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pects to release for public review in the near future.  The OSVDPA certi cation sys- tem will assess prospective DPOs against this list. Under our system, prospective DPOs will be assessed at each stage of their training; failure to pass will mean a failure to advance. The capstone of our training system will be a  nal assessment ensuring the prospective DPO is competent not just in DP ?buttonology? but in the real-world operation of a vessel.  While the OSVDPA system is assessment based, we also under- stand the importance of experiential learning. Thus, the OSVDPA system will include a sea-time requirement. Speci cally, the Authority?s sea-time requirement will track not only the time spent aboard a DP vessel?as dictated by the current system?but also time at the actual DP controls. By ensuring prospective DPOs have gained both on-board and hands-on experience, the OSVDPA is con -dent our DPOs will provide the level of safety demanded by our industry.  By including both assessments and sea-time requirements in our certi cation system the OSVDPA believes it has blended the best of the currently available DPO certi ca-tion systems into one program. Such a combination will make the OS-VDPA-certi ed DPOs experienced and safe operators for their current employer and the entire industry. The OSVDPA understands no one likes change for the sake of change. However, the Authority wholeheart- edly believes we can provide a viable al- ternative to existing DPO certiÞ cation methods that will be inclusive of mari- ners, gauged properly to service ves- sels, and will ensure greater operational safety. The OSVDPA looks forward to working with the maritime industry as we Þ nalize our certiÞ cation system. Aaron Smith is the Executive Director of the Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority. He manages the day-to-day operation of the Authority. Along with the OSVDPA Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Council (TAC), Aaron is crafting the Authority?s dynamic positioning operator (DPO) certi cation program and ensuring this program is accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard, the offshore energy industry, and international counterparts. Prior to joining OSVDPA, Aaron was the Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Congressman Jeff Landry (LA). www.marinelink.com MN 21MN April14 Layout 18-31.indd 21MN April14 Layout 18-31.indd 213/20/2014 11:49:24 AM3/20/2014 11:49:24 AM