NATIONAL OFFSHORE SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (NOSAC)

TASK STATEMENT

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF DYNAMICALLY

POSITIONED VESSELS IN THE OCS

FINAL REPORT
Approved by the Committee November 8, 2012

Co Chairs: Nicki Candies / Warren Weaver

I. Based on each of the sector reports from the Offshore Supply Vessels and Small Vessels,
the Mobile Offshore Drilling Units and the Barges – Manned and Unmanned, also in
consideration of the combined work of the NOSAC Subcommittee co-chairs and
MERPAC DP Operator Subcommittee (Task Statement 79) recommendations and
discussion within the workgroups, the following was decided:

1) The Sub-committee referred to the Sector reports (OSV and Small Vessels; MODUs;
Barges – Manned and Unmanned) for recommended practices for DP vessels on the
OCS as best representing NOSAC stakeholders. Each of the sector reports are
attached in appendix 1 – 3 of this report. Refer to section IV of this report for
definitions.

2) The three most important elements of safe DP operations are:

a) Engineering and technology of systems (already addressed)
b) Manning, training and competency
c) Activity risk assessments.

II. The following proposed recommendation is forwarded to the Committee.

1) DPO’s should hold a merchant mariner credential but not necessarily endorsed as an
OICW. If the DPO is not an OICNW, an OICNW shall be provided, if required.

2) Minimum training should be recognized as meeting:

a) IMCA M117 or equivalent (attached as appendix 4 of this report); and
b) MSC.1/Circ.738/Rev.1 standards (attached as appendix 5 of this report).

3) In addition to II. (2), further training / competency assessments may be required to

ensure the proper performance of duties should be the responsibility of companies
based on the DP system, vessel type, and service/activities.

4) Operational practices (including manning, watch protocols, etc.) will be based on risk
assessments also taking into consideration any applicable flag/coastal state
requirements, safety management system requirements, corporate policies, etc.

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 NATIONAL OFFSHORE SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (NOSAC)

TASK STATEMENT

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF DYNAMICALLY

POSITIONED VESSELS IN THE OCS

FINAL REPORT
Approved by the Committee November 8, 2012

Co Chairs: Nicki Candies / Warren Weaver

5) These recommendations could be applied to operations outside of the OCS.

III. Additional items

1) The SC was requested to take OOC Response to OMSA and NOSAC DPO Aug 2012
document into consideration. The document was reviewed and aligns with most of the
recommendations by this SC with the exception of Section II Para1 above. Whereas
the OOC-MORAC document recommends the position of DPO should only be filled
by licensed OICNW. A copy of the OOC letter to NOSAC is attached as appendix 6 of
this report.

2) Recommended Practice -DNV-RP-E307 “Dynamic Positioning Systems – Operational

Guidance” was also taken into consideration by each of the sectors. This document is
found at appendix 7 of this report.

3) The SC was also requested to review the 25 October 2012 letter from Nautical
Institute to USCG – NOSAC. This letter made comments in regards to the SC task
statement and other comments found in the distribution of the sector reports of the
final draft report. The document was reviewed by each of the sector leads and others
within the sector working groups. We conclude that the contents of this letter do not
significantly impact the SC work nor does it provide information that should change
the SC recommendations made in this report and / or delay the submittal of the final
report to the USCG as scheduled by the task statement.

While the SC recognizes the Nautical Institute’s past qualification scheme in regards
to DPOs and its very recent participation in this SC, we encourage the Institute to
continue the development of their DPO Certification process in accordance with IMO
MSC.1 Circ 738 Rev 1 standards and additionally align its certification process with
the recommendations made by this SC report.

This Document is attached as appendix 8 of this report.

4) List of Sub Committee participants is appendix 9 of this report.

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 NATIONAL OFFSHORE SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (NOSAC)

TASK STATEMENT

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF DYNAMICALLY

POSITIONED VESSELS IN THE OCS

FINAL REPORT
Approved by the Committee November 8, 2012

Co Chairs: Nicki Candies / Warren Weaver

IV) Definitions for the purpose of this report:

1) Credential means any or all of the following:

1.1) Merchant mariner’s document.
1.2) Merchant mariner’s license.
1.3) STCW endorsement.
1.4) Certificate of registry.
1.5) Merchant mariner credential.

2) Certificated / Certificate / Certified means a certificate issued by an industry

recognized Dynamic Position Operators course.

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