Unintentional deselection of a DP control function
- DP Event
- Published on 30 June 2016
- Generated on 9 May 2025
- DPE 02/16
- 1 minute read
Observation
Jump to:
Vessel operators should note that this type of event continues to occur and might consider whether additional barriers should be put in place.

Considerations
- This event highlights the possible consequences of deselecting critical DP system buttons. Significant changes to any system should not be made during critical phases of an operation.
- It was considered highly likely that the DPO was performing multiple tasks when the surge button was unknowingly deselected.
- Tools are available within position reference systems to monitor vessel position and alarm if the vessel moves outside a set limit.
- Vessel operators should note that this type of event continues to occur and might therefore consider whether additional barriers should be put in place for critical switches.
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
-
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
-
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
-
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.