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Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels
Prepares you to work with the dynamic positioning (DP) systems that keep offshore vessels exactly on station without anchoring. You will study system components, DP equipment classes, position references, thrusters, redundancy…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts9 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels?
The Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels
Prepares you to work with the dynamic positioning (DP) systems that keep offshore vessels exactly on station without anchoring. You will study system components, DP equipment classes, position references, thrusters, redundancy, FMEA and operations in oil and gas, offshore wind, subsea cables and offshore construction. A solid theoretical grounding for anyone looking to follow the DP operator certification route.
Key advantages
- Complete technical grounding: Control, sensors, references and propulsion.
- Real operations: Supply, construction, offshore wind and cable-lay vessels.
- Redundancy and FMEA: How a fault-tolerant system is designed and verified.
- Career guidance: Information on the DP operator certification route.
- Incident case studies: Lessons learned from loss-of-position events.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Understand the DP system: Learn about the controller, sensors and thrusters.
- Master DP classes: Tell DP1, DP2 and DP3 and their redundancy apart.
- Plan operations: Apply capability analysis and operating limits.
- Manage risk: Interpret FMEA, annual trials and critical modes.
- Boost your offshore career: Key knowledge for offshore wind and offshore energy.
- Prepare for the most demanding offshore operations with a solid grounding in DP.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Introduction to Dynamic Positioning
- History and evolution of DP
- Environmental forces on the vessel
- Principles of position control
- Types of DP vessel
- Sectors: oil and gas, wind, cables and construction
- Industry bodies and technical guidance
- The DP operator career path
- Technology trends
02
The DP Control System
- DP controller architecture
- Mathematical model of the vessel
- Filters and state estimation
- Operating modes: position, track and autotrack
- Consoles and displays
- Alarms and warnings
- Redundant controllers
- Backup console
03
Position References and Sensors
- DGNSS and corrections
- Acoustic positioning systems
- Laser and radar references
- Taut wire
- Gyrocompasses and motion reference units
- Wind sensors
- Reference weighting and rejection
- Typical errors and how to detect them
04
Propulsion and Power Plant
- Tunnel and azimuth thrusters
- Retractable thrusters
- Thrust allocation
- Diesel-electric power plant
- Power management and blackout
- Open and closed bus ties
- Battery energy storage systems
- Thruster maintenance
05
DP Classes, Redundancy and FMEA
- DP equipment classes 1, 2 and 3
- The worst-case single failure concept
- Physical separation and fire and flood protection
- Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
- Annual DP trials
- Critical mode testing
- Capability plots
- Consequence analysis
06
DP Planning and Operations
- Operation planning
- ASOG and WSOG: activity-specific guidance
- Safety zones around installations
- Platform supply operations
- Cable and pipe laying
- Operations in offshore wind farms
- Accommodation vessels and walk-to-work gangways
- Communication with the offshore installation
07
Incidents, Emergencies and Human Factors
- Drift-off and drive-off
- Reference and sensor failure
- Thruster and power failure
- Operator response
- Emergency disconnection
- Lessons learned from incidents
- Fatigue and situational awareness
- Bridge resource management
08
Case Study: Planning a DP Operation
- Choice of vessel and operation
- Environmental conditions analysis
- Vessel capability review
- System and power plant configuration
- Preparing the ASOG
- Communications plan
- Contingency plan
- Final report
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Deck officers and masters: who want to work on offshore vessels Engineer officers and ETOs: responsible for the power plant and thrusters Naval and control engineers: who design or integrate DP systems Offshore wind professionals: who coordinate operations with DP vessels Superintendents and offshore project staff: who plan marine campaigns
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Describe the DP system
- 02Interpret DP classes
- 03Analyse vessel capability
- 04Plan operations
- 05Understand failure analysis
- 06Handle incidents
Careers
Career Opportunities
01DP officer on offshore vessels: After completing the relevant certification route.
02DP systems technician: Maintenance and integration.
03Offshore fleet superintendent: Technical management of DP vessels.
04Offshore wind marine coordinator: Planning with DP vessels.
05DP trials and FMEA assistant: Working with specialist consultancies.
06Offshore campaign planner: Installation and maintenance projects.
Questions
Entry Requirements
No. DP operator certification has its own route, with accredited courses and sea time. The diploma provides the theoretical and technical grounding to tackle it with an advantage.
Yes. Installation, service and accommodation vessels in offshore wind farms use DP extensively.
It is not essential, although a nautical or technical background is recommended.
Yes. One module analyses loss-of-position events and the lessons learned.
Planning a complete DP operation with its ASOG and contingency plan.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 800 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: A nautical, marine engineering, naval architecture or control engineering background, or professional experience on board or on offshore projects. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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