6degrees Issue10 Spring 2012

8/2/2019 6degrees Issue10 Spring 2012

1/16

News, Views and Reviews from the Interna-tional Dynamic Positioning Operators Asso-

Issue5:

News, Views and Reviews from theernational Dynamic Positioning Operators Association

6degrees

Issue11: Spring2012

OSVs GrowSHIPS GET BIG

Need for SpeedSEATIME REDUCTION DP Training

THE DP PLACES

Farewell to a Friend Doyle Remembered

Have your Say

DP-TEG & THE REPCOMMEuropean DP

THE CONFERENCE

What Does it Mean?BIG CHANGES


2/16


3/16

Not many people have this skill, and I doubt very muchthat it can be taught. Doyle for that reason and many,many more was a very unique person. He could tell astory and transport you to another place and time. Histales of crossing the paci c while in the US Navy weremesmerising, the darkened vessel slowly steaming thoughthe black seas silhouetted by a billion stars will stick withme forever. So too will his musical exploits, his love ofmusic and performing were well known, but it was animpromptu performance which remains with me. We oncestayed in the Changi yacht club in Singapore, Doyles roomwas next to mine and the walls were rather thin. At 0340he picked up his guitar and began practising...anyoneelse might have been told to pluck off, but with Doyle I justsmiled and reached for the noise reduction headphones.

I was once on the Nautical Institute accreditation teamwhich was visiting the L3 centre in Houston to re-accreditthe course and facilities. This usually involved samplingsome student feedback, just to see that the trainees hadbeen happy with what had been taught, and the servicethey were provided with.

As soon as I started reading the feedback for Doyle itwas clear that something was very different. Usually, theworld over, the students dont have much to say theymay pipe up if the lunch is too greasy, but on the wholesilence prevails. Not with Doyle. I went through hundredsof feedback reports, and almost every single student wasso captivated by Doyle, his attitude and the things that theyhad learned from him.

The students recognised that Doyle knew so much, thatDoyle cared so much and that they had so much to learnfrom him. Amongst his many wonderful features was a veryself effacing sense of humour he often joked that he hadto get the special bus, in reference to his dif culties atschool. It seems that in getting to know Doyle over the pastfew years he was a very special person, one that is missedso much by his loving family, his former students and hisprofessional colleagues and friends all around the world.

Farewell to a FriendD o y l e Va n D e m a n R e m e m b e r e d

Steven Jones of IDPOA writes: In my years working in the DP industry, it has often struckme how close knit and family like the sector is. The arguments and tensions are all toofamilial, so too then is the sense of loss when someone from the DP family tragically passesaway.

It is to this backdrop that we were incredibly saddened to learn recently of the passing ofDoyle Van Deman, who was Training School Manager at the L3 Technical Training Center inHouston.

I was very lucky to have worked with Doyle over the past 6 years he was a great supporterof IDPOA and I was invlolved in accrediting a number of his global DP training centres for theNautical Institute, and also sat with him on DP-TEG. Finding out the news was hard for me,

just as I know it was for the many other people he has worked with over the years.

IMCAs Ian Giddings knew Doyle well and shared his thoughts on the sad news, Doyle wasone of kind. Over the years I would run into him at various conferences and meetings. Hisinfectious laughter and enthusiasm could cut through any barriers. He was always genuinelypleased to see you, and as a host he was second to none. His knowledge of his subject wasextensive and his loyalty was exemplary. When I go to those same events now, I will alwaysbe able to see him out the corner of my eye laughing away.

While Captain Mark Pointon, formally of the Nautical Institute and now of Farstad in Perthspent a lot of time with Doyle during accreditations all over the world, he had the pleasure ofknowing Doyle for a number of years. Mark said of Doyle, Our professional dealings led tous being friends. I had the greatestof respect for Doyle, his advice wasunerringly good and his technicalknowledge was second to none.

Mark added, Doyle worked tirelesslyto provide quality DP training atL3 training centres throughoutthe world. He was also one of a

elect few who engaged in the early development of the NIs RTP setup.oyles infectious character and zest for life was an inspiration to me. In honestly say that I never witnessed him feeling Low. When I think ofoyle, I remember many good times in so many places. He was alwaysppy, always positive and always laughing! Rest in peace Doyle

oyle came at DP not from the operational perspective, but from achnical one. For some this can be a barrier to engaging with the DPOsd trainees but not for Doyle. He had a unique, effervescent character,d a bright burning enthusiasm which could bring even the most complexobscure technological detail to light.

stening to Doyle break down the inner workings of the technical aspectsDP wasnt like learning from a dry text book it was just like talking tom about music, or his newly found interest in soccer (Brazil can do that toguy). It was unbounded enthusiasm, passion and a desire to help peoplederstand.


4/16

Offshore supply ships are getting bigger, more powerful andincreasingly complex as the search for oil and gas reaches

farther into the depths of the ocean.

As proof of this trend, Shell, which has received tentativeapproval to begin exploratory drilling in the Arctic Ocean thissummer, commissioned Edison Chouest Offshore to build a new$200 million 360-foot icebreaker.

Its the fourth icebreaker Chouest has built in the past twodecades, and the second major vessel it has constructed forShell. Shell plans to use the vessel to tow and position anchorsthat stabilize drilling rigs, said Pete Slaiby, Shells vice presidentin Alaska, and it will also be able to respond to oil spills.

This year, Shell plans to drill up to two wells in the Beaufort Seaand up to three wells in the Chukchi Sea, which will be used toassess potential oil and gas reserves.

Its pretty important to have vessels with this capacity in theArctic, and the need for an anchor handler to actually get ourvessels into place and to tow our vessels into place, and thenwe need to work in ice, Slaiby said.

Company president and CEO Mr Gary Chouest described theship, MV Aiviq, as the worlds largest and most powerful

anchor-handling icebreaker. Chouest spent more than $2million upgrading facilities for the project, which was built at hisNorth American Shipbuilding facility in Larose and at LaShip inHouma.

The ship, the largest so far by the shipbuilder, was designedto handle the conditions in the Arctic, but Chouest said hewas open to any further orders, and hopefully well have theopportunity to build more vessels like it.

Still, the booming ship falls in line with offshore supply vesselsthat have been growing in size and scale for years, observerssay. While that class remains its bread and butter, Choueststarted on the path toward larger vessels a decade ago, whenthe standard size of a supply vessel was about 180 feet. Andas ships started venturing farther into the ocean, requiring morepower for drilling deeper into the shelf, those dimensions havegrown to 200-, 240-, and 260-feet.

I think weve built about 50 280-foot-supply vessels overthe past ve or six years. Now, its 300 feet, said LonnieThibodeaux, a spokesman for Edison Chouest Offshore.

The deeper the water that youre operating in, its kind ofcommon sense, he said.

The company built its rst 280-foot supply vessel, the C-Leader,in 2003. Within the past two years, the shipbuilder has startedtransitioning to 300- to 310-foot supply vessels and has built oris building just under a dozen of those, he said.

Chouest designs, builds, owns and operates its own vessels,which it then leases out to companies like Shell. The Aiviq,

which means walrus in Inupiat, will have a Chouest-employedcrew of 32 people on board, in addition to Shell employees.

Jim Adams, president of the Offshore Marine ServicesAssociation in New Orleans, said that over time, offshoresupply vessels have grown in size and complexity, which hasbeen dictated by adapting to what the market requires andresponding to what the industry needs and what our customersneed.

The requirements for dynamic positioning have changed theindustry, and as weve gone into deeper water in the Gulf andthe special requirements in offshore Alaska, youre seeing thekind of innovation that the market requires, Adams said. Itsreally indicative really of the most innovative sector of the U.S.maritime industry so far.

From his perch as captain of the Aiviq, Joe Borkowski said thatbeyond the quality of his crew, the size of the vessel comparedwith his past assignments impressed him the most during arecent tour of the ship. Everything about this boat is just biggerand better than whatever Im used to before, Borkowski said.

OSVs Getting Bigg e r


5/16

the OSV sector evolves there are certain newd interesting challenges facing owners, theanagement and onboard personnel. As can been with the latest Chouest OSV developments,owth drives change.

ne of the most challenging developments todaythe demand and pressure to harness technologynot just for safety, but to compete in increasinglyht markets. When all around you are losing theirading, its the kit onboard which helps you stay ine game.

the sector develops, the use of dynamicsitioning (DP) systems is becoming ever moreevalent. The capital investment required to go toP is dropping all the time, as the technology getseaper and better, and the take up is rocketing. Having moressels with DP capability tells only one side of the story, ande are approaching a tipping point in the OSV sector in whichtion is needed to ensure vessels have both the quantity andality of people necessary to operate such highly technicaluipment into the future. In the past, DP equipment was rared extremely expensive, today things have progressed, ande hardware is not so much the issue, it is now operators thate the focus.

here are parts of the offshore industry which have long usedP, and to a point their growth has been fairly well matchedan expansion in the training and certi cation of quali edd skilled DP Operators (DPOs). As the OSV sector looks top these human resources though, things look to be gettingittle tight there is very little wriggle room when it comes tocruiting and retaining DPOs.day we see a different set of challenges, and we are atuncture in the supply, training and management of DPrsonnel. With so many new OSVs coming equipped with DP,d many older ones having systems retro tted, there is a highakes race developing to safeguard the supply and capabilitiesquali ed DP operators globally.

The rapid expansion of an already booming sector hasbrought with it a new focus, new problems and a new sense ofperspective. Employers are left struggling to nd the very bestnew people, while experienced Masters and senior personnelare left wrestling to ensure newcomers know the ropes. Thepotentially grave implications for failure mean we have littlewriggle room as we look to attract, retain and to develop thecurrent and future personnel at the DP desk.

When one thinks of the human element within the DP domain,the most familiar concepts surround the areas of training andsafety. These are pivotal in ensuring the basic fundamentals that of keeping people, the environment, and vessels safe, whilemaintaining operational capability and commercial viability.Perceived wisdom about the use of DP has it that it consists of95% boredom, punctuated by 5% panic. There is some truth inthis, but the very best DPOs simply dont allow either state todevelop. The concentration and skill in ensuring the equipmentis set up and monitored to best effect means that neitherboredom, nor panic rears their ugly head. This stresses theimportance of experience and of a full and proper learning path.

In recent years, and despite the doom and gloom of recession,it is getting ever harder to nd, and to then keep good qualityDPOs. The present and worsening shortage of not just

quali ed, but experienced operators, is reaching a criticalmass, and given the importance of change management andcontinual improvement, new ideas, innovation, and qualitypeople are urgently needed.

DP training requires specialist facilities ashore, which arecurrently provided through over 60 accredited centresworldwide, but it is the periods of supervised sea-time (i.e.shipboard learning) that are a cause for concern. For pre-certi ed DPOs, employment is necessary in a substantiveposition in which they are able to gain expe rience. Unfortunatelythis leads us to a rather disconcerting disconnect developing

the DP sector is managing to get enough people throughthe door, however many currently in the training scheme nd itdif cult to get a place onboard to complete their training, andto gain the requisite sea-time and experience to gain the DPOperators Certi cate.

As we have stated many times before, there is seemingly notenough room on the conveyor belt to ensure the supply ofpeople as requirements begin to peak. The lack of trainingpositions for those who have undertaken the initial part of theDP Operators training scheme is increasingly being identi ed asa constraint on the ability of even committed companies to trainand gain access to certi ed and experienced DPOs. Indeed the

lag between those completing their induction training, and thoseon the simulator course paints a vivid picture of the barrier wehave yet to conquer.

So what can we do about it? Well, the industry has yet to devisemechanisms for making places available on all suitable vesselsfor the use of DPOs undertaking training. Those companieswhich remain non-trainers should perhaps be encouragedto make space available as part of their contribution to therenewal of the general DP manning pool. Speci c proposals onhow suf cient training berths might best be secured will needto be developed and kept under review by industry. This is nota simple x, and some companies are yet to even reach therealisation phase of the problem, but they will.

Today we have experience and skill onboard, and this is beingcascaded downwards to new entrants. We have a system andnetwork of accredited training centres but we need to ensurethat we do not let our guard down, nor our standards drop. Asmore seafarers look to the DP sector, we need to manage theentry of new people we need to ensure that the cultural andtechnical skills are effectively passed on, and that this newgeneration of DP Operators are worthy of the past, present andfuture of this most demanding and skilful of professions.

Whatdoesit allmean?


6/16

DP JOBS BOARAt IDPOA we work hard to bring you the latest DP job opportunites from across the world. We actively engage directly withemployers and careers agencies to nd permanent vacancies and contract roles at all levels on the DP career ladder.

You can use your membership of IDPOA in order to access and apply for all the jobs we advertise, upload CVs and give recruitersdirect access to their careers information in the jobs section of the IDPOA website.

We are working hard to become the only industry jobs board worth visiting. So keep watching as the jobs grow and grow.

The Get a Job lisitng in our careers section brings you the latest vacancies we nd online and is open to all. Here we give you aavour of current vacancies, nd more DP jobs at www.dpoperators.org

If you have DP positions to ll... Email us to nd out more about promotional opportunities: [email protected]

PLEASE REMEMBER:

- If you want to apply for a role advertised on our website please followthe links to the relevant recruiter website on the advert

- Please do not send applications to IDPOA as unfortunately wecannot forward these on to employers or respond to individual applications.

STATE OF THE ART DP

Northern Marine Manning Services are lookingfor a Master Mariner with a DP Unlimited COCand DP Unlimited Certi cation to sail onboard aprestigious vessel. The vessel is state of the arttonnage equipped with DP II Systems.

This would be a permanent position with a Sixweek on/off rotation working internationally,with a highly attractive salary.

TO APPLY VISIT http://goo.gl/9Ce85

CABLE LAYI NG ROLE

Faststream require an experienced master totake command of their large multi role cable ship.Vessel equipped for heavy duty power cable lay,

bre optic lay and ROV support. The successfulcandidate will have previous command experienceon similar vessels.

There is scope for a temporary rate of 500 perday, with a view to signing a permanent contractafter successful rst trip

TO APPLY VISIT http://goo.gl/XKD9L

D R I L L SH I P P OSI T I O N

Spencer Ogden require Dynamic PositioningOf cers for temporary positions on offshoreDrilling Rigs worldwide. Candidates shouldhave worked in this role previously, and have acurrent BOSIET, Passport, UKOOA Medical, anda DPO certi cate.

Previous offshore experience on Drillships,Semi Submersibles, or Jackups is essential.

If you are immediately available and meet withthe above criteria go to goo.gl/w3J2U to apply


7/16

ow in its fourth year, the European Dynamic Positioningnference is being held in London on 24th and 25th May12. The event was established in response to demandr a dedicated international event focusing on DP in thefshore market and other sectors, and is held by Riviera insociation with the Dynamic Positioning Centre.

POA has been a proud supporter of the event since itsunch, and the excellent conference and ever growinghibition keeps on improving and evolving. Established asannual event not to be missed by anybody involved with

P, this time around the conference will provide update onvelopments in legislation, rules and guidance as well ashnological advances.

though still concentrating on the OSV market, the needspassenger ships, megayachts, shuttle tankers, jack-s and submersibles are also addressed. 35 shipownerpresentatives and a strong contingency of DPOs madean audience of 135 at the third European Dynamicsitioning Conference in 2011, an increase of one-third on10.

the number of vessels tted with dynamic positioningstems has seen a signi cant rise and it is set to increasean accelerated rate the challenges are growingo. The rst session will look at DP technologies: therrent position and future developments. All new OSVse now equipped with DP systems, and there will beexamination of the key issues regarding the manyuences over DP and its growth into the futu re.

uring the session the factors shaping future DPhnologies and use of DP will be assessed , andempts will be made to rub the collective conferenceystal balls as to predict what the industry look like in thext 3 5 years.

e session culminates in the DPO Forum with viewpointsthe issues that concern DPOs - those at the coalface

who have to deal with rapidly changing requirements anddemands. Capt Kuldip Singh Sandhu will be providing his ownexperiences, as well as those of IDPOA and this session willexplore.

What is the experience on the bridge? What kinds of functionality would DPOs advise vis--vissafety and ef ciency? Where do DPOs see the future for DP systems? Simulation of emergency situations for DPO training

The conference then continues with a range of very differentand challenging sessions, which include:

Session Two: The future of D P regulation, certi cation andinspection

As new DP regulations are on the horizon, this session coversthe future outlook for the regulatory environment and guidancefor maximum safety of DP operations globally. It includescerti cation of DP class and the importance of DP trials / how toget the most out of FMEAs.

Session three: New applications, sector diversity andfrontiers for DP

Learn from the cutting-edge how recent technologicaldevelopments in DP have impacted ship operations. Sometechnical papers examine exemplary vessel design andevaluate different DP applications including advances in ArcticDP operations.

Session four: DP operational Issues and threats(Roundtable session)

This session offers delegates the opportunity to get involvedin a variety of debates around the operational issues of DPtechnology. Experiences on the bridge will form the basis ofthe debate; and issues discussed will include, considerationof costs, safety, regulations, technology, and threats to DPoperation. Each session will be led by a facilitator, who will

share his own experiences and ideas. Delegates will be ableto join any of the roundtable discussions and the facilitators willfeed backto the conference at the end of the session.

Session ve: DPO competencies, training, assessment,selection, recruitment, & retention

With recent changes to the training framework, this paneldebate will cover the new requirements for training andassessment; the importance for the industry of creatingcompetent DPOs; how do operators address client concernsover competencies; issues surrounding global selection,recruitment and retention of DPOs; and the effectiveness ofsimulator training.

Session six: Incidents, failures and practical experiences

Safety of vessels, personnel and protection of assets are all ofparamount importance. This session looks at recent incidentswhere DP systems have not produced the desired outcomesand looks at contributing factors including human factors and some of the challenges facing DPOs, owners and operatorsin ensuring procedures and practices are as safe as they canbe.

Session seven: New DP technologies

This session will showcase some recent advances in DPtechnologies. It will also assess the wider implications forDP systems development in the future. Where are theopportunities? What kinds of developments are likely in nextgeneration DP systems?

To nd out more, please visit http://goo.gl/0wlUf Pleasenote that IDPOA members bene t from a 10% discount onattendance, so act quickly.

IDPOA will be represented by Capt Sandhu and also StevenJones. We look forward to meeting many m ore IDPOA fellowsand members in attendance.


8/16

There is likely to be some interesting debate at the upcoming Nautical Institute DP-Training ExecutiveGroup, with some areas for discussion, including: Examination system test results

OSV proposal Posmoor feedback Terms of Reference Business plan for revalidation of DP certi cates

The nal agenda for the May meeting in London is still being completed, as much will rest ondevelopments at the World DP Trainers Meet in Singapore, 23 - 27 April. Of which a number of IDPOAfellows will be attending.

It has been a tough time for DP-TEG of late, and a number of key industry organisations representingthe owners, operators and charterers of DP capable vessels have expressed concern about somerecent changes to the NI DP training and certi cation scheme.

It has long been recognised that the NI is the custodian of certi cation, but that the scheme actuallybelongs to the industry. However, there have been concerns that decisions have been made andchanges implemented without the support of industry.

As alternative organisations begin to produce standards for the training of DPOs, it seems that there isa real threat to the Status Quo and the scheme as it currently exists. To the extent that there are fearsof future fragmentation unless remedial action is taken.

The catalyst for these concerns was a decision taken by the NI with regards to cadet training. TheNI decided that cadets should not undertake DP training, and it was stated that any training shouldbe conducted after the OOW quali cation was obtained. Industry, however, believes that the practice

should remain whereby cadets can undertake training, but that their DP certi cate can only be issuedwhen they have 30days DP sea-time as a fully certi ed OOW.

The industry quorum which has made the representation to the NI has called for change, and indeedthey have clearly stated that the role and composition of DP-TEG be considered and possibly re ned -they have also urged the NI to remember that the scheme belongs to the industry and that they shouldbe listened to.

The NI has subsequently refuted the implication that decisions regarding the DP scheme have beenforced through without industry support. However, perhaps the biggest sticking point of the wholedebate is the NI assertion that DPTEG was set up under the authority of, and remains accountable to,the NI Council. While many of the organisations represented on DP-TEG appear equally adamant thatultimate power should reside with industry.

There seems to be an impasse, but fanswers could soonbe forthcoming, as the composition and Terms of Referenceof DP-TEG are already under review. This will give relevantinternational trade associations a full membership roleand accommodate ag State representatives from those

Administrations that recognise the Institutes DP Certi cate.The NI has restated its wish to work co-operatively withappropriate DP stakeholders while ensuring a proper debateof issues at DP-TEG. However, despite it all, the NI hasreportedly decided that there is no reason to change theirstance on the cadet training issue.

DPOA RepComm:

ianna Molica Franco actssecretary to the IDPOA

epresentation Committee,nd is pleased to announceat Capt Kuldip Singhandhu, Managing Director,ulsan DP Consultants wille attending the upcomingP Training Executive

roup (DP-TEG) meetingn behalf of IDPOA.

andhu is an extremelyxperienced DPOnd lecturer, and haseen involved in thetablishment of a numberaccredited DP centres

orldwide as such he wille well placed to providee necessary input from

e membership to theoup.

you have any issuesou would like to seeised with the Nauticalstitute or through the DP

raining Executive Group,ease email Gianna [email protected]

HAVE YOUR SAY


9/16

Dynamic Positioning

News To the shock of many Canadian DPOs, the governmenthas announced changes to the tax system which couldhit them hard.

The Overseas employment tax credit has unexpectedlybeen eliminated in federal budget No. 15, 2 April 2012.

To the surprise of many, the 2012 federal budgetproposes to phase out the overseas employment taxcredit (OETC) over four taxation years, beginning in2013.

The OETC is an important tax measure that increasesthe international competitiveness of Canadiancompanies, particularly in the oil and gas and mineralresource sectors, by enhancing their ability to recruitskilled workers.

The elimination of the OETC will likely drive up thecost of doing business as companies look for ways tocompensate through either increased salary or cash

allowances to aid in their workforce management andrecruitment efforts.

Petition Link: http://goo.gl/q76du

Kongsberg Maritimes China division, KongsbergMaritime China Ltd, has opened its new premises inShanghai.

The move to a much larger of ce re ects the continuinggrowth experienced by Kongsberg Maritime in Chinaand demonstrates the companys commitment toensuring local assets are available throughout the Asianshipbuilding industry.

Staff and equipment were moved to the impressive newsix-story, 5060m building during Q1 2012 while theof cial opening ceremony took place on March 15th.

The property provides ample opportunity for businessdevelopment and features a state-of-the-art newtraining centre, which incorporates a training room,simulator room and instructor room. This new facilityis accredited as a DP operator training centre inaccordance with Nautical Institute standards.


10/16

C-Nav Announces the Development of C-Mariner:An Integrated DGNSS / Inertial Positioning System

C-Mariner is a result of a long-termcollaborative effort between C-Nav andHoneywell to develop a navigation systemthat will improve position accuracy, integrity,continuity, and availability throughout themaritime industry.

This system leverages the two companiescomplementary strengths - Honeywell'sworld-class inertial sensing and navigationalcapabilities merged with CNav's advancedDGNSS positioning receiver technology andworldwide distribution and support network - todeliver exceptional performance and industry-leading reliability.

C-Mariner will be distributed exclusively throughC-Nav's Global Sales and Support Network.

Honeywell, with over 25-years of experience asa leading provider of inertial systems to spaceand aviation markets, understands safety of lifeissues and the need for accurate and robustsystems.

The Honeywell Laseref inertial sensor used inthe C-Mariner is the same hardware trusted byairlines worldwide on thousands of ights daily.

The Laseref is designed to meet the strictsafety requirement of the Federal AviationAdministration, so quality assurance and long-term support are given.C-Nav, a world leader in the delivery of DGNSScorrection services and the rst to broadcastworldwide orbit clock correctors, is proud to beworking with Honeywell as itspartner of choice.

The C-Nav3050 is a 60 channel state-of-the-art GNSS receiver with sub-decimeter real timeaccuracy. It is the perfect complement to theHoneywell Laseref inertial system resulting in arange of unique attributes including high-levelQC data and a fault-tolerant design.

Both companies have contributed expertise inthe system's integration, as well as theircombined well-established credibility forinnovation.

"The past couple of years have been veryinteresting, with a lot of hard work on both sidesto make this happen," said Russell MortonProduct Development Manager for C-Nav."Initial customer response has been excellent,"said Morton.

www.cnavgnss.com


11/16

www.cnavgnss.com

Maersk Training is to introduce the rst standard-making assessment programme for DP operators.Instructors at their Svendborg headquarters areputting together a programme which will enableclients to gauge the capabilities of dry hire crews.

The creation of the programme is based on a

customer request. There has been a history of hiredin crews having been on DP courses, other thanon those conducted by Maersk Training and havedisplayed greatly differing degrees of competence.

Maritime Instructor Karsten Haegg explained thatthe programme wont have a pass or fail mark,the participant will work towards a score which willshow their level of competence. It will then be up tothe hiring client to decide if this level is suf cient.

We will make up the course and give it to the clientfor them to say if this is the eld they want to cover,it is then up to the participant to cover it as bestthey can and then up to the client to decide if that isadequate for their needs and standards. We in fact are setting a standard. Where it getscomplicated is in perception we can give theparticipant a scenario and task. They can thenplace the vessel where they like. Now there mightbe no perfect or obvious position to place thevessel, there might be several options, each onehaving a different virtue over the others.

So we have to set a standard which says whatexactly did the participant take into consideration,did he for example consider subsea assets, did heconsider crane positions, calculate the weather?

To be able to mark this we need a very speci ctask, one where it is easy to gauge correctly

considered manoeuvres. We need to havesomething that is black and white, said Karsten.

It is a test for competence rather than learning. Itwill consist of two main parts, theoretical knowledgeand assessment in the simulator. The simulatorsection will also be in two parts, one in dynamicpositioning and one in ship-handling.

Our customer has for e.g. requested the simulatorhave a vessel model with ASD, Azimuth stern-drive.That is why ship-handling will form an importantpart of that particular assessment.

The assessment will be for four participants at atime. The rst of the one day assessments will beconducted at the facilities Maersk Training shareswith Elcome in Dubai, but will also be available atall Maersk Training DP training centres.

For more information visit:www.maersktraining.com

DP Assessment


12/16

World Class DP Training!

For more information visit www.maersktraining.com

Maersk Training ofers DP training in Denmark, Singapore and Dubai: DP Basic / Induction

DP Advanced / Simulation

DP Intro / Familiarisation

DP Seatime Reduction

DP Assessment

DP Technical


13/16

part of his thesis, Mikael Lundgren a Master Mariner Studentrainee DPO studying at Kalmar Maritime Academy, Swedennducted a global study with the aim to summarize the viewsDP seatime reduction courses within the DP industry.

nother question to be answered was if there is a need foreed to get certi ed DPOs on the market. Parties includedthe study were the Nautical Institute, IMCA, one major oilmpany, six offshore shipping companies, 17 DP-centres andDPOs across the world.

Awareness

e awareness of DP seatime reduction courses was very highmong all groups within the DP industry, however only half ofe DPOs knew that these courses exist. Among the shippingmpanies 2/3 had sent trainee DPOs on seatime reductionurses at least on one occasion. One company has usedurses regularly, however most shipping companies have noted this on a regularly basis which shows among the DPOshere only 8% had ever attended such a course.

Seatime

e dif culties faced by trainee DPOs looking to gain their portant seatime offshore has been an issue of big debate in

fferent forums. This is recognized in the study where 92% ofe trainee DPOs felt it is hard to obtain the required seatime.any claimed it to be impossible to acquire employment withoutunlimited DPO certi cate. This is probably why the majoritythe trainee DPOs would like to attend a course to reduceeir seatime. According to earlier articles in 6degrees, now is

the time when ship owners need to nd the way, means and willto let trainees gain seatime onboard and this was consentedto by several DPOs and DP centres. All shipping companiesin this study do employ trainee DPOs, however maybe alarger number of companies involved in the study would haveportrayed a different picture.

The views on Seatime Reduction

Courses

The DP centres accredited for seatime reduction were positiveto these courses and so were the shipping companies usingthem. They even felt their DPOs achieved a higher level ofcompetence after these courses since they had practiced moreincidents in the simulator. DPOs together with other shippingcompanies also felt optimistic about them as one thought theycan be useful depending on quality of the course and if crewis able to train on relevant set ups and scenarios. According tothe centres conducting these courses, the standard is set highand the elements included are different scenarios, assessment,errors and so on. As the high representative at the oil companysaid; Any seatime reduction that is being contemplated shouldbe adequately compensated for by alternate training that iscustomized to achieve the objectives. If the courses have ashigh standards as claimed, this might be achieved.

Needed or not

There were differences in opinions about the need of seatimereduction courses. The greater part of trainee DPOs obviouslyfelt a need for these courses since they nd it hard to gainseatime. The DP centres and shipping companies also felt the

courses are needed, however only 16% of the certi ed DPOs

felt a need, which was an expected response since they alreadyare certi ed. Those shipping companies with vessels thatregularly use DP felt less need than those where DP is not usedon an every day basis. One DPO mentioned that the shuttletanker industry might bene t from using seatime reductioncourses since as put; seatime is a long, cumbersome affair.

This was supported by one of the shuttle tanker companies inthis study that frequently use seatime reduction courses. Themain reason for these courses, as one DP centre said, shouldbe as an aid for those DP vessels that in their normal workschedule never can ful l the ve year limit requirement for DPseatime under todays de nition of a DP day.

A need for speed?

Is there a need for speed to get certi ed DPOs on the market?Many seem to have seen the question in relation to maybeshorten the required seatime to become a certi ed DPO. Asbefore, trainee and certi ed DPOs had opposite opinions. Themajority of the trainees thought there is a need for speed,which may have to do with their current situation discussedearlier. Most certi ed DPOs did not feel there is a need for

speed to get more certi ed DPOs on the market. This may beexplained by reluctance against more competition. 2/3 of DPcentres did not feel a need for speed. The centres accreditedfor seatime reduction felt both ways. One of them replied sincecompanies are expanding and have more ships they also needmore DPOs.

However, as Capt. Ian Giddings at IMCA pointed out, can DPseatime reduction courses assist with this objective? One of DPcentres accredited for seatime reduction said that the coursesare a good opportunity to have candidates through a fast trackfor the DPO certi cate. This may have something to do withthe fact that they sell these courses, but may also be sincethey receive very positive feedback from the companies usingthem. According to shipping companies and the oil company,the way to achieve this need for speed is not through seatime

reduction courses, but by focusing on the very best trainingashore and a oat that is availiable.

Quality

The majority of those who took part in the study expressedthoughts concerning quality and competence. Many felt thatsimulator courses can be a valuable tool but cannot replacehands-on experience. On the other hand, as one of the DPcentres said, seatime is a poor parameter measuring howa DPO gains experience. This was also pointed out by therepresentative at the oil company who emphasized that seatimealone is no guarantee of developing competence. Accordingto him, DPOs could spend years without experiencing anincident. This was supported by DP centres and DPOs who alsocommented on the issue. Furthermore, the representative at theoil company expressed concern about the DP training schemeof today, which is inadequate and needs to be revamped.

It was also suggested that more emphasis is laid on de ningthe objectives of the training for the DPO and development ofmore effective training techniques. This is interesting since NIsaim is to ensure that the training scheme always is technicallyup to date and is relevant to the industry. One suggestion for

future DPO training came from an accredited centre for seatimereduction who suggested that simulator courses should becompulsory within the training scheme, because of the differentscenarios experienced during these courses. Another thoughtthat Capt. Ian Giddings shared is that DP seatime reductioncourses could be carefully built into the individual's training planin order to enhance training. So, is there a need for speed toget certi ed DPOs on the market? Well, yes and no. There isa need of DPOs, however the emphasis should not lie only oncerti cation but on quality and competence as well. It is advisedthat future studies are made on DP training quality, given theimportance to maintain and even raise the level of competenceamong DPOs.

The full report is available for download on IDPOAs website(www.dpoperators.org).

ANeedfor

Speed?The global view on DP Seatime Reduction Courses


14/16

SHIP t o SURE HOME OR AWAY : THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY YOU JUST CANT SAIL WITHOUT

WHAT DO YOU DO?What kit do you use? What cant you live without andis the rst thing in your bag when you pack? Wed loveto hear from you - would you like to review the latestequipment, games or technology. Tell us what you think and share your experiences with your fellow DPOsaround the world.

Email [email protected] and tell us what oats onyour boat.

WHAT DO YOU DO?Nike has jumped into the tness tech fray with theFuelBand, which tracks your day-to-day activity andmeasures this through a new medium called NikeFuel.The more active you are, the more NikeFuel you will beewarded with per day.

Nike FuelBand users can decide at the beginning of theday what level of NikeFuel they want to reach that day.The Fuelband then displays how close you are to achievingyour goal via a series of 20 LEDs that gradually go fromed to green as you approach your target. Speci cally, the

Nike FuelBand uses accelerometry to record data aboutyour exercise, which it can then relay to you as time, steps,NikeFuel or calories.

RICHIE RICH and the GOLD IPAD Jessie J had obviously never met any DPOs when shesang that its not about the money, money, money.Anyway here is your chance to show you really areworth it....Gold & Co, a London/Dubai based company, hasproduced the worlds rst 24KT gold plated new iPad. Only 250 of these iPads will be made. While astandard 64gb 4G WIFI iPad will set you back 659.The 24KT version will cost a whopping $4,599(3453).


15/16

What's On Guide

To promote your events in 6degreesor on www.dpoperators.org

email us for more details- [email protected]

Issue 11 is distributedSpring 2012

What's On Guide

To promote your events in 6degrees

or on www.dpoperators.orgemail us for more details

- [email protected] 12 is distributed

Summer 2012

Deepwater Asia Congress14 - 16 May 2012 - Bali Island, Indonesia

Achieving Asia Paci c Deepwater Industry ProsperousDevelopment

www.deepwatercongress.com

Subsea Forum Rio22 - 25 May 2012 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Dawn of a New Era

http://www.ibp.org.br/main.asp?View=%7B4D8DDFA4-E9FE-4DA4-ACF6-ED4E0F0950F8%7D&LangID=en

OTE - Offshore Technology, Equipment Exhibition and Conference23 - 25 May 2012 - Nanjing, China

http://www.ote-china.com

All-Energy

23 - 24 May 2012 - Aberdeen, UK

http://www.all-energy.co.uk/Offshore_Maintenance.html

DP Conference Asia

27-28 June 2012 - Singapore

http://www.safan.com/conferences/dpac12/dpacindex.htm


16/16

Will you join the debateor read about it later?

www.rivieramm.com/events

The frst European Dynamic Positioning Con erence was held in Londonin 2009. Building on its success, the second was expanded to a two-day

event. At the third, 35 shipowner representatives and a strong contingency oDPOs made up an audience o 135. Come to the ourth, in 2012, and see or

yoursel how this event just keeps getting better as it grows.

IDPOA members quote IDPOA-003 to quali yor a 10% discount on the delegate ee

24-25 May 2012, London

DYNAMIC POSITIONINGCONFERENCE

EUROPEAN in association with

organised by

a t i o n c o r r e c t

f 0 5

. 0 4

. 1 2

platinum sponsor gold sponsor supporting publicationsilver sponsors

Date post:	05-Apr-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	amr-kamel
View:	221 times
Download:	0 times

6degrees Issue10 Spring 2012

Documents