Dynamic Positioning Induction

  • To acquire knowledge of the principles of DP.
  • To acquire a basic understanding of how to set up a DP system.
  • To get an understanding of the practical operation of associated equipment, including position reference systems.
  • To recognize the various alarm, warning and information messages.
  • To relate the DP installation to the ship system, including (but not limited to) power supply, maneuvering facility, available position reference systems and nature of work.
  • To relate DP operations to the existing environmental conditions of wind, sea state, current/tidal stream and vessel movement.


The training is based on the program outlined by the Nautical Institute Scheme of Training. Training is a mix of theoretical sessions and practical exercises on Kongsberg DP stand-alone simulators. All training is conducted as classroom training.

Clear objectives are set in Nautical Institute’s Training Scheme summarized as follows:

DP Control Station

  • Define Dynamic Positioning and use of same.
  • Define main components in the DP system and role of same, including advantages and disadvantages in the use of the DP.
  • Discuss concept of mathematical model, and consequence analysis.

Power Generation and Management

  • Describe the power generation and distribution arrangements in a typical hybrid diesel/ diesel-electric DP vessel, with particular reference to system redundancy as described in IMO MSC Circ. 645 and vessel FMEA.
  • Describe the functions of a power management system as installed on Class 2 and Class 3 DP vessels and explain the concept of available power and spinning reserve in worst case failure.
  • Describe the provision of uninterruptible power supply to the DP system.
  • Propulsion Units
  • Describe the types of propulsion systems commonly installed in DP equipped vessels

Position Reference Systems

  • Describe the operation, principles and limitations of position reference systems in general.

Sensors (Heading, Motion, Environmental and External):

  • Describe all sensor inputs, how they work, what they do and limitations.
  • Describe the use of external force reference systems such as hawser tension, plough cable tension and pipe tension monitoring.

DP Operations

  • Describe/explain the need for procedures, checklists and logbook entries, emergency and contingency planning.
  • Describe the alarm messages provided on the DP system displays and on the DP printer, and recognize the alarms/warnings associated with loss of redundancy after worst case failure.
  • Explain the use of worksite diagrams using Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, projections and datum.
  • List various providers of documentation and classification societies.
  • Describe the hazards associated with DP operations conducted in areas with very deep water, shallow water and/or strong tidal conditions.

Practical Operation of a DP System

  • Demonstrate the correct procedure for setting up on DP, and maneuvering in the different modes.
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