The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has released an information paper on assurance of dynamic positioning (DP) system failure mode and effects analysis (FMEAs)
This seeks to improve the identification process for all possible consequences and failures of DP systems. It is a long-awaited resource for DP vessel owners, entitled 'Dynamic Positioning Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Assurance Framework, Risk-based Guidance.'
Following a series of DP incidents in the North Sea sector in the UK in 2002, concerns about the safety and reliability of DP vessels were raised among industry. After a comprehensive review by the UK Health and Safety Executive, it became apparent that guidance was not being consistently implemented or adhered to across the supply chain.
The paper aims to improve the assurance of DP FMEA quality by setting out in a prescribed format how relevant information should be presented.
DNV GL’s Noble Denton marine services worked with a large group of industry stakeholders including, classification societies, vessel owners and DP industry bodies to develop the guidance.
Faisal Rashid, technical advisor at OCIMF, said, “This information paper on the assurance requirements for FMEAs was a broad industry collaboration and will improve safety in the industry and serve as a means to align the spectrum of diverse stakeholders.”
Steven Cargill, technical authority for Dynamic Positioning, DNV GL - oil and gas, said, “Unlike previous attempts to improve DP FMEA standards, the OCIMF information paper is not intended to provide guidance on the execution of DP system FMEAs. There is already a significant amount of guidance on this already available from recognised bodies. The difference is that the new guidelines seek to gain improvement by providing a detailed set of technical requirements on the presentation of major elements of the DP system for the purposes of vessel audit.”
OCIMF members choosing to implement the information paper will seek to gain compliance with its requirements while delivering DP vessel services.
Hari Vamadevan, regional manager, UK and West Africa, oil and gas, said, “Supporting our customers in order to meet industry standards in a transparent and auditable manner is vital for all stakeholders. Having confidence in vessel station keeping capability and reliability during critical offshore operations, can significantly reduce risk.”
