An FMEA test involves thoroughly testing all equipment in a dynamic positioning (DP) system, including power, thruster, and control systems, to identify potential failures and ensure redundancy requirements for the vessel's DP class are met. The test objectives are to evaluate failure modes and effects, identify measures to reduce risks, and rectify any failures that do not meet redundancy standards. Companies like Global Maritime and GL Noble Denton perform FMEA tests, and classification societies, owners, and manufacturers are usually represented. Test results categorize recommendations, and failures that compromise redundancy must be addressed. FMEA tests are conducted during sea trials of new vessels and renewed every 5 years for certain class notations.

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FMEA Presentation

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Agenda - FMEA
• Referenced documents
• What is an FMEA test?
• FMEA test - Objectives
• Who performs an FMEA test?
• How are results divided in severity?
• What if level of redundancy according to DP class is not met?
• When and how often should an FMEA test be conducted?

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Referenced documents
• DNV Review: Review of methods for demonstrating
redundancy in dynamic positioning systems for the offshore
industry - by DNV Consulting for the Health and Safety
Executive 2004
• IMCA 166: Guidance on Failure Modes & Effects Analyses
(FMEAs)
• IMO Circ.645: Guidelines for Vessels with Dynamic Positioning
Systems (IMCA M 103)
• DNV Rules: DNV Rules for classification of ships, part 6 ch. 7

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What is an FMEA test?
• FMEA = Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
• FMEA test = A thorough test program to verify that
redundancy requirements for the DP Class is met
• This test involves all equipment in a DP system, where the DP
system comprises of:
– Power system
– Thruster system
– DP control system

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FMEA test - Objectives
• Identify potential failure modes and their causes and verify
worst case failure mode
• Evaluate the effects on the system of each failure mode
• Identify measures for eliminating or reducing the risks
associated with each failure mode
• Rectify failures that is not meeting redundancy requirements
for the DP class in question
• Provide information to operators and maintainers of the
system so they understand the capabilities and limitations of
the system

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Who performs an FMEA test?
• Two well known companies that perform FMEA tests are:
– Global Maritime
– GL Noble Denton
• The company that performs the FMEA test, forms a team with
expertise within different fields
• Very typically, the classification society, the vessel owner and
the manufactures will have representatives present during the
FMEA test

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How are results divided in severity?
• Global Maritime divide the severity in three recommendation-
categories:
– Recommendation A: Is to comply with the DP Class, or to be
implemented as soon as practicable
– Recommendation B: Is for serious consideration
– Recommendation C: Is for longer term consideration or for general
improvement
• The FMEA test-report normally contains a conclusion if the vessel is fit
for the purpose/DP class or not

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What if level of redundancy according to DP
class is not met?
• If effect of failures indicate that level of redundancy is not
met, these failures or effects will normally be demanded to be
rectified

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When and how often should an FMEA test be
conducted?
• For a new vessel the FMEA testing is normally integrated into
the shipyard sea trials programme.
• DNV Rules: The FMEA shall at all times be updated to cover
alterations to the DP-system. New FMEA testing during 5-
yearly renewals for class notations DYNPOS-AUTR and
DYNPOS-AUTRO
• IMCA M 166: Any changes should be recorded as annexes to
the FMEA. At suitable intervals, depending on the number of
relevant design changes made, the FMEA should be formally
updated

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