DP Vessel Maintainer

At Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz we train future DPVMs for Part one of the DPVM training scheme as laid out in the Nautical Institute Standard for Training and Certification.

• The DP Vessel Maintainer (DPVM) Scheme is designed for engineers, ETOs and other non-deck department, technical personnel serving on board DP-equipped vessels. 
• A DP vessel depends on redundancy of all systems onboard to ensure safe operations. Technical staff need to be able to identify the correct redundant set-up of all systems, identify loss of redundancy in any system and therefore understand when a vessel may have to suspend operations. 
• The course covers a 5-day training and examination (part 1) of the Nautical Institute DPVM scheme. 
• As a DP Vessel Maintainer you have knowledge of DP components and their location onboard the DP vessel. As part of the technical team whose duties include safe DP operation and preventive maintenance of all DP-related systems onboard of a DP vessel you are able to stop maintenance before affecting the redundancy of the vessel.
• Before starting or continuing critical operations, you as a DP Vessel Maintainer know when a vessel is safe to conduct DP operations and is compliant with the necessary DP class.

• This course covers essential knowledge in DP operations, component functions, and fault-finding techniques.
• Participants will gain hands-on experience through a Class A DP simulator, a unique fully operational High Voltage Switchboard Room simulator and practical assessments.
• It prepares the participants to handle technical challenges and ensure the safe operation of DP systems on board.

The course covers a 5-day training and examination (part 1) of the Nautical Institute DPVM scheme as further explained below.

The Nautical Institute established that the minimum qualifications for entry onto the DPVM Scheme are STCW Regulation III/1, III/2, III/3 and III/6.

DPVM Scheme Requirements

Part 1

The scheme begins with a five-day DPVM course and examination, which must be completed at one of the Nautical Institute accredited training centres.

Once you have passed, the training centre will issue your numbered NI DPVM logbook so that you can move on to Part 2.

Part 2

This is the sea time component of the scheme, which requires 26 sea time days to be completed in a DP engineering/ETO or technical capacity on board a DP-equipped vessel, and a set of specific tasks to be completed.

Seven of these days must be completed on DP days (i.e. days when the DP system is actively engaged and operating).

Part 3

Once Part 2 has been satisfactorily completed, the Master and Chief Engineer will stamp and sign off your experience in the Statement of Suitability.  This must be done on the final sea time day, before you sign off the vessel.

When the DPVM  has obtained the DPVM Certificate, it has to be revalidated every 5 years. See this website and the below graph.