Modules released twice per year include related DP and other marine guidance. With content that can be viewed online at any time, or downloaded to be completed offshore, it offers DP operators an easy-to-use tool to meet new CPD requirements and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Join more than 5,000 DP operators and other key personnel on the programme, by registering via the Nautical Institute’s Alexis platform.

Hear from some of our users

User
I like how the sections are broken up. Shorter lessons make it easier to digest the information and complete on my own timeline.

User, IMCA Key DP Personnel CPD

User
I thought all content was relevant to furthering my understanding of DP and [Nautical Institute] requirements.

User, IMCA Key DP Personnel CPD

User
Good alternative instead of taking a refresher course during leave period to maintain the certificate. Well explained and made to be taken at your own convenient time. Appreciated!

User, IMCA Key DP Personnel CPD

User
The course is interactive, it makes you more interested in the information shared.

User, IMCA Key DP Personnel CPD

User
After a long time doing this job, we get so caught up in the small details of everyday operations that it is good to force ourselves to look back on some of the governing procedures and IMCA best-practices.

User, IMCA Key DP Personnel CPD

Join more than 5,000 CPD users today.

Meet your Nautical Institute DP Personnel CPD requirements with our easy-to-use app-based scheme.

Continuous development

Four units of learning material and assessments are available at any one time, with the oldest unit removed as a new one is added. Two new modules are added each year.

Users can purchase each new module once the previous module has been completed.

  • MTS DP Committee.
  • DP network storms (part two).
  • Cross connections.
  • DP operations manual.
  • Taut wire.
  • Inertial navigation systems.
  • Gangway sensors.
  • Thruster types, allocation, emergency stops, control.
  • Mission types and effects – heavy lift and float over.
  • Drill scenario.

  • Role of Flag States.
  • DP network storms (part one).
  • Configuration.
  • Hydroacoustic positioning.
  • Sensors - introduction, wind.
  • Independent joysticks.
  • Power Management Systems (PMS).
  • Logs and checklists.
  • Mission types – accommodation and drilling.

  • Field arrival trials.
  • Open-Closed bus operations.
  • Laser Position Reference Systems (PRS).
  • Case studies.
  • DP Controllers and operator stations.
  • Simultaneous operations.
  • Mission types and effects ROV support.

  • Satellite knowledge assurance.
  • DP Event: Unreliable Position Reference Systems (PRS).
  • DP Event: Vessel rotation.
  • Mission types.
  • Effects of mission equipment.

  • DP Event: Instability of Position Reference System (PRS).
  • DP Event: Mix of absolute and relative.
  • DP Event: Loss of thrusters.
  • The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA).
  • Microwave Position Reference Systems (PRS).
  • Learning from DP Events.
  • DP operations manual.
  • Capability plots.
  • FMEA and FMEA Proving Trials.

  • Responsibilities.
  • Operational planning and decision support.
  • DP Testing and Trials.
  • Introduction to Position Reference Systems (PRS)
  • Redundancy Concepts – worst case failure.
  • The role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Key DP Personnel CPD FAQs

To ensure that DP Operators are keeping pace with developing standards in a fast-changing industry, they will be required to demonstrate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) alongside experience of at least 150 days of sea time.

Now. If you are revalidating after January 2024, you will be required to have undertaken one year of CPD (two modules). This is why it is vital that you consider your CPD requirements as soon as possible.

If you are revalidating in subsequent years, you will still need to demonstrate CPD, but over a longer timeframe.

All DP Operators whose certificates are due to expire between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2028, and
have been unable to complete the new requirements for revalidating their certificate, will be issued with a 12-month indemnity letter once their online application has been submitted and paid.

The applicant must complete the new requirements of the CPD and/or courses and resubmit their application within a year of the issue date of the letter to be eligible to apply.

The indemnity letter is not to be used by the applicant to complete any of the sea time requirements for their application.

Yes, CPD is now compulsory and is no longer voluntary if you wish to revalidate your DP certificate as an alternative to the five day DP refresher course.

Self-certified CPD records will not be accepted.

The onshore five-day revalidation course takes place once every five years. It will incur travel and accommodation costs, time off for attendance, as well as one-off course fees.

The IMCA Key DP Personnel CPD scheme is continuous over a five-year period and can be carried out in a DP Operators’ spare time with no additional costs for travel, accommodation, or time off incurred.

Yes, the rule changes also apply to Vessel Maintainer personnel which will also require proof of CPD. As this is a relatively new scheme, it will not be required until 2026.

However, as DP Operators are, you should start thinking about how you will demonstrate the new CPD requirements.