Page 19: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Mar/Apr 2022)

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OPERATIONS DYNAMIC POSITIONING eliminate design faults early. these signs. Clients should avoid requiring long detailed

DP FMEAs would be more useful to DPOs if they had lists of requirements be posted at the DP desk and should a section where they start with indications of problems and instead present abbreviated, pithy reminder sheets, as add- help in its diagnosis and correction. An FMEA review test ing to cognitive load can worsen operation. Simple, useful could also be a useful tool for crew familiarization with the tools are welcome but unintentionally burdensome ones vessel speci? c redundancy concept and failure modes. can be counterproductive.

DP trials should not be rushed through, they are a When elevators were introduced, elevator operators practical demonstration and need to be understood and were needed to ensure safe operation and reassure users. absorbed by the crew. Trials are not just evaluation, they Safe, reliable, automatic systems made the operators un- are also training. Experienced surveyors are needed to necessary. DPOs are still vital to safe DP operation, and discuss operation and system faults with the crew and this need to be taken more seriously. We have been lulled help resolve issues. into complacency by the promise of technology and in-

Vessel engineers are also DP vital, and much of the same creasing rarity of failures, but we cannot afford to forget thinking applies to them. Safe and reliable DP operation is that the human operator is still vital and needs properly dependent on DPO and engineer operation and coopera- supported to perform effectively. DPOs are closest to pi- tion. A good working relationship is required and in? u- lots, who might do “nothing” for most of the ? ight, but enced by both system and personal factors. when corrective action is required, they are vital. Those

Customers, which look to use vessels, should look for also serve, who only stand and wait.

march/april 2022 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 19