TOTAL Module 3

Purpose is to provide in depth knowledge on the theory and practices of dynamic positioning systems and basic DP operations.


The course is a mix of theory and practical exercises, using simulators. During practical exercises, course participants will be divided in teams of maximum 3 persons on each.

All practical exercises will be carried out on various Kongsberg equipment.

  • Principles of DP
    • History and Definition of DP
    • 6 degrees of freedom and which are DP controlled
    • Mathematical modelling technique
    • Consequence analyse program
    • DP block diagram
  • Elements of a DP system and views on DP console
    • Sensors (Gyro, VRS, wind, tension)
    • Position reference systems
    • Power
    • Thrusters
    • Computers
    • Controllers
    • DP block diagram
  • Power generation and management in DP operations
    • Typical diesel electric set up and propulsion associated with this
    • Typical non diesel electric set up and propulsion associated with this
    • Use of UPS in DP systems
    • Power available for DP systems and ‘black out’ prevention
  • Position Reference systems
    • Principle of HiPAP SSBL and LBL system, including C-node technology
    • Common errors to hydro acoustic systems
    • Principle of GNSS system
    • Principle of differential corrections for GPS and Glonass
    • Principle of relative GPS (DARPS)
    • Common errors to GNSS systems and differential corrections
    • Principle of Light Taut Wire and common errors
    • Principle of Fanbeam and Cyscan laser based PRS and common errors
    • Principle of Radius, RadaScan and Artemis radarbased PRS and common errors
    • Position Reference weight in DP system and user controlled possibilities
    • Reference origin
    • UTM coordinate system
  • DP operations
    • DP operational manual
    • FMEA and annual proving trials
    • Capability plots
    • DP footprints
    • Record keeping of DP operations, failures, incidents, maintenance, repairs
    • DP alarm system
    • Planning of DP operations and risk assessment
    • Use of checklists
    • DP watch schedule
    • Case studies
    • DP operation modes; Auto track, follow target, auto approach, weather wane
  • Practical exercises
    • Work site approach
    • Set up of DP system
    • Manual, Joystick and auto DP manoeuvring
    • Hand over procedures
    • Communication
  • Rules and Guidelines
    • IMO 645
    • IMCA 117
    • IMCA 103
    • IMCA 109
    • DNV and Lloyds DP class

After the course, the participant will:

  • Have understanding of the principles of DP
  • Have understanding of the elements of a DP plant and how these are presented on the operator console
  • Have understanding of power generation and management in DP operations
  • As part of a team have applied gained knowledge to a practical exercise by choosing correct power set up for a specific DP operation and reacted correct to errors and failures
  • Have understanding of position reference systems
  • As part of a team have applied gained knowledge to a practical exercise by choosing correct position reference systems for a specific DP operation and reacted correct to errors and failures
  • Have understanding of rules and guidelines
  • As part of a team have applied gained knowledge to a practical exercise by setting up DP system according to regulations and recognizing when a failure is leading to violation of rules
  • Have understanding of DP operations
  • As part of a team have applied gained knowledge to a practical exercise by planning DP operations
  • As part of a team have applied gained knowledge to a practical exercise by using checklists during DP operations
  • As part of a team have applied gained knowledge to a practical exercise by keeping records of operations, failures and incidents
  • Have applied gained knowledge to practical exercises on DP training simulators with regards to different DP modes
  • As part of a team have applied gained knowledge to a practical exercises with regards to contents mentioned above
*The price is excluding applicable VAT.