Dynamic Positioning & the Potential for USCG Regulations

Dynamic positioning is a vessel capability provided by integration of a variety of individual systems and functions to automatically maintain a vessel’s position and heading by use of the vessel’s propellers and thrusters, and has been in use, particularly in the offshore oil and gas exploration business since the 1960s.  To date, use of dynamic positioning has relied on industry best practices, classification society rules, and guidance from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).  If the US Coast Guard has its way, that may change soon.  On 28 November 2014, the Coast Guard issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled “Requirements for MODUs and Other Vessels Conducting Outer Continental Shelf Activities with Dynamic Positioning Systems.” 
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