Offshore staff
LONDON – DNV GL’s Noble Denton marine services division is helping vessel operators concerning new guidelines for dynamic positioning (DP) systems.
The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has released an information paper on assurance of DP system failure mode and effects analysis (FMEAs), intended to improve the process of identifying all possible consequences and failures of DP systems.
In 2002 following various DP incidents in the UK North Sea, there were concerns about the safety and reliability of DP vessels. Following a review by the UK Health and Safety Executive, it became apparent that guidance was not being implemented or adhered to consistently across the supply chain.
The new paper, ‘Dynamic Positioning Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Assurance Framework, Risk-based Guidance’, aims to improve the assurance of DP FMEA quality by explaining how relevant information should be presented, in a prescribed format.
DNV GL’s Noble Denton marine services worked with classification societies, vessel owners and DP industry bodies to develop the guidance.
Steven Cargill, Technical Authority for Dynamic Positioning, DNV GL - Oil & Gas, said: “Unlike previous attempts to improve DP FMEA standards, the OCIMF information paper is not intended to provide guidance on the execution of DP system FMEAs. There is already a significant amount of guidance on this already available from recognized bodies.
“The difference is that the new guidelines seek to gain improvement by providing a detailed set of technical requirements on the presentation of key elements of the DP system for the purposes of vessel audit.”
Preparing and submitting the document to OCIMF should not prove too onerous for vessel owners that already have a DP system FMEA- aligned with industry best practice, DNV GL said.
But in some instances, external assistance may be needed to ensure compliance. DNV GL said its DP team could help vessel operators arrive at a quicker and more cost-efficient route to assurance, also reducing risk.
07/10/2020
