Star Center to get into DP training

**c.captain** · August 11th, 2011, 09:13 AM

I guess it was inevitable considering that the AMO wants into the offshore industry

STAR Center, located in Dania Beach, Florida, is launching into the Dynamic Positioning (DP) Training market, expanding its comprehensive world-class simulation training services to the offshore, cable laying and cruise ship markets in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.

In a contract signed with Kongsberg Maritime Simulation (Mystic, CT, USA), STAR Center will acquire a dual-redundant Advanced K-Pos DP trainer capable of being integrated with its existing Polaris© Ship Bridge Simulator, in addition to six Basic K-Pos trainers, to be used in a classroom setting with a separate instructor station. Kongsberg, widely recognized as the world’s market leader for DP systems, will provide STAR Center with proven DP training technology – the same DP technology used onboard thousands of offshore support vessels, cable layers, research ships, cruise ships and other DP-enabled vessels and oil rigs worldwide.

Phil Shullo, Director of Training for the AMO Safety & Education Plan and Managing Director at STAR Center, said, “We view this important addition to our suite of high-value simulation training services to be of strategic importance to ensuring American Maritime Officers members are prepared to operate the most technologically advanced vessels in support of AMO contracted companies . The first order of business will be to seek Nautical Institute accreditation and enter this market quickly.”

Brian Long, Director of STAR Center Dania Beach, said, “Our choice of vendor for DP trainers was an easy one. Kongsberg is widely recognized as the world leader in both real equipment and DP simulation systems. Kongsberg DP technology dominates the industry in the Gulf of Mexico. The K-Pos solution represents exceptional value and builds on a long-standing trusting relationship.”

The Basic DP training systems will allow students to practice realistic DP operations on their desktop panels and through the graphical user interface on the monitors. The instructor will guide the students to operate the DP control system, and the built-in simulator will offer realistic response to the operations initiated by each student.

The Advanced Trainer is based on the Kongsberg K-Pos DP22, a dual redundant dynamic positioning system designed for all DP applications with a full range of functionality. Its modularity and use of common building blocks allows for high flexibility and various upgrades. The system is designed to satisfy class notations equivalent to Dynamic Positioning Class 2, including dual redundancy, no single-point failure; failure detection; fault isolation; switchover to hot standby; and comparison of sensor data between computers.

In addition to the Basic and Advanced DP systems, STAR Center will also receive four DP Models, three of which will be twinned with three Polaris “ownship” models for use on STAR’s existing Full Mission bridge. DP models to be delivered include a supply vessel, a semi-submersible, a tanker and a drill ship.

Henry Tremblay, President of Kongsberg Maritime Simulation, said, “We are proud to be affiliated with STAR Center and with this latest sale. With such a strong historical track record working with the cruise and offshore industries, paired with their highly competent staff and strategic location, we have every confidence their entrance into the DP market will yield positive results for the Center and their customers. As evidenced by continuing strong sales of Kongsberg DP systems in the Gulf of Mexico, the DP market is on solid footing and STAR Center is strategically positioned to capture their share of it.”

I still do not want them to get into the GoM as I know how good they are at driving down wages with offering the vessel operators sweetheart contracts and strongarming their membership to accept their terms.

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**Skoidat69** · August 11th, 2011, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by c.captain

I guess it was inevitable considering that the AMO wants into the offshore industry

I still do not want them to get into the GoM as I know how good they are at driving down wages with offering the vessel operators sweetheart contracts and strongarming their membership to accept their terms.

.

Damn, I hope that they don't get into the Gulf. I left them to make more $$ in the oilfield

**Power Play** · August 12th, 2011, 02:05 AM

With the new regulations coming out pertaining to sea time from NI for acquiring a DP certification I do believe it will rather hard for AMO to really make any headway with this since it will take a considerable amount of time for their members to get the thirty days required after basic, and then the 180 required after advanced. I cannot imagine that AMO could edge their way into the Gulf, especially now with the proposed changes coming to the licensing structure which I perceive will make it easier to upgrade. Being a former AMO'er I have no desire to see them try to get their foot in the door, and that they could bring nothing to the table that is not already there. Additionally I do not believe AMO has very many DP capable vessels in its brothel...

**Skoidat69** · February 7th, 2012, 08:50 AM

They are moving forward....

STAR Center launches comprehensive dynamic positioning training program for AMO officers
STAR Center in March will launch the first dynamic positioning (DP) training module for members of American Maritime Officers as part of a comprehensive new program utilizing Kongsberg simulators and systems to provide complete DP certification - induction through advanced - and to enable AMO officers with limited DP certification to upgrade to full DP Operator certification.

A division of the AMO Safety and Education Plan, STAR Center is the primary training provider for AMO officers. The AMO fleet roster includes vessels that actively employ DP systems as part of their regular operations.

"The demand is expanding rapidly for officers with DP certification and unlimited licenses that include the STCW Officer in Charge endorsement," said AMO National President Tom Bethel. "With the premier training available at STAR Center, AMO is poised to be a leading source in DP markets facing a growing shortage and a deepening need."

The training provided by STAR Center will satisfy classroom requirements for full Nautical Institute DP Operator certification, which is required by some companies for operation of the highest DP-classed vessels.

STAR Center's Kongsberg DP simulator suites include a full interactive classroom with an instructor station and six basic DP training systems that allow students to practice realistic DP operations on their desktop panels and through the graphical user interface on the monitors. The instructor will guide the students to operate the DP control system, and the built-in simulator will offer realistic response to the operations initiated by each student.

The advanced trainer includes an instructor station and bridge simulator based on the Kongsberg K-POS DP22, a dual redundant DP system designed for all DP applications with a full range of functionality. The system is designed to satisfy class notations equivalent to DP Class 2, including dual redundancy, no single-point failure; failure detection; fault isolation; switchover to hot standby; and comparison of sensor data between computers.

"This exceptional addition to the suite of quality simulation training programs provided by STAR Center will help ensure AMO officers are prepared to effectively crew the most technologically advanced vessels," said STAR Center Director of Training Phil Shullo.

STAR Center courses will utilize four DP models - a supply vessel, a semi-submersible, a tanker and a drill ship - from DP system designer Kongsberg Maritime Simulation. The technology employed in the classroom is the same as that aboard specialized vessels operating with DP systems.

STAR Center will offer both Basic (Induction) and Advanced (Simulator) DP courses. In addition to classroom training, AMO officers have the ability to sail aboard AMO-contracted vessels with full DP classification to earn experience and the required sea time for certification.

Coupled with STAR Center's DP training program, the flexible manning options employed by AMO are geared to meet the needs of operating companies under existing contracts, and to provide an array of options for vessel managers - whether they are seeking individual officers to fill key positions or an entire complement of highly-skilled and certified officers. Manning strategies include the hiring of officers through an agreement with PRONAV Offshore Services LLC.

"The comprehensive DP training program available at STAR Center will enhance AMO's presence in existing trades with our contracted operating companies, and will open opportunities in new markets for AMO officers," Bethel said.

DP training parameters and requirements

Initial plans call for the scheduling of four basic DP courses and four advanced DP courses at STAR Center in 2012, and additional courses can be scheduled based on the needs of AMO members and contracted operating companies.

All individuals enrolling must be full AMO book members with no delinquencies and all AMO members participating in the training must sign an Agreement of Reimbursement specific to the DP training program. A copy of the agreement is available for review by AMO members in the secure section of the AMO website. The actual agreement will be presented to AMO members by STAR Center at the beginning of a DP training course.

Enrollment in DP training courses at STAR Center will be on a prioritized basis. Eligibility for prioritized enrollment will be determined as follows:

Priority 1 enrollment - AMO members requiring basic and/or advanced DP training will be recommended by AMO-contracted companies that operate vessels utilizing DP systems. Priority 1 enrollment will also be granted to AMO members who have been denied a Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) certificate by the Nautical Institute solely because their advanced DP training was completed more than five years prior to applying.

In return for DP training slots under priority 1 enrollment, AMO and STAR Center will request billets from contracted operating companies for AMO members to obtain the required shipboard experience and familiarization for future DP certification.

Priority 2 enrollment - AMO members with prior DP training or experience:

Basic course: members with previous documented DP experience but without any Nautical Institute DP training
Advanced course: AMO members who have completed a basic DP course in the past and can provide proof of completion for the Nautical Institute required 30 days of logbook check-offs/familiarization
All members applying for priority 2 enrollment should be vetted for employment eligibility with AMO contracted companies aboard vessels utilizing DP systems.

Priority 3 enrollment - AMO members with no DP experience

DP training selection, vetting and enrollment process

All AMO members with prior DP training and/or experience, as well as members without training and/or experience interested in opportunities aboard vessels employing DP systems, will need to send an e-mail outlining their interest in the program, any DP experience or training (including any Nautical Institute DP certificates), and a detailed resume to e-mail.

All members applying will receive a reply with detailed information on the selection process. They will also be directed to the secure section of the AMO website to review the Agreement of Reimbursement specific to STAR Center DP training courses, which contains requirements that must be met following completion of DP training.

A detailed summary spreadsheet of interested AMO members will be maintained for use in the selection process for prioritized enrollment.

As AMO determines the need for new DP training entrants, the applications and training records on file will be reviewed and vetted by a team composed of personnel from AMO, STAR Center and potential contracted employers, as appropriate.

The criteria for selection of DP training candidates includes but is not limited to:

Full AMO book members with no delinquencies or disciplinary issues.
The likelihood of employment aboard DP-equipped vessels operated under contract with AMO
The availability of shipboard familiarization billets
Availability for sustained employment aboard DP-equipped vessels operated under contract with AMO

STAR Center will be notified of eligible candidates by AMO, at which time DP training will be scheduled and coordinated with shipboard familiarization opportunities identified by AMO.