A Restricted to Shuttle Tankers Dynamic Positioning Certificate can be issued providing you meet The Nautical Institute’s requirements. The Shuttle Tanker Scheme is an option for those applicants who started the scheme after 1st January 2015. You will hold the burgundy (dark red) A5 Nautical Institute logbook.
You must complete all sections of the logbook as laid out below before applying for your DP certificate:
Phase 1 – DP Induction Course
The DP Induction course should be entered into the Induction course section of the logbook. This must be stamped, signed and dated by the training centre. This date must be within the previous five years to the receipt of the DP application in the NI office. The Shuttle Tanker logbook will be issued on successful completion of the DP Induction Course examination.
Phase 2 - DP Sea Time Records + Courses A and B
You must complete either pathway A or pathway B as well as the activities listed in Phase 2. A minimum of 24 days sea time and 2 offshore loading operations must be completed before the attendance of the DP Simulator Course.
- PATHWAY A: Minimum 96 days as practical time on board a shuttle tanker with participation in at least eight offshore loading operations (field arrival, set-up approach, connection, loading, disconnection and departure).Both criteria must be achieved, i.e. if the trainee completes only seven offshore loading operation within 96 days, it will be necessary for the trainee to undertake more sea time until he/she completes the eighth offshore loading operation as required OR
- PATHWAY B: Minimum of 96 days on board with participation of six approved on board simulation loading operations and four real loading operations (field arrival, set-up approach, connection, loading, disconnection and departure). The on board simulators are able to simulate a real experience of approach to buoys and positioning during loading operations. The engine and bridge team work together to simulate problems with thrusters and power management.
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ACTIVITIES (Same required for both Pathways)
- ACTIVITY 1: DP Simulator Course to help consolidate general DP theory and understanding as well as coping with errors, faults and failures + practical assessment + online examination ( a minimum of 24 days sea time and 2 offshore loading operations must be completed before the attendance of the DP Simulator Course)
- ACTIVITY 2: Training Course A - One or two day training courses provided by the manufacturers of position reference systems. These courses are recognised, not accredited, by the NI.
- ACTIVITY 3: Training Course B – This is a 5 day simulator training course with a total of 30 hours of instruction that concentrates on shuttle tanker specific behaviours and includes exercises for a range of offshore loading installation types. This course is accredited by the NI.
Phase 3 – 24 Days Seatime + 2 Offshore Loading Operations
24 days sea time is required for the Phase 3 section. This should be completed on a DP classed vessel and be stamped and signed by the master of the vessel. This time must be completed after the Basic course. Please note that the day’s sea time is counted differently to the Offshore scheme. The vessel must be on DP for the offshore loadings and the phase is only complete when both the 24 days sea time and the offshore loading operations are completed (field arrival, set-up approach, connection, loading, disconnection and departure). If only one offshore loading operation is completed in the 24 days sea time, additional time must be spent on board to obtain the second offshore loading operation before moving to Phase 4.
Phase 4 – Statement of Suitability Form
A Statement of Suitability form must be completed after the final days sea time and offshore loading operations have been completed. This form is available for download here.
The Master of the last vessel needs to sign the Statement of Suitability form. The applicant must also sign this form. The signatures on the Suitability form will be checked against the final DP sea time days recorded in the logbook.
Please note that if the applicant is the Master of the vessel, the Statement of Suitability form must be signed off by one of the following authorised personnel:
- The vessel Relief Master
- A certified DPO onboard (DP certificate number to be noted on form)
- A Marine Superintendent/Manager who is aware of the applicants DP capabilities
A note should also be made and submitted with the application to explain.
Confirmation Letters
For all applications, company letters confirming the DP days sea time and the offshore loading operations must be provided for any time to be used as part of the application for a Shuttle Tanker Restricted Dynamic Positioning certificate.
Jenny Daintree