DP Operator Manual: Section 14 Checklists, Standing Orders, and Procedures. DP Operational Procedures
DP Operator Manual: Section 14 Checklists, Standing Orders, and Procedures. DP Operational Procedures
DP Operator Manual: Section 14 Checklists, Standing Orders, and Procedures. DP Operational Procedures
DP OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
Introduction
These DP procedures serve as guidance for the operation of the vessel when operating on
DP. The procedures are based on the guidelines given in the "Guidelines for the Design and
Operation of Dynamically Positioned Vessels" 1991 issued by the DP Vessel Owners
Association (DPVOA). In addition to the DPVOA guidelines, the procedures also give
reference to the manufacturers operation manuals.
DP Operational Briefing
Prior to any DP operation it is essential that all key personnel have been briefed in all aspects
relevant to the project, including hazards to the vessel, personnel, equipment and the
interaction of other operations in the immediate vicinity.
Prior to arrival on location a project meeting should be held to review the project procedures.
DP operators should be fully conversant with methods and lines of communication prior to the
commencement of DP operations.
DP Record Sheet
DP record sheets are designed to provide a record of the systems which have been selected
to DP control. These include thrusters, references and also include information on
environmental conditions.
The DP record sheets are completed by the DP operators on watch and as a guideline are
generally completed every four to six hours.
The DP record sheets should be retained onboard for two years before being archived for a
further four years.
DP Log Book
An essential part of the DP documentation is the DP Log Book which is designed to provide a
continuous record of all activities which are of importance to and associated with the DP
operation of the vessel. As well as providing evidence of the systematic and structured
manner in which DP operations are being carried out, the DP log book can prove to be of vital
importance in the event of a DP incident or accident. In this respect the importance of the DP
Log book is that the events are recorded as they happen, without reflection or modification
and that they are accurately timed.
The DP Log Book should be completed by the DP operator on watch. Entries in the log book
should include but not limited to the following:
The DP Log Book is used for continuous recording of events and occurrences; therefore it
should be constantly available to the DP operators. The DP Log Books should be retained
onboard the vessel and any copies retained by the operator or owner ashore.
Initially, the vessel is set up on DP with all systems functioning and operational. Note is taken
of the environmental conditions, i.e. wind and wave height, surface current and water depth.
The vessel is positioned head into the predominant environment and then rotated slowly
through 360 in steps of 30. The movement of the vessel is recorded on prepared blank
plotting sheets from information obtained from a pen recorder.
Secondly, the same 360 rotation is carried out with the loss of the hardest working propulsion
unit. Similar records are made up on a separate sheet.
The worst case failure as identified in the DP FMEA is simulated
Additionally whilst working foot print plots can be recorded on the working heading to show
expected movement on a particular heading, for the prevailing conditions, and with the
thrusters and reference systems in use.
Another method is whilst in DP note the vessels offset from the set position every minute for
about 30 minutes, and the plot these on paper, noting which PRS, thrusters, etc were in use,
and also note the environmental conditions. This operation is repeated for different conditions
so as to build up a library of footprints.
In modern DP systems capability plots can be done online and indicate working limits
for the vessel.
At the same time failures can be simulated to see if the vessel would be able to
maintain control after certain failures.
The older paper capability plots show fully operational limits and a set of limits in
certain failure conditions. Note that current is assumed from same direction as wind. If
this is not so capability is extrapolated, or interpolated.
Documented Records
Status Reports
Status reports should be made available to verify and supply the auditor with the latest test
results for generator lubricating oil samples, thruster hydraulic oil tests, generator and thruster
running hours and switchboard tests.
The status report should also include information on the latest computer software revisions
and when the last maintenance check was made of the computer system and the UPS
system. The maintenance records of the DP sensors should also be included in the status
report.
At a safe distance from the installation or nearest obstruction the vessel will set up in DP
"Auto" control.
The DP system should be allowed to stabilise for approximately 30 minutes. During this
period the DP Operators will constantly monitor all available information from the computers.
Only after this 30-minute period and when the DP Operators are satisfied that the DP System
has adequately settled down will final steps be taken to make a close approach to the
installation.
At all times during the vessel's DP operations, the vessel will be required to operate within the
limits of her capabilities. This effectively means that the calculated capability plots of the
vessel's performance provide the basis for the operating parameters. The results from the
capability plots are theoretical.
The following are standing orders and checklists from vessels operating world wide.
MARINE
Chief Officer
List of Duties:
The Senior Chief Officer shall act as the Departmental Head of the ABs and Crane Drivers. In
conjunction with the Chief Engineer, he shall be responsible for the maintenance of all deck
machinery and equipment including the supervision of the deck planned maintenance
program.
The other Chief Officer shall act as the Safety Officer onboard ensuring that the provisions of
the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen, Statutory Requirements and
Company Safety Policy are complied with.
Chief Officers duties-Senior DP Operator, watchkeeper, when on shift and normal
watchkeeper when on conventional watches either in port, on passage or at anchor. Assists
Master in fire fighting and emergency procedures controls on Bridge / Control room in the
event of fire or other emergency situation or act as Officer in Charge of main fire party.
1 Liaisons with all other Deck officers on general ship running and routines.
2 Ensures that all cargo is secured at all times and organizes cargo transfers
after liaison with Storekeeper.
3 Ensuring all navigational equipment is functioning correctly. Preparation of
the Bridge for sea as required by statute and reporting equipment defects.
4 Maintenance of adequate fresh water supplies whilst in port and ensuring
sufficient amount for vessel departure. Whilst at sea he will liaison closely
with the engine room regarding fresh water generation into domestic fresh
water tanks.
7. Ensuring domestic tanks are kept in good condition by regular inspections,
super
chlorination, water test samples and dosage treatment of water.
8. Nominated deputy for signing PTWs.
1. Supervise the maintenance required for the safe and efficient operation of the
lifesaving appliances, fire appliances and watertight integrity as required by
SOLAS.
2. Keep records of all accidents, Safety meetings and Safety inspections.
DPO
Reports to: The DPOs are responsible to the Master and report directly to the Senior DP
watch keeper and to the Master.
Responsibilities: The DPO is a DP watch keeper while the vessel is in the DP mode and a
bridge watch keeper in the conventional mode when on passage, in port and at anchor.
When the vessel is in the DP mode there are two DPOs onboard working 12 hour shifts. The
relieving of the DPOs should be staggered to avoid simultaneously changing both the
operators on shift.
The duties of the DPOs are evenly distributed by the Master and they will work closely with
each other to allow for general ship running and routines. Duties should be exchanged at
regular intervals during the year.
List of Duties
1 DP watch keeper.
2 Watch keeper when vessel is in conventional mode.
3 The maintenance of all lifesaving and fire fighting appliances / apparatus
under direction of the Chief Officer (Safety).
4 Ensuring all navigational equipment is functioning correctly. Preparation of
the Bridges for sea as required by statute and reporting equipment defects.
5 Navigation Officer for chartwork, passage planning etc. Ensuring all
navigational warnings displayed.
6 To ensure that all nautical publications are up to date.
7 To place orders for nautical charts and publications and charts as required.
8 To place orders for stationary as required by navigational equipment.
9 Assist in paperwork if required which may be incurred by Clients / Charterers
information / data requirements.
10 To operate ships survey equipment where required and to provide fixes to
clients if where necessary.
List of Duties
1 Meet daily with the Chief Officer to plan future deck work program.
2 Taking care of deck cargo operations and responsible for ensuring that the weather
decks, cargo spaces and storerooms under his control are secure at
all times.
3 Fulfil the maintenance requirements for deck machinery as directed by the Chief
Officer and carry out planned maintenance producers when required.
4 He shall keep the Chief Officer informed of the progress of any job he has
undertaken, and any defects or problems encountered in his area of responsibility.
5 Attend the heli-deck as member of fire party during helicopter operations.
6 Attend forward or aft during berthing and un-berthing operations and secure anchors
when clear of port.
7 He shall maintain an inventory of stores under his control and inform Chief Officer of
any spare gear or consumables that are required.
8 Assist the Project Crew as necessary, and liaise with the Chief Officer.
9 Maintain safety standards for the crew and deck areas.
10 Assist in the general up keep of accommodation areas by conducting general running
repairs in wood work, plumping and paint work etc.
11 He shall be familiar with his duties in an emergency situation and he must be aware
of, and abide by Company procedures, policies and instructions and ensure that
those under his control also comply.
12 He acts as HLO (on Uncle John and CSO Orelia only).
13 Act as Crane Operator and performs, when appropriate, at the start of each shift a
visual examination of cranes as prescribed in company lifting policy.
14 Assist Chief Engineer monitoring lifting appliances, running gear, slings, shackles etc.
including quarantine locker.
AB / Crane Operator
Reports to the AB/ Crane Operator is responsible to the Chief Officer (the Master on Uncle
John) and reports to him through the Bosun or through the Bridge DPO when the Chief
Officer is a watch keeper.
Responsibilities: Responsible for carrying out, in a safe and diligent manner, any task or
routine which he is directed to do by the Bosun or Chief Officer.
As Crane Operator he shall be responsible for ensuring that the crane is operated within its
safe working limits.
List of Duties
UNCLE JOHN
DP STANDING ORDERS
The master is to be called at any time if you are in any doubt, in all cases when
status is degraded, if there is any contact however small with any other vessel or installation,
or if there are any emergencies in the vicinity.
Irrespective of the fact that the master has been called the DP operators are expected to be
prudent and if necessary, take the initiative to abort the operation and move clear of a
structure, or take any action which best aids the safety of the vessel and personnel.
Guidelines
The IMCA guidelines for the design and operation of dynamically positioned vessels 1995
shall be followed.
The ADC and NMD guidelines should be taken into consideration at all times.
The DP personnel are to be aware of the requirement to Keep a Safe Navigational Watch
and the difficulties presented by the location of the DP room and the importance of the radar.
A proper lookout must be kept, both visually, which in part will be through the use of cameras
and by radar (use the radar guard rings if needed) at all times and instigate navigation
warnings, notify dive control or sound alarms as required. When transiting from one location
to another in DP control, or at any other time if it is deemed necessary by the Officer of the
watch/DPO, ensure that a lookout is posted to cover areas that are blind to the DP room and
be aware that the deck crew are available for use to cover this priority task.
Maintenance
No maintenance whatsoever is to be carried out that effects the vessels DP capability without
permission of the Master / Chief Engineer.
Ensure all DP faults are reported to the Master and Instrument Tech and are fully investigated
and logged in fault sheets.
Bilges are only to be pumped to the engine room bilge tank. Any bilge alarms that do not
clear immediately are to be visually checked and the outcome positively reported back.
Permission to Dive.
To be completed before a dive commences and the green light is given.
Periodical DP watch-keeping
Checklist is to be completed by each DP operator when coming on duty.
All DP status checklists are to be completed with the vessel in a safe location after the vessel
has been out of computer control for any reason.
No fixed part of the vessel is to come any closer to an installation than twice the maximum
excursion. A minimum distance of 10m is to be maintained unless directed by the Master.
When this 10 meter limit is reduced an observer with radio contact to the DP room must be
placed to advise the DPO of distances to the nearest point of contact with the structure.
Unless specifically placed on one of its parts, every effort should be made to keep all subsea
devices at least 10m clear of a subsea structure.
The DP personnel should keep in mind the principal of establishing escape routes and
revising them as circumstances change. It is important to check footprints and note any
variances from expected position keeping performance.
When X-raying is being conducted such that the DP room has to be vacated, the vessel shall
be moved to a safe location where the structure is visible from the bridge. The vessel when in
a safe location will be controlled by Joystick from the Bridge. The engineer shall remain as
close as is safe to the control room and be in contact with the welding people so that should
any ER or DP alarm sound in the control room the X-ray can be stopped while the situation is
investigated. Transfer back to DP will be done at a safe location and a periodical checklist
completed.
Diving
The vessel is to have a 30-minute settling down period before diving can take place if she
has been off DP. In cases where large changes of position, heading or thruster configuration
have been made suitable settling time should be allowed prior to commencement of the dive.
When operating within anchor patterns all procedures as laid down in the Guidelines must be
followed.
Updating of taut-wires and beacons will only take place after informing dive control. If in the
vicinity of pipelines etc and where possible their initial deployment will be monitored by the
ROV.
Taut-wires and beacon wires are to be kept clear of the divers and bell.
Movements should:-
1. Not exceed the limitations of the position reference systems.
2. Heading changes should not exceed 15 degrees at a time.
3. Combined heading and position changes are not to be made.
4. Limited movements of the vessel greater than the above should only be made
with the divers in a safe location.
The following have read and understood the Crane standing orders: -
Signed
Etc.
The Cal Dive Uncle John is to be navigated in accordance with all Statutory Regulations and
Guidelines. All Officers shall acquaint themselves with all recent issues of M. Notices and
navigational publications. Particular attention is to be paid to the Merchant Shipping (Distress
Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations SI 1989 No. 1798 and the ICS Bridge
Procedures Guide, these are to be strictly complied with at all times, except when these
regulations are superseded by any local rules.
All Deck Officers must be aware that the safety of the vessel, all persons onboard, its cargo,
and Offshore Installations that they are navigating to, is their prime consideration when
conducting their navigational duties.
All navigational equipment shall be operated in accordance with the manufactures
instructions.
NAVIGATIONAL WATCH
Navigational watches shall be carried out in accordance with the IMO Recommendations on
Basic Principles and Operational Guidance relating to Navigational watch keeping
supplemented by the ICS. Bridge Procedures Guide.
The Cal Dive Uncle John Standing Orders should be signed by all Deck Officers to indicate
that they have read and understood the orders.
VOYAGE PLANNING
The intended voyage must be planned and courses laid off taking into consideration all
pertinent information, this shall be checked prior to the commencement of the voyage.
In planning the voyage the navigation officer shall initially discuss an outline route with the
master to enable a more detailed plan to be formulated. During this process relevant
information will be collected from the vessel publications.
The voyage plan shall include contingency for possible deviation from the route, which should
include ensuring that sufficient large-scale charts are available for such deviations including
entry to ports of refuge.
In preparing the plan full account shall be taken of maintaining adequate underkeel clearance
including allowances for trim, heel, squat, tidal conditions and adverse weather, Safe
distances shall be maintained from danger making allowances for weather tidal streams,
anticipated traffic, chart reliability and navigational systems in use. The vessel is to use all
U.S. publications.
At Sea
When at sea the following Masters Standing Orders shall apply: -
On Arrival at Port.
Steering gear to be tested prior to arrival in port and an annotation to be made in the log book
to this effect. Thrusters to be run up and tested in advance of being required.
DATE:
NAME:
SIGNATURE:
DATE:
NAME: