Professional Diploma in Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Offshore Support Vessels

What is this programme?

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.

Study plan

Duration and format

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 80 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 40.

What you will learn

• Describe the dynamic positioning system.
• Interpret the DP classes.
• Analyse the vessel's capability.
• Plan operations.
• Understand failure analyses.
• Manage incidents.

Career outcomes

• DP officer on offshore vessels, after completing the corresponding certification route.
• DP systems technician: maintenance and integration.
• Offshore fleet superintendent: technical management of DP vessels.
• Marine operations coordinator in offshore wind: planning work with DP vessels.
• DP trials and FMEA assistant: working with specialist consultancies.
• Offshore campaign planner: installation and maintenance projects.

Entry requirements

• 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.

How to enrol