entering dynamic positioning

[ketanagrawal]

i'm a master mariner trying to enter the dynamic positioning trade would be grateful if somebody could provide information on career progress & prospects & things to look out for mistakes to avoid, my email id is ketanagrawal@hotmail.com any guidance or advice is most welcome

[dpwanabee]

I have a question along these lines also. If you have the initial DP school, in what capacity do you have to sail as to get time towards that school? In other words, it seems that most companies do not want to put an extra person on that's not filling a billet. I've got an Unlimited C/M license but would be willing to sail as A/B as long as it led to a DP cert. Then at least I would be filling a slot and not just an observer or trainee. Would A/B time count after you get the class? Any help would be appreciated.

[Capt. Lee]

I have a question along these lines also. If you have the initial DP school, in what capacity do you have to sail as to get time towards that school? In other words, it seems that most companies do not want to put an extra person on that's not filling a billet. I've got an Unlimited C/M license but would be willing to sail as A/B as long as it led to a DP cert. Then at least I would be filling a slot and not just an observer or trainee. Would A/B time count after you get the class? Any help would be appreciated.

If they will hire you as an AB and put you in the bridge using the DP equipment. That will satisfy the time. If you are on there as an AB and working as an AB then it will not do you any good, because you have to log 28 or 30 days on a DP system, become proficient in the use of the systems, signed off that you are proficient in the basic understanding of the system and then return to school for the Advanced class. Being eager to get the training, I am surprised none of the drilling contractors are interested. If you can not get your foot in that way you may want to try one of the OSV companies that provide DP training. You could get on there and get the training required for DP operators. You would also get compensated more while you learn. Once you get the DP Certificate then you will have more options. There are trainee positions available at drilling companies and since you already have your Chief Mate you should move up quickly. It is kind of funny. I am a 2nd Mate DPO trying to get his Chief Mate license so I don't have to be a DPO anymore and you are a Chief Mate trying to get his DPO. Why don't we just swap.

[ketanagrawal]

good day capt,i am holding a master unlimited licence could u guide me as to how much expected time would it take for me to progress up to the dp master rank if i start now which companies offer the best working conditions & expected salary scale & if possible guidance on how i should proceed if i join the DP industry, & also if u could tell me if i can join the dp-3 or do i need to pass through dp-1 & 2 levels to join the dp-3 or could i join dp-3 vessels directly as trainee & then continue onwards
thanks for all your help
ketan

[Capt. Lee]

As long as the DP system is a DP2 or above it qualifies for an un-restricted DP operator Certificate. Commonly referred to as an unlimited DP Operator Certificate although it does not say Unlimited anywhere on it. If it is restricted, for example only sea time on dp1 then it will clearly state "Limited" on the Certificate. If you are issued a "limited" Certificate you can still get the unlimited certificate after 90 days of recorded dp days on a DP2 vessel or above.

[be761119]

Dear Capt.Lee,

I have a questions regarding starting career in Offshore industry as DPO. Diamond offshore given opportunity for their BCO for start training DP in their oil Rig. Is it same conditions in other offshore company? meaning to says due to no space for DP trainee, prospective DPO should start their career as BCO then on this phase BCO shall learn DP systems, once learn very well then promoted to DP trainee.

[Sharp21]

If that path is available to be able to get your DP license I say take it.
It is getting harder to get it the traditional way these days so that is a good example of thinking outside the box.
S.

[Capt. Lee]

Dear Capt.Lee,

I have a questions regarding starting career in Offshore industry as DPO. Diamond offshore given opportunity for their BCO for start training DP in their oil Rig. Is it same conditions in other offshore company? meaning to says due to no space for DP trainee, prospective DPO should start their career as BCO then on this phase BCO shall learn DP systems, once learn very well then promoted to DP trainee.

I would if the money was right for you. That can always a show stopper. $$$. It may be easier for you to move up since Diamond will have two DP rigs on charter soon. That is a minimum of 8 DP operators in rotation and up to 4 chief mates per each rig. Being a DP operator on those vessels will include a dual role as BCO and DPO. A BCO on a traditional moored rig is quite different than a DP rig where you are chained to the bridge. It may allow you the opportunity to educate yourself about the drilling side and actually get out and experience life outside the bridge that will put you light years ahead of an individual that has not spent any time on deck.

BTW in the future send me a private message and I will be able to get back to you sooner.

Lee

[Sharp21]

Even if the money is crap you can recoup that once you have your DP ticket. Sometimes you need to make a sacrifice today for the reward tomorrow
S.

[be761119]

Dear Mr.Sean Hogue & Capt.Lee,

Thank you very much for your good comments, I really highly appreciated for that. Regarding BCO in Diamond Offshore, I sent application to them for this position but no response at all. Somehow yesterday, I got positive response from RK offshore for their AHTS that equipped DP system. They willing assign me as 2/O in November. Anyway as usual, I can't count to them too much just hoping this become real. Wish me luck.....

[Sharp21]

Best of luck to you!
S.

[bigred86]

Hello,

I am highly interested in becoming a DPO...was wondering what my options are and what might be the best route to take?? I currently work offshore as a production operator been doing so for 4years. I have USCG BCO license, AB/LB, and 51hr. advanced firefighting(might not mean much, just trying to be as informational as possible). Been looking to get into the field for sometime, it just seems like such an awesome career. I have picked out a few school's to maybe thier basic DP class (L-3 or Kongsberg) are they any good?? From there would i need to find a job as a DP Trainee?? What would be the best route OSV....Drilling?? Is it a hard field to get it into, am i wasting my time seeing how im in a totally different field?? I know this is a lot, but any help would be very much appreciated. Thank You!