DPO Building Codes & Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which classification society notation is equivalent to DP Equipment Class 2 under Lloyd's Register rules?
- DP(AA) (Correct answer)
- DP(AM)
- DP(CM)
- DP(A)
Correct answer: DP(AA)
Lloyd's Register uses the notation DP(AA) for Class 2 equivalent, indicating redundancy in active components without fire/flood separation.
Question 2: According to the IMCA competence framework, a DPO logbook sea time must be verified by:
- The vessel's Master and DP instructor (Correct answer)
- The flag state maritime authority only
- The port state control officer
- The insurance P&I club surveyor
Correct answer: The vessel's Master and DP instructor
IMCA requires that sea time entries in the DPO logbook be countersigned by the Master and verified by an approved DP instructor.
Question 3: What does the term 'worst-case failure design intent' (WCFDI) refer to in DP FMEA standards?
- The single failure that results in the greatest loss of thrust or position keeping ability (Correct answer)
- The maximum environmental condition the DP system is rated for
- A backup mode that activates during blackout recovery
- The rated capacity of the standby generator
Correct answer: The single failure that results in the greatest loss of thrust or position keeping ability
WCFDI identifies the single credible failure that would produce the most severe consequence to position keeping, used to define DP capability limits.
Question 4: Under SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8, DP vessels operating in DP Class 2 or 3 must have their DP systems:
- Tested and documented in an approved DP FMEA (Correct answer)
- Inspected annually by the flag state only
- Operated solely by certificated GMDSS officers
- Approved by port state before each operation
Correct answer: Tested and documented in an approved DP FMEA
SOLAS II-1/3-8 requires that DP systems on Class 2 and 3 vessels be backed by an approved FMEA proving redundancy against single failures.
Question 5: The IMCA document M 220 covers which operational topic?
- Common marine inspection document (CMID) for DP vessels (Correct answer)
- Annual thruster overhaul procedures
- UPS battery replacement schedules
- DP position reference sensor calibration
Correct answer: Common marine inspection document (CMID) for DP vessels
IMCA M 220 is the Common Marine Inspection Document used to standardize DP vessel inspection criteria across the offshore industry.
Question 6: According to IMCA M 166, what is the recommended minimum number of independent position reference systems for a DP Class 2 operation?
- Three (Correct answer)
- One
- Two
- Four
Correct answer: Three
IMCA M 166 recommends a minimum of three independent position reference systems for DP Class 2 operations to ensure reliable position data.
Question 7: The ABS 'Guidance Notes on the Application of Ergonomics to Marine Systems' is most directly relevant to DP operators because it addresses:
- Bridge console layout and alarm management for reducing operator error (Correct answer)
- Ballast water exchange procedures
- Propeller cavitation noise limits
- Anchor windlass hydraulic pressure ratings
Correct answer: Bridge console layout and alarm management for reducing operator error
ABS ergonomics guidance directly affects DP bridge console design, alarm management philosophy, and display layouts to minimize human error.
DPO Building Codes & Standards 3
Which classification society notation is equivalent to DP Equipment Class 2 under Lloyd's Register rules?