DP Emergency Ship Handling

Course Aims

The aims of the course are to give the student the following:

  • Confidence to respond appropriately to major failure in the Dynamic Positioning control systems
  • To be able to make the decision when to change to Manual control
  • An improved understanding of ship handling in the context of offshore operations
  • Experience of keeping the vessel safe through manual ship handling skills in a range of conditions

Course Objectives

The course includes conventional and azimuth propulsion simulation, use of thrusters, manoeuvring in sheltered waters and offshore environments including close quarters manoeuvring, holding a vessel in the one position after an emergency and operating with reduced machinery capability

  • The theory content will revise basic principles of ship handling including:
    • Discussion of wind/current, and their influence on the operation in adverse weather/wind condition
    • Planning of (safe) operation
    • Manoeuvring theory with focus on Offshore Support Vessels
    • The effects of displacement, draught, trim, speed, velocity, kinetic energy and under-keel clearance on various manoeuvres, squat effect, turning circles and stopping distance.
    • The importance of the pivot point and effecting ship handling on vessels that are moving and not steaming.
    • The effect of current, wind and waves on the vessel’s capabilities when vessel is on different headings.
  • Specific focus on offshore activities will include:
    • The effect and interaction between different type of rudders and propellers, thrusters and their operational advantages and limitations
    • Advantages and Disadvantages of different types of thrusters
    • Contingency planning in case of thruster, rudder and/or propeller failure.
    • Contingency operation in the event of a partial blackout
    • Correct procedures for changeover between manual, joystick and dynamic positioning manoeuvring mode
    • Etc.
  • Documentation
    Relevant ship characteristics and capabilities will be provided for vessels used for exercises on the simulator. Students will have access to examples of sea trial reports, pilot cards, capability plots and other relevant manoeuvring information.
  • Safety
    The course will cover critical safety-related aspects including:
    • Use of emergency backup systems
    • Holding position in open water and in channels after system failure.
    • Thruster emergency stops.
    • Alarm associated with propulsion systems

Course Assessment

  • Practical Assessment
    Each Student is required to demonstrate their competency to perform tasks listed in the time table. Practical assessment will be conducted independently for each Student at the end of the Course. Students will be allowed to undertake practical assessment only on passing the NI online examination. No re-test for practical simulator assessment. Unsuccessful students have to repeat the course.
  • Online Assessment
    This consists of NI implemented online multiple choice examination designed to allow the students to demonstrate knowledge of DP systems, operations and faults & failures. Online Assessment shall be conducted at end of the course and prior to the practical Simulator Assessment. Online assessment multiple choice Questions with 70% Pass Marks. 3 Attempts are permitted as follows:
    • 1st Attempt immediately on completion of the course.
    • 2nd Attempt – Within 96 hours of course completion.
    • 3rd Attempt – Within 6 months of course completion.

Students unable to pass in the 3rd attempt shall have to repeat the course

Admission Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is that participants should hold a deck Officer Certificate (Officer of the watch (OOW), Chief Mate, Master or Cadets) or DPO qualification.

Durations

3 days

Participants

Max 3

Language

The course will be conducted in English.

Course Booking

Click here to book this course.