Dynamic positioning operator
Use a computer system to keep a ship in one position so it's safe to load supplies to an offshore platform, do drilling or lay pipes on the seabed.
About the job
What it's like
You would use computer systems to control a ship so it can stay in one position and remain stable in the sea.
Your vessel could be a ship or a semi-submersible involved in:
Supplying offshore oil and gas platforms
Drilling operations
Laying pipes on the seabed
Setting up renewable energy sources like wind or tidal turbines
Doing oceanographic research
Your work would be important because if the vessel moves too much as these activities are going on it could be very dangerous for the people doing the work.
The computer system takes in information from sensors which measure the strength of the wind, currents and waves. It uses this data, along with information about the weight of the vessel, to calculate how to adjust the propellers, thrusters and rudders to stop the ship from moving too far forward, backwards, sideways or up and down.
You would:
Check the navigation details for the required position
Monitor the dynamic positioning computer
Make sure that the floating unit or ship automatically corrects its position
Check the systems work correctly and test them
Keep the log book up to date
Take action in an emergency
You would use specialist techniques and equipment including acoustics and global positioning systems (GPS) to get the right location.
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Engineering Science
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Geography
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Information and Communications Technology - ICT
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
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Applications of Mathematics
You would usually start within the Merchant Navy as a Navigation (Deck) Officer completing a Modern Apprenticeship with specialist Merchant Navy training at college.
Once qualified you can work towards a Dynamic Positioning Operator’s Certificate.
You usually require a minimum of four National 5 qualifications (SCQF Level 5) to be eligible to enter any courses approved by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) such as the City of Glasgow College National Certificate/National Qualification.
To enter the Higher National Certificate at the University of Highlands and Islands or the Higher National Diploma at City of Glasgow College requires National 5 qualifications and one to two Highers or relevant NC/NQ.
To enter a Scottish Professional Diploma you will require 120 UCAS points from two or more Highers; these must include either Physics or Mathematics.
Qualifications and experience that show relevant skills such as Skills for Work: Maritime Skills National 5 (SCQF level 5) or Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF Level 4) will be helpful when applying.
Work-based qualifications such as the Scottish Vocational Qualification in Maritime Occupations (SVQ level 5).
Once in a job, to progress in rank, you will have to hold a relevant Certificate of Competency which is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
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