91天堂原創

Reliable and robust methods of positioning are required for safe vessel operations in close proximity to offshore installations.

Dynamic positioning (DP) is well-established as a primary method of vessel positioning in the diving, drilling, construction, accommodation and shuttle tanker sectors, and is especially suited to deep-water developments. As development and management of DP becomes more refined, increasingly logistics support vessels are becoming equipped with DP systems with increasing reliance being given to such systems.

With this increased use in mind, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) [Booth S16 at OTC 2015) has published an updated edition of 鈥業nternational Guidelines for the Safe Operation of DP Offshore Supply Vessels鈥�.

鈥淭he guidelines were originally drawn up by an international cross-industry workgroup, and have recently been updated by the Marine Safety Forum in conjunction with IMCA and the Guidelines for Offshore Marine Operations (GOMO) Group,鈥� explains IMCA鈥檚 Technical Director, Jane Bugler. 鈥淭herefore this document is published by IMCA but with an MSF reference (182 MSF). It is freely available for downloading from the IMCA website by members and non-members alike.

鈥淭he purpose of these guidelines is to make risk management tools available to vessel operators, charters, masters and officers that will help ensure safe operation of DP offshore supply vessels in automatic DP mode.鈥�

The 48 page guidelines fit into an existing framework of rules and guidance issued by various authorities and organisations. Efforts have been made to ensure compatibility with the existing documents wherever possible.

Jane Bugler adds: 鈥淚t is recognised that both the DP and offshore supply vessel sectors are constantly evolving. Consequently, these guidelines are only fully relevant to the circumstances in which they were prepared and will have to be updated at least within a three-year cycle to incorporate such changes. We would like to thank all who have contributed to this important document.鈥�

What鈥檚 contained in the guidance?

The introduction section of the Guidelines looks at the basis for their production; their application; purpose and scope; and contains useful abbreviations and terms and definitions.

Four other sections follow devoted to 鈥楨xisting Rules and Guidance鈥�; 鈥楳anaging Risk in DP Operations 鈥� Competence鈥�; 鈥楳anaging Risk in DP Operations 鈥� Operations鈥�; and 鈥楳anaging Risk in DP Operations 鈥� Practical Applications鈥�. The appendix contains a wealth of information on relevant publications; DP FMEA and annual trials; annual DP trials; DP capability plot; DP footprint plot; DP vessel specific location checks document; sample DP watchkeeping handover checklist; DP incident reporting; and examples of both critical activity mode of operation (CAMO) and activity specific operating guideline (ASOG).

As well as being available for free download from the IMCA website, copies of the printed Guidelines are available for £10.00 from IMCA directly.

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Read the article online at: /equipment-and-safety/05052015/imca-publishes-guidelines-for-dynamic-positioning/