Computer error caused a DP incident
- DP Event
- Published on 18 June 2021
- Generated on 22 February 2025
- DPE 02/21
- 2 minute read
Incident
The vessel engaged the support of the DP system manufacturer for investigation on completion of the operation.
Comments
The vessel engaged the support of the DP system manufacturer for investigation on completion of the operation. The OEM detailed that the DP controller had been corrupted by “non-valid” data received from the Position/Heading change menu on operator station No.1. Attempts to replicate the failure within the OEMs facilities were unsuccessful.
The software was therefore modified in a way such that data packets received from position / heading move dialogue function would go through an additional check to avoid the scenario.
Considerations
- It would be expected that the DP control system manufacturer should issue a service bulletin for all systems and software versions that could be vulnerable to the same single fault. It is also noted that a very similar fault has been experienced by a member company involving the same DP system manufacturer.
- The event report did not highlight the use of activity specific operating guidelines nor any change to DP status during the incident. Although not detailed in the report, the DP committee questioned the use of manual thruster control instead of Independent Joystick mode which may have aided station keeping during investigation works.
Latest DP incidents
-
Thorough preparation is key
With 4 of 8 diesel generators running and connected to a closed ring bus, and 7 of the 8 thrusters selected to DP, a DP equipment class 3 MODU was set up in Green mode whilst on standby.
DPE 03/24
5 November 2024
Incident
-
There – but not really there
This DP event occurred on a DP equipment class two supply vessel whilst carrying out cargo operations on the starboard side alongside the asset and working at the lee side in the drift-off position.
DPE 03/24
5 November 2024
Incident
-
Equipment Class 3, even if you operate as 'Class 2'
This case study examines a DP incident on an equipment class 3 multi-purpose vessel while operating in good conditions.
DPE 03/24
5 November 2024
Incident
-
Line of sight
This case study covers events onboard a DP equipment class 2 vessel whilst holding position in a turbine field, with three position reference systems selected into DP – DGPS, HPR and Fanbeam.
DPE 03/24
5 November 2024
Incident
-
DP Drill Scenario
DP emergency drill scenarios are included to assist DP vessel management, DPOs / Engineers, and ETOs in conducting DP drills onboard.
DPE 03/24
5 November 2024
Incident
The case studies and observations above have been compiled from information received by IMCA. All vessel, client, and operational data has been removed from the narrative to ensure anonymity. Case studies are not intended as guidance on the safe conduct of operations, but rather to assist vessel managers, DP operators, and technical crew.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information, but it is not liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
Any queries should be directed to DP team at IMCA. Share your DP incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive DP event bulletins straight to your email.