5 SURVEYS, TESTING AND DYNAMIC POSITIONING VERIFICATIONACCEPTANCE DOCUMENT (DPVAD)
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1580 – Guidelines for Vessels and Units with Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems – (16 June 2017) - Annex - Guidelines for Vessels and Units with Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems - 5 SURVEYS, TESTING AND DYNAMIC POSITIONING VERIFICATIONACCEPTANCE DOCUMENT (DPVAD)

5 SURVEYS, TESTING AND DYNAMIC POSITIONING VERIFICATIONACCEPTANCE DOCUMENT (DPVAD)

 5.1 Surveys and testing

5.1.1 Each DP vessel to which the Guidelines apply should be subject to the surveys and testing specified below:

  • .1 an initial survey which should include a complete survey of the DP system and FMEA proving trials for DP classes 2 and 3 to ensure full compliance with the applicable parts of the Guidelines. Furthermore it should include a complete test of all systems and components and the ability to keep position after single failures associated with the assigned equipment class. The type of tests carried out and results should be recorded and kept on board;

  • .2 a periodical testing at intervals not exceeding five years to ensure full compliance with the applicable parts of the Guidelines. A complete test should be carried out as required in paragraph 5.1.1.1. The type of tests carried out and results should be recorded and kept on board;

  • .3 an annual survey should be carried out within three months before or after each anniversary date of the Dynamic Positioning Verification Acceptance Documentfootnote. The annual survey should ensure that the DP system has been maintained in accordance with applicable parts of the Guidelines and is in good working order. The annual test of all important systems and components should be carried out to document the ability of the DP vessel to keep position after single failures associated with the assigned equipment class and validate the FMEA and operations manual. The type of tests carried out and results should be recorded and kept on board; and

  • .4 a survey, either general or partial according to circumstances, should be carried out every time a defect is discovered and corrected or an accident occurs which affects the safety of the DP vessel, or whenever any significant repairs or alterations are made. After such a survey, necessary tests should be carried out to demonstrate full compliance with the applicable provisions of the Guidelines. The type of tests carried out and results should be recorded and kept on board.

5.1.2 For equipment classes 2 and 3, an FMEA should be carried out. This is a systematic analysis of the systems to the level of detail required to demonstrate that no single failure will cause a loss of position or heading and should verify worst-case failure design intent. This analysis should then be confirmed by FMEA proving trials. The FMEA and FMEA proving trials result should be kept on board and the FMEA should be kept updated so that it remains current.

5.1.3 These surveys and tests should be witnessed by officers of the Administration. The Administration may, however, entrust the surveys and testing either to surveyors nominated for the purpose or to organizations recognized by it. In every case, the Administration concerned should guarantee the completeness and efficiency of the surveys and testing. The Administration may entrust the company of the vessel to carry out annual and minor repair surveys according to a test programme accepted by the Administration.

5.1.4 After any survey and testing has been completed, no significant change should be made to the DP system without the sanction of the Administration, except the direct replacement of equipment and fittings for the purpose of repair or maintenance.

5.2 Dynamic Positioning Verification Acceptance Document (DPVAD)

5.2.1 Compliance with these Guidelines should be verified by a DPVAD issued by or on behalf of the Administration.

5.2.2 A DPVAD should be issued, after survey and testing in accordance with these Guidelines, by the Administration or an organization recognized by it.

5.2.3 The DPVAD should be drawn up in the official language of the issuing country and in the form given in the appendix to the Guidelines. If the language used is neither English nor French, the text should include a translation into one of these languages.

5.2.4 The DPVAD is issued for a period not exceeding five years, or for a period specified by the Administration.

5.2.5 The DPVAD should cease to be valid if significant alterations have been made in the DP system equipment, fittings, arrangements, etc. specified in the Guidelines without the sanction of the Administration, except the direct replacement of such equipment or fittings for the purpose of repair or maintenance.

5.2.6 The DPVAD issued to a DP vessel should cease to be valid upon transfer of such a vessel to the flag of another country.

5.2.7 The privileges of the DPVAD may not be claimed in favour of any DP vessel unless the DPVAD is valid.

5.2.8 Results of the DPVAD tests should be readily available on board for reference.

Parent topic: Annex - Guidelines for Vessels and Units with Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems
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