP system supplier including export files from the operator station. It was proven that the ‘Standby’ button was activated.
The time difference between double taps was so small it was almost one single tap, this could explain activation by the VHF handset.
To stop this from happening again, a clear flip top button cover will be fitted to both DP operator stations and a procedure initiated that the handset must be placed back in its cradle after each use.
Considerations
- It is poor design that makes it necessary to lean over the DP control panel to use the VHF.
- Vessel operators are reminded of the critical nature of DP mode selection buttons and should assess if the DP system is susceptible to unintentional deactivation of any critical mode.
- If so, appropriate action should be taken without delay.
- Recent action that the Committee is aware of is:
- The fitting of a plastic flip cover to protect mode selection buttons.
- Installation of an additional function that requires the operator to confirm the mode change via a pop up window on the operator station.
- A very short time period was allowed for DP stabilisation following the incident, the system had been switched to standby therefore time was required to build up the mathematical model.
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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.
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