Procedures for ploughing using DP discussed
- DP Event
- Published on 29 November 2016
- Generated on 22 February 2025
- DPE 04/16
- 2 minute read
Observation
The DPO was conducting too many concurrent tasks and they did not sufficiently monitor the vessel's speed.
Comments
The report concluded that the DPO was conducting too many concurrent tasks so that he did not sufficiently monitor the vessel speed during the time the vessel was being controlled with JSAH.
Further to this, company procedure/standing instruction have been changed so that changing the position of the targeted waypoint can be avoided except in the most necessary of cases.
If it is found necessary to change the waypoint position, then the ploughing operation should be temporarily suspended by stopping the vessel and selecting automatic DP.
Considerations
- It would be of considerable benefit if plough pulling forces, which can vary greatly, were fully integrated to the DP. It is not clear if this was the case and whether the direction of forces was interfaced.
- It appears that a proper evaluation of the operation was not made: familiarity of the system is required together with adhering to company procedures.
- A proper understanding of the relationship between position reference systems and forces is required.
- Consideration should have been given to reduce speed to the operational minimum, the slower the progress of the plough the less effect it will have on the vessel’s positioning capability, as inertia becomes less effective.
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.