DP Operator's Handbook - David Bray [2010, PDF]

Foreword

Foreword
Dynamic Positioning as a working system was introduced in the 1970s. As its potential was realised, DP systems were applied to ever more critical operations involving divers and drilling. The UK Department of Energy and the Norwegian Maritime Directorate specified the need for training;The Nautical Institute assessed training needs and established a training programme. Captain David Bray from Lowestoft with Jim Simpson from Aberdeen in the UK and Rune Mellum in Kongsberg, Norway, played a leading role in converting the training specification into simulator courses that became the international standard. As the range of DP applications becomes ever more specialised, so the training must meet these specialist needs. Captain Bray recognised the need for a multi-disciplinary committee to examine DP specialisation and it is pleasing to see the progress being made as DP matures into a new phase. Currently there are some 55 DP training centres worldwide; The Nautical Institute has issued over 1,200 DP certificates a year since 2005, and numbers continue to increase. Captain Bray has devoted countless hours to the development of effective training methods which he has generously shared with colleagues. He has accredited numerous DP centres and contributed to the DP Training Forum. I would like to acknowledge his dedication and outstanding professional commitment. In our discussions over the years we concluded that, with so many applications, it might be useful to provide a handbook for DP operators (DPOs) to aid easy transfer from one ship to another which could serve as a handy reference book to be used as a refresher, a source of good management and operational practices and a guide for organising onboard training particularly for the benefit of understudies. For example, communications has prominence in a number of sections and it is a maxim of all cooperative operational systems to keep lines of communication open at all times, always seek to explain intentions to those who need to know. By keeping lines of communication open and being open to the comments of people engaged in the operation, most problems will be overcome. Captain Bray has now retired. On behalf of everybody he has helped and trained over the past 20 years and for the wisdom of this handbook, he deserves our special appreciation and thanks.
Julian Parker

Contents

Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction to dynamic positioning .................................................................. 1
Chapter 2 Dynamic positioning principles and systems ...................................................... 3
Chapter 3 Redundancy and equipment class ................................................................... 21
Chapter 4 DP vessel operations ...................................................................................... 31
Chapter 5 Operational planning and watchkeeping .......................................................... 47
Chapter 6 Position referencing ....................................................................................... 57
Chapter 7 Propulsion and thrusters ................................................................................ 87
Chapter 8 Power plant ................................................................................................... 93
Chapter 9 Operator training and human factors ................................................................... 98
Appendix 1 Guidance to Masters of DP vessels in assessing the competency of DPO candidates ...... 107
Appendix 2 References page............................................................................................ 109
Appendix 3 Glossary of Terms and List of Abbreviations..................................................... 111
Index .............................................................................................................117