FMEA development and review
Preparation or independent review of the vessel's DP FMEA against the as-built configuration.
DP & FMEA Trials
DP FMEA / FMECA Proving Trials
Practical demonstration that identified failure modes produce the predicted effect and that redundancy performs as designed.
- FMEA
- FMECA
- DP Class 2
- DP Class 3
- Proving Trials
Overview
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis identifies the ways a system can fail and what each failure does to the vessel's ability to keep position. Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis extends that work with a criticality ranking, so that attention is directed to the failures that matter most.
Proving trials take the analysis off the page. Identified failures are introduced under controlled conditions and the vessel's response is observed, recorded and compared against the predicted effect. For DP Class 2 and Class 3 vessels this is how redundancy is demonstrated rather than assumed.
Scope of work
- Review of single line diagrams, control system architecture and as-built changes
- Identification of failure modes across power, propulsion, control and references
- Assessment of the effect of each failure on position keeping capability
- Criticality ranking where FMECA is in scope
- Preparation of a trials programme derived from the analysis
- Controlled introduction of failures with the vessel in a DP configuration
- Observation and recording of system response and recovery
- Comparison of observed behaviour against the predicted effect
- Reporting, including any deviation and recommended action
What we provide
FMECA criticality analysis
Ranking of failure modes by severity and consequence to focus mitigation and maintenance.
Annual and post-modification proving trials
Trials programme preparation, attendance, witnessing and reporting.
Gap closure support
Technical support where trials identify behaviour that differs from the predicted effect.
Frequently asked
- Is FMEA the same as FMECA?
- No. FMEA identifies failure modes and their effects. FMECA adds a criticality analysis on top of that, ranking failure modes by the severity and likelihood of their consequences.
- Which vessels require proving trials?
- They are associated with DP Class 2 and Class 3 vessels, where redundancy is fundamental to the notation. The specific requirement comes from class, flag and the operator's regime.
- How often are trials carried out?
- Industry practice is annual, with additional trials following modification to DP-related systems. Confirm the applicable interval with class and the charterer.
- What happens if the vessel does not behave as predicted?
- The deviation is recorded and reported. It may indicate an error in the analysis, an undocumented modification or a genuine defect. Each cause needs a different corrective path.
- Do you provide regulatory or legal advice?
- No. Our reporting is technical. Regulatory interpretation rests with class, flag and the operator.
- Can trials be carried out alongside?
- Some tests can. Tests that depend on the DP system holding position against environmental forces require the vessel to be at sea in a DP configuration.
Related services
DP Audits & Inspections
Vessel-specific DP audits covering system performance, redundancy, documentation and competence.
ASOG, CAM & TAM
Development and review of CAM, TAM and ASOG documentation for dynamically positioned vessels.
DP & FMEA Trials
Technical assurance for dynamically positioned vessels, offshore units and critical marine operations.
Next step
Tell us about the vessel, the scope and the timeline.
We respond with the right marine professional, a defined methodology and clear reporting expectations.