Worlds First DP Class 3 Crew Boats

DP is 99% boredom, 1% excitement.  As DPO’s we train for that 1%.

Much of the time spent on DP consists of simply monitoring the system.  There are many times when work is being performed by the vessel that doesn’t require actual vessel movements.  In some cases this may go on for weeks, where the highlight of your entire 12 hour shift is a 5m move to port!  The danger here is that complacency slips in.

DP is a very calculated task, with moves being planned out carefully to ensure full situational awareness is maintained.  When all systems are functioning properly this task has the potential to become boring.  This should be embraced, as the alternative is much less desirable.

Operators should cultivate an attitude of quiet intensity.  Once you are in synch with the vessel & all of its systems, a small change will be noticed immediately & responded to quickly.  How fast will your response be if you are nose deep in a magazine?

While much of the time on the desk consists of simply watching, it is the operators duty to observe & assess many factors, such as:

• Weather
• Proximity of other vessels &/or structures
• Power available
• Work permits in effect

Watching the weather, noting any status changes & ensuring that redundancy is maintained is of prime importance.    This allows you to make proper decisions regarding operations.

Question Everything

When performing tasks where the DP operator is heavily involved, such as cable or pipe lay, a good operator will quickly get into the groove &  in synch with the system.  When tuned in to all components of the system, a minor change will be noticed immediately.  Why did the trim just change?

• Did they move weights on deck?
• Engineers starting a fuel transfer?
• Faulty Ballast valve?

Everything must be questioned until the cause is discovered, no matter how minor the effect.

As the shipboard technology continues to improve, break downs occur with less frequency.  This has the effect of potentially lulling the operator into a sense of security, and they need to be mindful of this.

The 1%

When things go bad onboard they tend to go real bad, real fast.  A minor fault leads to a generator tripping out, which leads to another, and finally within seconds you are DP’ing on one generator powering only half of your thrusters, with divers in the water.

A quick head & calm reaction is needed in these situations.  And the only way to achieve this as an Operator is through:

• Experience
• Pre-Planning
• Constant monitoring of the system.
• Running scenarios in your head, & discussing them with the Senior DPO on duty

The 99% of the time you spend on DP where everything is going according to plan should be spent with your mind on the job, and in the back of your head keep that 1% in mind & always be asking yourself:

What will I do if something goes wrong?