Dynamic Positioning Hub
Dynamic Positioning is in our DNA, with our roots in this space going back to the formation of the DP Vessel Owners Association in 1989.
Alongside the Guidance and best practice in ourTechnical Library, stands our industry-leadingcertification programmes, and ourDP incident reporting database. Talen together they help to drive up standards which improve the safety and performance of the entire offshore industry.
OurDP Conference brings the sector together to explore challenges and debate solutions, with delegates shaping the work of ourDP Committee and the subsequent production of key Guidance.
Mark Ford
Marine & Quality Manager
Richard Purser
Technical Adviser – Marine
Jennifer Evans
Technical Adviser – Marine
DP in the Technical Library
Latest related Guidance:
A guide to conducting DP drills and ensuring preparedness for DP failures
Informative Guidance about conducting Dynamic Positioning (DP) drills and ensuring preparedness for DP system failures on offshore vessels.
The document is designed to complement IMCA M117, which sets competence standards for DP personnel, by offering operational guidance for planning, executing, and reviewing DP drills.
The aim is to foster crew competence, operational safety, and efficiency through structured training and scenario-based exercises.
Recommended practice for the operation of Class 1 DP vessels
This document provides comprehensive guidelines and recommendations for the operation of Class 1 DP vessels, emphasising the importance of understanding their limitations and ensuring proper training and preparedness of personnel.
Code of practice for the training and experience of key DP personnel
DP systems are used on vessels in all the major maritime regions of the world and the result of this expansion and diversity has meant that the challenges of ensuring key personnel have the competency to perform their roles has never been greater.
All vessel owners/operators require suitably qualified and experienced DP personnel for safe and commercially successful operations.
Latest related Information Notes:
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
The behaviour of PLC-controlled systems must be well understood
Latitude and Speed Input to Heading Sensor Concerns
Information note about potential common-mode failures of heading sensors
Optimising CAM and TAM use in light of emerging GHG regulations
IMCA reminds its members of the value of optimising vessel configuration through the prudent use of Task Appropriate Mode (TAM) where safety and operational conditions allow, and where the consequences of loss of position do not endanger life, asset integrity or environment.
Meet IMCA at an upcoming DP event
CPD requirements from the Nautical Institute
Browse the latest DP incident reports
Simultaneous Operations
A DP Incident report highlighting the importance of maintaining focus during time on the DP desk
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
Importance of familiarisation and paying attention
The importance of maintaining full attention during the operator's time on the DP desk can never be underestimated, or forgotten
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
Worst case failure preparedness
Operators must be prepared for worst case failures
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
Know your settings
This Dynamic Positioning (DP) incident involved a DP equipment class 2 offshore supply vessel (OSV) during loadout operations from a drilling rig.
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
DP drill scenario
DP emergency drill scenarios are included to assist DP vessel management and DPOs / Engineers and ETOs to conduct DP drills onboard.
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Drill Scenario
