Professional Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels
This professional diploma prepares you to work with the dynamic positioning systems that keep vessels on station. You will work on reference sensors, redundancy classes, verification and typical offshore operations. The programme teaches the subject; DP certificates are issued only by the training centres accredited for that purpose.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Professional Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels?
This professional diploma prepares you to work with dynamic positioning systems, which keep offshore vessels in an exact position without anchoring. You will study the components of the system, DP equipment classes, position references, thrusters, redundancy, FMEA analyses and operations in oil and gas, offshore wind, subsea cables and offshore construction. It is a solid theoretical complement for anyone who wants to follow the DP operator certification route; the programme teaches the subject, while DP certificates are issued only by the training centres accredited for that purpose.
Its strengths are a complete technical foundation covering control, sensors, references and propulsion; real operations on supply, construction, offshore wind and cable-laying vessels; redundancy and FMEA, showing how a fault-tolerant system is designed and verified; career guidance on the DP operator certification route; and incident cases with lessons learned from position losses.
Programme highlights
- DP system: understanding of the controller, sensors and thrusters.
- DP classes: the differences between DP1, DP2 and DP3 and their redundancy.
- Planning: applying capability analysis and operating limits.
- Risk management: interpreting FMEA, annual trials and critical modes.
- Offshore career: key knowledge for offshore wind and offshore energy.
- Preparation: a solid foundation for the most demanding offshore operations.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Introduction to Dynamic Positioning
- 1.1. History and evolution of DP
- 1.2. Environmental forces acting on the vessel
- 1.3. Principles of position control
- 1.4. Types of DP vessels
- 1.5. Sectors: oil and gas, wind, cables and construction
- 1.6. Industry organisations and technical guidance
- 1.7. Professional pathway of the DP operator
- 1.8. Technology trends
The DP Control System
- 2.1. DP controller architecture
- 2.2. Mathematical model of the vessel
- 2.3. Filters and state estimation
- 2.4. Operating modes: position, follow target and autotrack
- 2.5. Consoles and displays
- 2.6. Alarms and warnings
- 2.7. Redundant controllers
- 2.8. Back-up console
Position References and Sensors
- 3.1. DGNSS and its corrections
- 3.2. Hydroacoustic positioning systems
- 3.3. Laser and radar-based references
- 3.4. Taut wire
- 3.5. Gyrocompasses and motion reference units
- 3.6. Wind sensors
- 3.7. Weighting and rejection of references
- 3.8. Typical errors and their detection
Propulsion and Power Plant
- 4.1. Tunnel and azimuth thrusters
- 4.2. Retractable thrusters
- 4.3. Thrust allocation
- 4.4. Diesel-electric power plant
- 4.5. Power management and blackout
- 4.6. Split and closed bus-ties
- 4.7. Battery energy storage systems
- 4.8. Thruster maintenance
DP Classes, Redundancy and FMEA
- 5.1. DP equipment classes DP1, DP2 and DP3
- 5.2. Worst-case single failure concept
- 5.3. Physical separation and protection against fire and flooding
- 5.4. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
- 5.5. Annual DP trials
- 5.6. Critical mode testing
- 5.7. Capability plots
- 5.8. Consequence analysis
DP Planning and Operations
- 6.1. Operation planning
- 6.2. ASOG and WSOG: activity- and well-specific operating guidelines
- 6.3. Safety zones near installations
- 6.4. Platform supply operations
- 6.5. Cable and pipe laying
- 6.6. Operations in offshore wind farms
- 6.7. Accommodation vessels and walk-to-work gangways
- 6.8. Communication with the offshore installation
Incidents, Emergencies and Human Factors
- 7.1. Drift-off and uncontrolled drive-off
- 7.2. Failure of references and sensors
- 7.3. Thruster and power failure
- 7.4. Operator response
- 7.5. Emergency disconnection
- 7.6. Lessons learned from incidents
- 7.7. Fatigue and situational awareness
- 7.8. Bridge resource management
Case Study: Planning a DP Operation
- 8.1. Selection of vessel and operation
- 8.2. Analysis of environmental conditions
- 8.3. Review of vessel capability
- 8.4. System and plant configuration
- 8.5. Preparation of the ASOG
- 8.6. Communications plan
- 8.7. Contingency plan
- 8.8. Final report
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels
It is 800 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Professional Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels
No. DP operator certification has its own pathway, with accredited courses and sea time. The diploma programme provides the theoretical and technical foundation to approach it with an advantage.
Yes. Installation, service and accommodation vessels in wind farms make intensive use of DP.
It is not essential, although nautical or technical training is recommended.
Yes. One module analyses position losses and the lessons learned.
The complete planning of a 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 has a workload of 120 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, which appears on this page and is confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: nautical, marine engineering, naval architecture or control engineering qualification, or professional experience on board or in offshore projects.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow the classes and materials; basic technical English is recommended.
- Technical resources: computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project defences.
- Admission process: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team. Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documentation.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.