Dynamic Positioning (DP) Assessment Services
A Dynamic Positioning incident rarely stays contained to the vessel. Off-hire days, an investigation, a charter party dispute, a difficult conversation with a client who decides who gets next year’s contract – these can all be the costs of a DP incident.
DP incidents don’t just occur on poorly maintained vessels. They can occur across the fleet, on vessels holding valid class notations, during routine operations.
Brookes Bell’s Master Mariners provide independent DP assessments that look beyond the certificate – at the system, the procedures, and the people operating it – giving ship owners and charterers a clear picture of where they stand before a client, insurer, or an incident asks the question for them.
What we assess
DP System Evaluation
Assessment of the vessel’s DP control systems, thrusters, sensors, power management interfaces and associated equipment, reviewing system integrity, maintenance effectiveness, calibration status, and operational readiness.
Compliance & Assurance Review
Evaluation of DP procedures, documentation, and operational practice against IMO guidelines, IMCA recommendations, class requirements, and company standards.
DP Capability Assessment
Review of the vessel’s DP capability under varying environmental and operational conditions, including worst-case failure scenarios, to support safe and efficient operations.
DP Personnel Competency Evaluation
Assessment of DP Operators, technical staff, and vessel management through interviews, practical evaluation, and training record review.
DP Risk & Operational Review
Identification of operational risk relating to equipment reliability, human factors, vessel configuration and mission requirements, with practical recommendations to strengthen safety and resilience.
Improvement Plan & Recommendations
A clear, actionable report setting out recommendations to strengthen DP performance, reinforce risk controls and support continuous improvement.
Our approach
We do more than list findings. Working alongside onboard teams and shore management, our Master Mariners – supported where needed by Brookes Bell’s marine engineers, naval architects and wider technical disciplines – deliver practical, collaborative recommendations designed to strengthen safety, efficiency, and crew competence, long after the report is delivered.
Why it matters: for owners and charterers
For ship owners – before you tender for high-value DP-dependent work, or before a charterer’s own vetting team asks the question, know where your vessel and crew really stand.
For charterers – before committing a drilling, subsea, cable-lay, or offshore wind operation to a DP vessel, verify that its real-world capability matches what’s on the class certificate and DP capability plan.
Key benefits of working with Brookes Bell
- Improved DP safety performance.
- Enhanced operational efficiency.
- Reduced operational and commercial risk.
- Stronger crew competence.
- Increased DP reliability and redundancy assurance.
- Alignment with IMO, IMCA, and industry best practice.
- Practical, value-driven recommendations.
Brookes Bell has supported the maritime industry for over 120 years, combining Master Mariner experience with engineering, scientific, and technical expertise under one roof.
Speak to a Master Mariner today.