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NI and IMCA Launch a third module for DP CPD APP

The Nautical Institute (NI) and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) continue to build on their Key Dynamic Positioning (DP) Personnel continuing professional development (CPD) app with the launch of a third module.  The newly launched Module 3 comprises individual lessons around the subjects of classification societies, Satellite based position reference systems, DP drills & exercises, DP station keeping event case studies, Introduction to different mission types, then delves into mission specific DP operations – diving support, DP shuttle tankers, cable lay / repair, service operations vessels (SOVs). Future modules will see all mission types explained considering Position Reference Systems

European Dynamic Positioning Conference 2023

Technology. Training. Safety Returning to its regular place in your calendar, the annual European Dynamic Positioning Conference will be held in London 7 February 2023.  The European Dynamic Positioning conference provides a platform to encourage exchange of information between the DP community. This one-day event will review market trends and drivers, remote DP tests and trials, DP application in the offshore wind sector, future fuels and autonomy. This year’s programme will review the latest technology and delve into the fields of training, recruitment and retention, certification, competency and human factors. Leading experts will discuss approaches to improving DP reliability, developing guidelines

Feature your innovative solution at IMCA’s DP Conference

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is inviting companies with new technology or innovations applicable to the offshore energy  industry to apply to take part in their ever-popular Quickfire, Totally Technology Session at the IMCA DP Conference 2023 (Amsterdam, 9-10 May 2023).Companies interested in being considered for a 10-minute presentation ‘against the clock’ slot in the session should send their proposed presentation; an abstract explaining the new (or evolving) technology or innovation (150 words max); and any additional supporting video/photographs/charts to [email protected] by 23:59 hrs GMT on 28 February 2023. Entrants should be companies, not individuals, and should be IMCA

IMCA schemes designed to improve DP safety

Two schemes run by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) – the IMCA DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme and their Key DP Personnel Continuing Professional Development (CPD) App (run with The Nautical Institute) – have a vital role to play in addressing the pressing issue of dynamic positioning (DP) becoming less safe, with human factors widely seen as the overwhelming cause. IMCA Contact Graeme Reid Technical Adviser – Marine Contact Error: Contact form not found. “We shared the worrying fact about increased numbers of events and incidents due to human factors with delegates at our DP Conference earlier this year, it

IMCA’s DP Expertise sought from Houston to Singapore

The International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA’s) expertise is acknowledged and sought all over the world; and its guidance, safety flashes, and dynamic positioning (DP) event reporting is followed by a global audience. Technical Adviser – Marine, Richard Purser’s involvement with two DP conferences within the space of five weeks and some 10,000 miles apart, exemplifies the interest in IMCA’s expertise and what IMCA is able to share on this subject. IMCA Contact Richard Purser Technical Adviser – Marine Contact Error: Contact form not found. IMCA Contact Graeme Reid Technical Adviser – Marine Contact Error: Contact form not found. On 11

IMCA publishes DP system network storm guidance

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published ‘Guidelines for the Management of DP System Network Storms’ (IMCA M 259) to raise awareness of the risks presented by the use of data communication networks on dynamically positioned (DP) vessels, especially when used to connect otherwise redundant components of the DP control system, power system or thrusters. The general effects of so-called ‘network storms’ are to cause disruption of data communication over a network and/or degradation of network controller performance, although the exact symptoms may be unpredictable, inconsistent and may increase over time or appear instantaneously. As IMCA Technical Adviser –

IMCA’s DP Conference Report Available to all

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) held its first two-day DP Conference for some years in May 2022 in Amsterdam and has now made the 34-page conference report available to all. This includes concise summaries of all sessions and presentations along with relevant graphs, charts, and most importantly some of the findings that emerged With attendees from around the world the conference was aimed at those involved in offshore renewable energy and offshore oil and gas DP operations. Engagement was excellent throughout the conference and attendee feedback was extremely positive. This will now become an annual event with the 2023

IMCA DP Conference 2023

We are proud to say that Dynamic Positioning is in our DNA as our heritage goes back to 1989 in this area. Following on from our successful Dynamic Positioning (DP) Conference in 2022, we are delighted to share the following outline for our 2023 edition: Leading industry keynote speaker and global industry experts. A session on DP Reflections focusing on the latest updates on IMCA DP guidance. Practical and interactive sessions addressing today’s challenges in DP trials, shallow water and field trials. Positive impact of assurance and training in the world of DP. The practicalities of switching between oil &

Podcast – Discussing IMCA’s DP Conference

Hear from Mark Ford and Richard Purser as they talk about the benefits of attending IMCA’s DP Conference, the background, agenda and what people can expect to get out of the event. A key takeaway from this short podcast is how attendees can shape the future of DP. Visit our events page for full details of the conference IMCA Contact Mark Ford Marine & Quality Manager Contact Error: Contact form not found. IMCA Contact Richard Purser Technical Adviser – Marine Contact Error: Contact form not found. Conference Event Page Register

Publication of DP Station Keeping Stats sees IMCA urge for more reporting and discussion

Two recent publications from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) make useful discussion tools for key dynamic positioning (DP) personnel. IMCA M 258 ‘Dynamic Positioning Station Keeping Review – Incidents and Events Reported for 2021’ assesses events reported during last year; and the first ‘DP Event Bulletin’ for 2022 looks in detail at three anonymised DP case studies, the importance of being soliton-aware; and provides a template for DP emergency drill scenarios. IMCA M258 reports that during 2021 150 DP station keeping reports were received from 122 different DP vessels giving an average of 1.2 reports per vessel. The main

European Dynamic Positioning Conference 2022

The European Dynamic Positioning conference will review market trends and drivers, innovations in technology, remote trials, future fuels for dynamic positioning (DP) vessels, DP application in the offshore wind sector and training and competency requirements. Industry experts will share their views and experiences in the sector, providing the very latest information to assist you in your DP planning and operations. This one-day event provides value through the educational and technical content of the programme as well as showcasing the latest advances in technology and innovation. Richard Purser, Technical Adviser – Marine, is also speaking on a panel regarding safety. IMCA

Registration Open – IMCA DP Conference

IMCA is hosting a Dynamic Positioning (DP) Conference on 31 May – 1 June 2022 focusing on technical and operational matters relating to DP. This event will be of interest to those involved in both offshore renewable energy and offshore oil & gas operations. We have an exciting line up of speakers and interactive sessions alongside IMCA’s renowned Quickfire Totally Technology Session. This two-day seminar provides an opportunity for IMCA members and industry colleagues to participate in an industry forum where attendees will hear from experts in Dynamic Positioning and have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions and workshops

Your Innovative Technology Could Feature in IMCA’s DP Conference

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) will feature innovative technology and solutions in the Quickfire, Totally Technology Session at their Dynamic Positioning Conference (Amsterdam, 31 May-1 June 2022). Companies are invited to apply for a timed presentation slot in the session by submitting details of their new (or relatively new) technology or innovation, which should be applicable to the oil and gas or renewable energy industries. The deadline is 20 April 2022. As Mark Ford, IMCA’s Marine & Quality Manager explained: “The Quickfire, Totally Technology Session has been a regular and enjoyable feature of IMCA’s Annual Seminar programme and provides

IMCA to hold 2022 DP Conference in Amsterdam

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is set to stage its two-day Dynamic Positioning (DP) Conference in Amsterdam at the Steigenberger Airport Hotel on 31 May-1 June 2022. Aimed at those involved in both offshore renewable energy and offshore oil and gas DP operations, the event will provide an opportunity for IMCA members and industry colleagues to participate in an industry forum where attendees will hear from experts actively involved in dynamic positioning and have the opportunity to take part in Q&A sessions and workshops that will help formulate the work programme for IMCA’s DP Committee. Looking forward to the

Contribute to our DP Reporting for 2021

IMCA Members are strongly encouraged to pass on information on DP station keeping events and incidents so that lessons learnt can be used to raise the standards of safe and efficient operations throughout the industry. For more than thirty years IMCA’s DP station keeping event reporting system has helped to keep the DP fleet operational, safe and acceptable to clients and regulators by encouraging improvements in design, procedures and training. Visit our website for full details on how to submit your information. DP Events and Incidents Act now and share reports on: DP IncidentsDP Undesired EventsDP Observations Submission Process The

IMCA Focuses on Event Reporting plus DP & Offshore Wind Operations at the European DP Conference

Two members of the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Marine Technical Adviser team will be speaking at the European Dynamic Positioning (DP) Conference in London on 16 November. One will cover new findings related to IMCA’s DP event reporting system and the other will consider the ‘marriage’ between DP vessels and the offshore wind industry.  Richard Purser, who joined the IMCA Technical team earlier this year, will be speaking on ‘DP events and reporting – latest trends and influencing factors’; and Captain Andy Goldsmith, who combines his role as a Technical Adviser covering DP with a similar role for  Renewable Energy, follows him on the programme considering ‘What does DP mean for the offshore wind sector?’.  Richard Purser described what he will cover:  “Analysis

IMCA DP Conference 2022

IMCA is hosting a Dynamic Positioning (DP) Conference in 2022 focusing on technical and operational matters relating to DP. This event will be of interest to those involved in both offshore renewable energy and offshore oil & gas operations. Dynamic Positioning is in our DNA as our heritage goes back to 1989 in this area. We have an exciting line up of speakers and interactive sessions alongside IMCA’s renowned Quickfire Totally Technology Session. This two-day seminar provides an opportunity for IMCA members and industry colleagues to participate in an industry forum where attendees will hear from experts in Dynamic Positioning

IMCA and NI expand DPO App to Key DP Personnel

The Nautical Institute (NI) and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) continue to build on their Dynamic Positioning continuing professional development (CPD) app with the launch of a second module.  In response to industry demand in recent months, the scheme has now been expanded to include all key DP personnel.  The scheme, originally aimed at supporting Dynamic Positioning Operators, is designed to help all key DP personnel maintain their technical knowledge of the latest industry guidance and operational best practice. The app expands professional awareness of the latest IMCA/industry guidance; DP safety bulletins; DP exercises and training drills; and assists

IMCA launches new online facility for instant verification of certificates for safety-critical positions in the offshore industry.

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has launched a new online facility as part of the Association’s digital transformation programme which will enable members to access verification services 24 hours a day. It will cover all five certificate types currently issued; Air Diving Supervisor, Bell Diving Supervisor, Life Support Technician, DP Company Authority and DP Trials & Assurance Practitioner. New initiatives such as Accredited Diving System Inspectors will also benefit from the service. A search form is now available at for registered website users to check the status of any certificate provided to them by its holder. The existing option

DPO CPD APP Launched by Nautical Institute and IMCA

The Nautical Institute (NI) and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) have worked together to develop a Dynamic Positioning Operators (“DPO”) continuing professional development (“CPD”) app which is launched today (24 March 2021). Feedback from industry is that CPD is an effective means to combat knowledge and skill fade, and this scheme will be a welcome addition to the market and the DPO community alike. The scheme is designed to help DPOs maintain their technical knowledge of the latest industry practices. The app will expand professional awareness of the latest IMCA/industry guidance; DP safety bulletins; DP exercises and training drills;