An App is to be launched at the European Dynamic Positioning (DP) Virtual Conference next Wednesday, 24 March (09:00 - 13:00)

The event is a collaboration of the Nautical Institute (NI) and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). 

(As Afloat reported the Irish operated Mainport Geo with a (DP2 system) entered Cork Dockyard in January and following coverage of conversion into a survey and marine scientific vessel, the ship had just departed the graving dry-dock to berth at a nearby quay).

Next week's talk (details below) by Andy Goldsmith of the IMCA is in co-operation with the (NI), a non-governmental organisation with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

The NI and the IMCA have also joined forces to transform the continuing professional development (CPD) of dynamic positioning operators (DPOs) by issuing a dedicated app which will be launched during the talk. 

It’s intended for DPOs who perform a safety-critical role on board offshore DP vessels and need to maintain their technical knowledge. The new app will enable DPOs to expand their professional awareness and understanding of industry guidance, safety bulletins, DP exercises and training drills ‑ all of which will contribute to safety and operational efficiency offshore.

CPD is acknowledged to be an effective way of combatting skills-fade. Allen Leatt, IMCA’s CEO said: "Our DP event reporting scheme reveals that human factors often influence undesirable DP station-keeping events. We are optimistic that CPD will bring a helpful improvement in the safety and risk management of DP operations in our industry."

The CPD modules will be released at six-monthly intervals – and the first module will be available online as soon as the app is officially launched at midday on Wednesday. You can signup for an account via The Nautical Institute’s Alexis Platform in preparation for the module to be released.

The app is designed for use on mobile devices. NI CEO Captain John Lloyd explains: "Using specialist mobile device learning management software, the app is available across a wide range of operating systems. Importantly, it provides offline capability, ensuring the content remains available without internet connection – an important factor for seagoing personnel."

The NI and IMCA are confident that the new app will benefit individual DPOs, by providing a convenient way to keep knowledge and skills current, and the DP industry, by enhancing safety offshore.

For more information, please contact [email protected] and to buy a ticket click here.

#PORTS & SHIPPING – One of the world's largest and most advanced ultra deepwater installation and cable laying construction vessels, the AMC Connector arrived into Dublin Bay this morning, having picked-up a pilot offshore of the Baily Lighthouse, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Norwegian flagged 19,000 tonnes vessel which was only launched last year is capable of operating in waters beyond 3,000m. She is fitted with Dynamic Positioning (DP3) technology, which allows the vessel to maintain a precise and constant position using satellite technology while operating in harsh weather conditions.

AMC Connector is able to install power cables and umbilicals using its two heave-compensated offshore cranes and a VLS system with pay-load capacity of 9,000 tonnes. There are two carousel turntables for the cables, one capable of handling 6,000mt above deck and the second of 3,000mt capacity is sited below deck. There are two remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and a single centred moonpool in addition to two sliding to the port side.

The 156m ship has accommodation for up to 140 personnel plus a hospital. In front of the bridge and directly above the bow is a heli-deck which is designed for Sikorsky S-92 type helicopters. This is the same type of helicopter that was recently introduced as the new SAR helicopter for the Irish Coast Guard (ICG).

The red-hulled vessel is part of a modern fleet operated by the EMAS AMC, which is an Olso based offshore contractor offering subsea construction, installation, maintenance, repair and decommissioning services. They specialise in complex projects in any environment throughout the world.