Dynamic Positioning (DP) has become essential in offshore work. Almost every drilling ship, cable-layer, wind-farm vessel or subsea construction vessel relies on DP technology to stay fixed in one position without anchoring. Because of that, many offshore companies now expect crew members—especially deck officers and engineers—to hold DP certificates. At SeaEmploy.com we often receive questions about how to start, how many hours you need, and what the Nautical Institute actually requires. Here is a clear explanation you can rely on.
DP certificates: what DP systems do and why they matter
A DP system keeps the vessel steady by automatically controlling thrusters and propulsion. The system constantly reads data from sensors and position references, then makes small corrections every second. This allows the vessel to hold position even in strong wind or current, which is critical during drilling, subsea installation or heavy-lift operations.
Most DP systems onboard today come from makers like Kongsberg, Rolls-Royce/Brunvoll, Wärtsilä, Navis, and GE/Converteam.
Position reference systems
A DP operator must know the limitations of each reference:
• DGPS – satellite-based, common but affected by signal loss
• Taut wire – precise but limited by seabed depth
• Hydro-acoustic systems (HiPAP/USBL) – key to deep-water accuracy
• Laser systems (CyScan, Fanbeam) – ideal near platforms
• Radar reference – useful for fixed structures
• Motion sensors (MRU) – measure roll, pitch, heave
• Wind sensors & gyro – essential for heading and wind calculations
Understanding when each system becomes unreliable is a major part of DP training.
DP classes: DP1, DP2 and DP3 explained
The class determines how much redundancy the vessel has:
DP1
A single failure can cause loss of position.
Used where position loss does not create danger.
DP2
Redundant sensors, computers, thrusters, technical systems and switchboard.
A single failure should NOT cause loss of position.
Most offshore construction and ROV vessels use DP2.
DP3
Full redundancy, including separate engine rooms.
Even fire or flooding should not cause position loss.
Required for drilling rigs, DSVs and high-risk projects.
Navigators working on DP2 and DP3 almost always need a Full DP certificate.
How officers obtain DP certification (Nautical Institute scheme)
The Nautical Institute (NI) is the global authority for DP certification.
Below is the full pathway with DP hours, logbook rules, and experience levels.
Step 1: DP Induction (Basic) Course
Duration: 4–5 days
Covers DP principles, redundancy, reference systems, and simulator practice.
Step 2: Start your DP Logbook (Phase A)
After DP Basic, you receive an NI DP logbook.
The logbook is your proof of experience and must be kept updated daily.
Minimum required Phase A DP sea time:
• 60 days of DP familiarization on a DP vessel
• Vessel must be DP1 or higher
• You must participate in DP operations under supervision
Some projects require more—many oil majors prefer candidates with 90–120 hours of active console time, even though NI requires 60 days, not hours.
What is the DP logbook?
The DP logbook records:
• Every DP hour you complete
• Every DP operation you take part in
• Simulator courses
• Signatures from Master or certified DPO
The logbook belongs to you, not the company.
It is required by employers, auditors, and the Nautical Institute.
Step 3: DP Advanced Course (Simulator)
Duration: 4–5 days
Includes:
• Failure scenarios
• Thruster loss
• Reference dropouts
• Degraded modes
• Emergency DP procedures
Step 4: DP Sea Time (Phase B)
After the Advanced course, return to a DP2 or DP3 vessel.
Minimum required Phase B DP sea time:
• 60 more days (must be completed on DP2 or DP3)
• Plus a minimum number of hours of active DP watchkeeping
(NI requires days, but companies often ask for 150–200+ hours)
Step 5: Full DP Certificate
Once you meet all sea-time requirements, you apply online through NI.
You upload:
• Logbook scans
• Sea-service letters
• Course certificates
A Full DP certificate allows you to stand DP watch independently on DP2/DP3 units.
SDPO vs DPO — what’s the difference?
Most vessels have two levels of DP officers:
DPO (Dynamic Positioning Operator)
A certified officer who can operate the DP console independently but usually under supervision during complex operations.
SDPO (Senior DPO)
An experienced officer, usually:
• Chief Officer or First Officer
• Full DP certified
• 1–2 years experience on DP2/DP3
• Often holds at least 200–300 DP hours beyond minimum
• Able to lead DP operations and manage failures
On many vessels the SDPO also assists the Master during drilling or critical subsea tasks.
DP certification for engineers: DP Maintenance
Engineers follow the DP Maintenance route, not the operator route.
This path ensures they can troubleshoot computers, reference systems and thrusters.
Official NI DP Maintenance path:
Training includes:
• DP Maintenance Course Part A
• DP Maintenance Course Part B
• Hands-on onboard maintenance tasks
• Confirmation letter from the Chief Engineer
Most offshore companies require this for:
• ETOs
• Second Engineers
• Chief Engineers on DP2/DP3 vessels
Recommended DP training centers
Trusted DP schools (NI-approved):
• Nautical Institute approved centers
These providers offer both Induction and Advanced courses, as well as DP Maintenance.
Final thoughts
DP certificates create huge opportunities in offshore drilling, subsea construction, ROV operations and offshore wind. The certification path requires time and patience because the Nautical Institute demands real onboard experience—not just training courses. However, once you reach Full DP and build hours toward SDPO level, your value on the market increases dramatically. You will see many employers on SeaEmploy.com list DP2/DP3 experience as a priority.
