VDAB Certification Body of Persons:
How to become/stay a DNV-certified Dynamic Position Operator (DPO)?
What is Dynamic Positioning and what does a Dynamic Positioning Operator do?
Dynamic Positioning (DP) is an advanced system that keeps ships in a precise position without using anchors by automatically compensating for wind and currents. As a Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO), you operate this system and are responsible for setting it up, monitoring it and carrying out crucial risk analyses.
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Why choose DNV certification?
DNV certification for DPO's provides global recognition and demonstrates that you meet the most stringent international standards for professional competence and safety in the maritime sector. DNV certification is carried out in accordance with the requirements set out in the Competence Standard for Dynamic Positioning Operators (DNV-ST-023). There are two different types of certificates.
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The VDAB Certification Body is accredited by DNV (in accordance with DNV-ST-032) to issue DNV DPO certifications. It has set out the process for achieving a DNV DPO certification through various schemes (certification, revalidation and upgrade)- see below.
Different Certification Schemes
Initial certification See DNV DP Certification Scheme
- entire traject: the following certification requirements shall be met as part of the initial certification process of DPOs:
- Training completed at an approved training centre
- Sea-time completed in accordance with defined criteria
- Impartial competence assessment at an approved examination centre
- shortened traject: Under certain conditions, you may be able to follow an accelerated programme via lateral entry: check the conditions in the Certification Scheme.
Revalidation of your certification See DNV DP Revalidation Scheme
After five years, you need to renew your certificate. For this, you will need to follow a refresher training.
Upgrade your certification See DNV DP Upgrade Scheme
You can upgrade your limited certificate to an unlimited DNV DPO certificate?
Registration for one of the steps within the schemes
Note: the DP courses and examinations are conducted in English. Therefore, a good command of the English language is essential.
Training course:
apply to a training provider approved by the VDAB Certification Body.
Approved Training providers:
VDAB Maritime Training Centre, Lanceloot Blondeellaan 9, 8380 Zeebrugge. Contact details: infomaritiem@vdab.be.
- How to contact? Send an email to infomaritiem@vdab.be and state which course you wish to apply for. The training centre will then get in touch with you for further information.
Examination (DNV Start or Advanced examination)
Submit your application for an examination to the Certification Body by completing this application form
- The Certification Body will review your application and contact you with the decision. If you are accepted onto the certification scheme, you will be asked to register for an exam at an approved examination centre.
Approved Examination Centres:
VDAB Examination Centre, Lanceloot Blondeellaan 9, 8380 Zeebrugge. Contact details: DP-EC@vdab.be
- How to contact? Send an email to DP-EC@vdab.be and state which exam you wish to register for. The examination centre will then get in touch with you for further information.
You can find the list of scheduled exams here You can find the Examination Regulations here
More information:
- Ombuds service: Are you unsatisfied with the service provided by the VDAB Certification Body or the VDAB Examination Centre, you can contact the Ombuds Service VDAB Certification Body of Persons via DPcomplaints@group.vdab.be
- If you wish to apply for accreditation as a training institution or examination centre under the VDAB Certification Body of Persons, please contact us at email: DP-CB@vdab.be
Contact Details:
VDAB Certification Body of Persons
Lanceloot Blondeellaan 9, 8380 Zeebrugge
DP-CB@vdab.be
team leader: Jaimie Daelman