Training and competence assurance will be vital to improve DP operational safety in the offshore industry
At Riviera Maritime Media’s European Dynamic Positioning Conference, London, UK, 14 June 2022, an expert panel debated the importance of distance learning, simulators and onboard training to improve safety.
Experts reviewed current and future training requirements including the role and importance of continuous professional development (CPD) for DP operators, improving training to meet an evolving market and the latest approaches to remote and blended training options.
Kongsberg Maritime project manager Zachary Clark brought this all together in a presentation on blended learning for raising DP operational competence.
“We have a cloud-based, self-learning platform and guided learning,” he said. “There is also onboard training and simulators to familiarise crew with specific systems.”
By using all of these techniques, vessel operators can provide DP operators with CPD, mitigate risk and provide access to subject experts for seafarers. A blended training programme would “leverage technology in distance learning” but “not replace classroom training,” said Mr Clark.
It could include virtual and augmented reality and digital twins for training specific and complex operations on simulators before they are undertaken offshore.
Online applications also include remote DP operator assessment and engineers’ competencies and provide mixed-media training content.
The Nautical Institute chief executive Captain John Lloyd discussed the latest certification trends, emerging training demand for technical personnel and the importance of soft skills in a technical environment. He explained how DP operators maintain their competency and preparedness for work and develop new workplace skills.
Capt Lloyd said training standards still need to be improved worldwide for more than just DP operators. “We are working with industry to produce standards,” he said.
He also said more needs to be done to produce standardised training for vessel operators in remote control centres as the maritime and offshore industries increasingly turn to these technologies.
“Remote-control centre training will be very important, and we have to have standards for this,” said Capt Lloyd.
Stena Drilling marine manager John Flynn explained the importance of training DP operators and offshore installation managers on semi-submersibles and drill ships.
He said DP competency should be more than just college training, but include sea time, simulators, assessments and approvals and CPD, with regular refreshment and familiarisation training.
“We believe in CPD of DP personnel and use mentoring and simulators on board,” said Mr Flynn. “CPD is a useful tool and good exercise. It is difficult to measure the benefits from training and difficult to get people to do it.”
But in his eyes, the effort is worthwhile for improving DP operator competence and mitigating risk.
