| Print | Close Window | AMO Currents - Posted: February 7, 2012 |
STAR Center launches comprehensive dynamic positioning (DP) training program for AMO officers
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.
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 .
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
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