QUESTION 4.5.1

Annual DP trials and onboard failure exercises

OilBridge, Engine Control Room

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether the latest annual DP trial verifies fault tolerance against the FMEA and unresolved findings are controlled, while crews practise credible failure scenarios, and whether plans, records and interviews demonstrate that the procedure is applied during real voyages rather than completed only as paperwork.

Ready onboard

0/6 complete

PROCEDUREThe programme covers annual trials, post-modification tests, FMEA proving trials, defect closeout and onboard drills appropriate to the DP equipment class.EVIDENCEReview the latest signed trial report, test sheets, outstanding items, class acceptance, drill records and changes made since the tested configuration.RESPONSIBILITYThe Master and responsible officers can identify who prepares, verifies, approves and monitors each stage.FMEA LINKEach trial and drill relates to defined worst-case failure, redundancy groups and consequence analysis.CLOSEOUTObservations have responsible persons, dates, evidence and class or company acceptance as required.DRILLSDPO and engine teams practise power, thruster, reference, sensor, network and communication failures without unsafe plant manipulation.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1What is the operational purpose of annual dp trials and onboard failure exercises?

The latest annual dp trial verifies fault tolerance against the fmea and unresolved findings are controlled, while crews practise credible failure scenarios.

2Show how the procedure was applied on the last voyage.

Review the latest signed trial report, test sheets, outstanding items, class acceptance, drill records and changes made since the tested configuration.

3Which decision requires the Master's judgement?

The Master decides whether an unresolved finding changes redundancy, operating limits, ASOG status or suitability for the planned activity.

4What happens if the planned control becomes invalid?

Move to the applicable degraded or emergency ASOG condition, stop the activity if required, notify stakeholders and obtain verified repair and retest.

5How are changes communicated and recorded?

Brief the affected bridge and machinery personnel, amend the controlled plan or record, obtain required approval and retain the reason and revised limits.

Where an observation may arise

PAPER COMPLIANCE

Records exist but the bridge team cannot relate them to the actual voyage or operation.

CHANGE UNCONTROLLED

A material change is not reassessed, approved, briefed or recorded.

OPEN FINDING

A trial defect remains without operational restriction or closeout.

CONFIGURATION CHANGE

Software or plant modification occurred without required analysis and testing.

PAPER DRILL

Records exist but personnel cannot explain or execute the response.

Master's practical note

Compare the current plant configuration with the configuration actually trialled. A valid annual report may no longer represent the vessel after software, generator, thruster or network changes.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Applicable only to oil vessels fitted and operated for DP or shuttle-tanker service. Test scope follows class, flag, FMEA and company requirements; hazardous live failure tests must be controlled or simulated.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 4.5.1
IMO MSC.1/Circ.1580
IMCA guidance for annual DP trials and FMEA proving trials
Applicable class DP rules

Last reviewed: 2026-09-11