How do you incorporate the latest DP standards and guidelines in your DP risk assessment framework?

1 DP standards and guidelines

DP standards and guidelines are documents that provide recommendations, requirements, or specifications for DP systems, operations, and personnel. They are developed by various organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), the Marine Technology Society (MTS), and the Classification Societies (Class). These documents are regularly reviewed and revised to reflect the latest technological developments, operational experiences, and regulatory changes. Therefore, it is important to keep track of the latest versions and updates of these documents and ensure that your DP risk assessment framework aligns with them.

2 DP risk assessment framework

A DP risk assessment framework is a structured and systematic approach to identify, analyze, evaluate, and mitigate the potential hazards and consequences of DP operations. It consists of several elements, such as a DP policy, a DP management system, a DP operation manual, a DP failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), a DP annual trials program, a DP incident reporting and investigation system, and a DP competence assurance scheme. A DP risk assessment framework should be tailored to the specific vessel, equipment, operation, and environment, and should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its validity and effectiveness.

3 Updating your DP risk assessment framework

To update your DP risk assessment framework, you need to follow a few steps. First, you need to identify the relevant standards and guidelines that apply to your DP operation and compare them with your current framework. You can use sources such as the IMCA DP Station Keeping Bulletin, the MTS DP Committee website, and the Class websites to find the latest information. Second, you need to assess the gaps and discrepancies between the standards and guidelines and your framework, and prioritize the areas that need improvement or modification. Third, you need to implement the necessary changes to your framework, such as revising your DP policy, updating your DP FMEA, conducting additional DP trials, enhancing your DP training, or modifying your DP procedures. Fourth, you need to document and communicate the changes to your framework, and ensure that they are understood and followed by all the relevant stakeholders, such as the DP operators, the vessel crew, the shore management, the clients, and the regulators.

4 Benefits of updating your DP risk assessment framework

Updating your DP risk assessment framework with the latest standards and guidelines can bring you several benefits. First, it can improve your DP performance and reliability, by ensuring that your DP systems, operations, and personnel are in line with the state-of-the-art practices and technologies. Second, it can reduce your DP risks and incidents, by minimizing the likelihood and severity of human errors, system failures, or environmental disturbances. Third, it can enhance your DP reputation and compliance, by demonstrating your commitment to quality, safety, and professionalism, and by meeting the expectations and requirements of your clients and regulators.

5 Challenges of updating your DP risk assessment framework

Updating your DP risk assessment framework with the latest standards and guidelines can also pose some challenges. First, it can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, as it requires constant monitoring, analysis, and implementation of the changes. Second, it can be complex and confusing, as there may be conflicting or overlapping information from different sources, or gaps or ambiguities in the existing documents. Third, it can be costly and disruptive, as it may entail upgrading or replacing your DP equipment, conducting additional or revised DP trials, or changing your DP contracts or schedules. Therefore, you need to balance the benefits and challenges of updating your DP risk assessment framework, and adopt a pragmatic and flexible approach.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?