| UK. New International Guidelines for the Safe Operation of DP Offshore Supply Vessels |
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| Monday, 05 June 2006 | |
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Association news: Reliable and robust methods of positioning are essential for safe operation of supply vessels at offshore installations. Responding to industry needs as supply vessels have been increasingly fitted with DP (dynamic positioning), a cross-industry workgroup, facilitated by IMCA - the International Marine Contractors Association - and comprising representatives from vessel owners, including offshore supply vessel owners, oil companies, charterers, subsea construction companies, marine consultants and trade associations has published 'International Guidelines for the Safe Operation of Dynamically Positioned Offshore Supply Vessels'. "This is a vital publication involving 72 key global organisations and companies," explains Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA. "The terms of reference agreed by the initial cross industry workgroup were: 'To develop procedures and best practice for an achievable international standard for all vessels operating in any class of DP, as defined by IMO MSC Circular 645, within or outwith a 500 metre zone, in order to conduct supply or any other ancillary operation associated with that type of vessel and not covered by existing IMCA guidance.' "As work got underway the initial relatively small workgroup was almost continuously added to until we reached the total of 72 organisations. All involved played a role in the preparation and/or review of the guidelines; and are committed to ensuring that they are put to use throughout the world. We are grateful for their invaluable contribution and believe that the new publication will contribute substantially to increased safety levels." The Background In the early days of the industry, skilful manual control or anchors and ropes were used to moor vessels. The controls became more sophisticated and power increased to provide more flexibility. Increasingly, offshore supply vessels (OSVs) are now being fitted with dynamic positioning (DP) systems, further widening the available options. This process of evolution has been gradual, taking more than 30 years and, today, various combinations of control and power systems are available and used all over the world. In other sectors of the offshore industry, DP has long been accepted as a primary method of vessel positioning, such as in the diving and drilling sectors, as well as in the construction, accommodation and shuttle tanker sectors; and it is especially suitable for offshore developments in deeper waters. This widespread acceptance of DP is also the result of improved DP management and improved DP technology. The new guidelines The guidelines review international and regional regulatory requirements, classification society and other industry requirements. They give guidance on what owners should have in place as far as certification and documentation are concerned and also provide guidance on manning, including levels of training, certification, skills and experience. The 48-page document also gives guidance on a risk management approach aimed at minimising the risk of loss of position. There are further risk reduction measures, as well as DP operating procedures and DP incident reporting. The guidelines are based on the specific characteristics of DP OSV operations - in particular that, unlike most other DP vessel operations OSVs can, under normal operation circumstances: Terminate supply operations and move away from the offshore installation at a moment's notice; and/or • Can be safely manoeuvred in joystick/manual control while supply operations are being carried out "The purpose of the guidelines is to make risk management tools available to vessel owners, vessel operators, charterers and officers that will provide for the safe operation of DP OSVs in automatic DP mode," explains Hugh Williams. "Safety first, second and third lie at their core! "Owners are recommended to take account of the guidelines in carrying out DP OSV operations and to incorporate them into their own vessel management systems, and incorporate them when preparing company and vessel documentation. "We are well aware that the DP and OSV sectors are constantly changing. Therefore, the guidelines will be reviewed in the light of experience and updated as necessary. As the secretariat for the cross-industry workgroup we are eager to encourage feedback." Printed copies of 'International Guidelines for the Safe Operation of Dynamically Positioned Offshore Supply Vessels' (Ref: M182) are available at Ł20 for members and non-members alike from IMCA and can be downloaded free of charge from its website. |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 05 June 2006 ) |
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