December 2024
The Prohibited Azimuth Zone, also referred to as Azimuth Barring, is a function in Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems that prevents azimuth thrusters from operating at certain angles. This ensures the thruster's water discharge does not interfere with other equipment, thrusters, or operational elements such as diving bells or ROVs.
A Pre-Operational Checklist is a vital tool used to confirm the vessel's readiness for operations once it is established under Dynamic Positioning (DP) control. This checklist ensures that all systems, equipment, and conditions are optimal and functioning correctly before the commencement of operational tasks.
A Pre-DP Checklist is a critical operational tool used to ensure all systems and conditions are ready for the safe transfer of a vessel from conventional navigation to Dynamic Positioning (DP) control. This checklist is completed immediately before engaging the DP system and may include separate sections for the Bridge and the Machinery Control Room to address the unique responsibilities of each area.
Power Management Systems (PMS) are computerized systems designed to maintain a continuous and reliable supply of power to essential users on vessels and offshore platforms. By monitoring power loads and availability, PMS plays a critical role in preventing blackouts, optimizing energy usage, and ensuring operational safety.
Position Reference Systems (PRS) are crucial navigational tools that provide positional feedback to Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems. These systems deliver accurate, real-time data about the vessel's position relative to fixed or moving reference points, enabling precise station-keeping and heading control in maritime operations.
Pitch refers to the rotational movement of a vessel around its athwartships axis (side-to-side axis). This motion causes the bow and stern to move up and down in response to waves or other external forces. Pitch is one of the six degrees of freedom in vessel dynamics, and while it is monitored in maritime operations, it is not directly controlled by a vessel's systems.
Pipe Tension Feedback is a system commonly installed on pipelay vessels to monitor and manage the tension in pipes being laid on the seafloor. By providing real-time data on pipe tension, this facility ensures the safe and efficient execution of pipelay operations, while also integrating with the Dynamic Positioning (DP) system to optimize vessel stability and positioning.
Operational Radius, also known as Reaction Radius, is a key parameter in Follow Target or Follow Sub modes of Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems. This factor defines the area or boundary within which the DP system reacts to the movements of a tracked target, such as a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) or another moving object.
Multipath refers to a phenomenon where signals from position reference systems, such as GPS or USBL (Ultra-Short Baseline) acoustics, are deflected or reflected by nearby structures or surfaces. This results in the receiver interpreting multiple signal paths, leading to errors in position determination. Multipath effects are a significant concern in Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations, where precision is critical.
A Motion Reference Unit (MRU) is a critical sensor used in maritime operations to measure a vessel's attitude, motions, and accelerations. This data is integral to the functioning of Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems, ensuring the vessel maintains stability and precision during various offshore activities.
