IMCA

Marine Division

Training, Certification & Personnel Competence

 

Information Note IMCA M 08/01 March 2001

IMCA TCPC 06/01

 

DP Operator Training/Certification –

Key Role of Endorsing Masters in the Nautical Institute Scheme

 

Members familiar with the Nautical Institute Dynamic Positioning Operator Training Scheme will be aware of the key role of the Ship’s Master in endorsing a trainee’s suitability as a DP operator following 6+ months of recorded sea service.

The quality of DP operators coming into the industry is dependent on the diligence of Masters in executing this role.

The key elements of the scheme for ‘Full’ and ‘Limited’ DP certificates are set out at Annex 1.

The duties of the Master are set out in Part E as follows:

E. Assessment by the Master

This section is the final check on a trainee’s suitability as a DP Operator. The Master signs to say that the trainee has completed the DP Operator’s logbook to his satisfaction and in his opinion is competent to undertake DP watchkeeping duties and, in particular,
    1. Possesses an adequate knowledge
    2. Knows the underlying principles of DP
    3. Can take control of the DP system in normal conditions
    4. Understands what to do in an emergency
    5. Understands the operational procedures on board and can safely operate the vessel’s DP system

Ian Giddings, Education and Training Manager of the Nautical Institute, reinforced this point at the recent meeting of IMCA’s Marine Division Management Committee.

Committee members expressed their full support for the scheme and summarised their understanding of the role of the Master as follows:

Each master should be satisfied that the individual is capable of taking on full DP watchkeeping responsibilities on the vessel under his control.

Members are asked to distribute this note to all masters of DP vessels. The quality of DP Operators coming through the Nautical Institute scheme depends in a high measure on them.

Annex 1

 

The Nautical Institute Dynamic Positioning Operator Certification Scheme

 

The Nautical Institute Dynamic Positioning Operator training scheme involves six elements:

  1. The induction/basic course
  2. 30 days familiarisation at sea

    3. During this period it is important that the details of the vessels are entered correctly as this will be used to determine the level of certificate issued.

    Also the familiarisation log should be completed as fully and accurately as possible. There is space at the end of this section for comments, notes and recommendations.
  3. The simulator/advanced course
  4. Six months’ recorded sea service on a DP vessel

    5. During this period it is again important that this section is correctly completed. This applies specifically to the equipment class, type of work and DP system, which are used to determine the level of the certificate.

  5. Assessment by the Master

    6. This section is the final check on a trainee’s suitability as a DP Operator. The Master signs to say that the trainee has completed the DP Operator’s logbook to his satisfaction and in his opinion is competent to undertake DP watchkeeping duties and, in particular,

      1. Possesses an adequate knowledge
      2. Knows the underlying principles of DP
      3. Can take control of the DP system in normal conditions
      4. Understands what to do in an emergency
      5. Understands the operational procedures on board and can safely operate the vessel’s DP system
  6. Issue of a certificate

A certificate will be issued based upon the evidence within the logbook. For an unlimited certificate the Master of a DP Class 2 or 3 vessel should complete section F of the logbook. This should also be done for those upgrading from a limited to an unlimited certificate.