The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued new “Guidelines for Vessels and Units with Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems.

This Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Circular 1580 was published on the 16 June 2017.

1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its ninety-eighth session (7 to 16 June 2017),
approved the Guidelines for vessels and units with dynamic positioning (DP) systems, as set
out in the annex, prepared by the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment, at its fourth
session (20 to 24 March 2017).
2 Member States are invited to bring the annexed Guidelines to the attention of
DP manufacturers, ship designers, shipyards, shipowners and other parties concerned.
3 Member States are also invited to apply the annexed Guidelines to vessels and units
with dynamic positioning systems.
4 Furthermore, Member States are invited to use the model form of the Dynamic
Positioning Verification Acceptance Document (DPVAD), as set out in the appendix to the
Guidelines.

From the fourth point above, a new push for the DPVAD is seen. This is in line with the USCG NPRM.

Most of the MSC is geared toward new build vessels, however a number of sections are applicable to currently operating vessels with DP systems installed and in use. This includes the use of ASOG or other decision support tools as well as position reference sensors.

As the team at DPSOA.com reads through the MSC document we will post more.