Hi guys,
I am just starting my journey to become a DPO and would like to get some advice from DPOs who have completed the New Offshore Scheme.
After reading the NI guidelines, I am still somewhat confused and have accumulated a number of questions, as some points appear contradictory or are not clearly explained. Some of my questions may sound simple, but I would rather ask than complete the logbook incorrectly, especially as I understand the review process is very strict.
I would greatly appreciate your guidance so that I can complete my logbook accurately. Thank you in advance!
1. DP Sea Time Record
For me, it is clear that Active DP sea time is when the vessel is using its propulsion for position keeping, and that Active days should be recorded only when the vessel is actively operating on DP.
However, the guidelines also allow recording up to 30 Passive days, when the vessel is idle and not using propulsion for position keeping. As per the guidelines, Passive days can be registered when completing tasks that do not require Active DP sea time, for example: reading documentation, familiarisation with manuals, circulars, checklists, etc.
My questions are:
- Can Passive DP days be registered without using a DP training station or DP simulation mode, for example, only through documentation review and system familiarisation?
- For each sea time record, an Activity Code is required. What activity codes do you usually use for Passive days?
- The only suitable option I can see is OT – Other (specify). I assumed that “DP integrated simulator” could be used as the specification. However, if for any reason a DP integrated simulator is not available, would it still be acceptable to register Passive days, and if so, what description or activity code should be used?
2. Phase B Task Section
In the DP Logbook Task Section, it is stated that: “All tasks are mandatory unless otherwise specified in the task row. All tasks must be completed before the DP Simulator Course.”
However, in some task rows, it is stated: “To be completed for documents found onboard. This section is only to be completed for specific reference systems fitted”.Additionally, there are task sections or headings such as: “Other – please specify. Complete only if fitted. Complete only if the vessel conducts DP operations near a surface or DP installation”.
My questions are:
- Does this mean that certain tasks may be skipped if they are not applicable to the vessel type, fitted equipment, or operational profile?
- If a task is not applicable, should it be: left blank, or completed with a remark such as “Not applicable", and signed by the supervising Certified DPO or Master?
3.Signatory Authority
According to the NI DP Logbook Guidelines, the Task Section may only be signed off by a certificated DPO onboard the vessel, who must be either a Senior DPO or the first person on the DP watch. If the Master is the certificated DPO onboard, this should be noted, his DP certificate number provided, and the Master must sign off each task item individually in this case.
However, according to the NI online platform (Alexis), each task item must be completed and signed by the certified DPO onboard who has been assigned to supervise the trainee. It further states that if the Master is the assigned certified DPO, he/she must complete and sign each item individually.
The difference in wording makes me a bit confused! If I follow the Logbook, it appears that the Master would be responsible for signing off on each task item simply because he is a certificated DPO onboard. If I follow the Alexis platform wording, the signatory would be the assigned supervising SDPOs who are actually standing DP watch.
My questions are:
- Who is considered the correct signatory authority in this case: the Master (because he holds a DP certificate), or the certified SDPOs assigned to supervise the trainee and standing DP watch?
- If my Task Section is signed by the **assigned supervising SDPOs **, should I avoid entering the Master’s DP certificate number in the Sea Time Record and Task Record sections? My understanding is that providing the Master’s DP certificate number would mean that he is the person responsible for signing off the tasks. Is this correct?
I would appreciate hearing how others have handled this in practice and what has been accepted during the NI logbook review.