Senior Dynamic Positioning Operator (SDPO)

Valaris•Houston, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr Dynamic Positioning Operator (Sr DPO) operates the automated and fixed station keeping system of the MODU while on location and acts as the Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW) while underway. The Sr DPO is the Senior Marine representative on the bridge/control room. This role reports directly to the Chief Mate or Barge Supervisor, or directly to the Master if no Chief Mate/Barge Supervisor is on tour. The Sr DPO is the senior person on the bridge/control room in the absence of the Chief Mate or Master, and Junior Dynamic Positioning Operators (JDPO) and Dynamic Positioning Operators (DPO) report directly to the Sr DPO. The position requires compliance with the Valaris Management System’s (VMS), policies, procedures, and relevant regulatory requirements. The Sr DPO is responsible for the proper setup, operation, and monitoring of the DP System and associated sensors, as well as operating and understanding various vessel systems like ballast control, power management, bilge, ventilation, fire & gas, and fuel systems according to DP FMEA and Proving Trials. This role also involves maintaining regulatory and internal vessel records, communicating potential position loss or equipment failures, maintaining DP/Bridge logbooks and records, supporting DP equipment maintenance, and ensuring effective communication with other rig personnel during operations. The Sr DPO must maintain operational awareness, plan DP operations to support overall goals, and ensure operations are conducted in accordance with well programs, rig move plans, company requirements, and contractual obligations. A comprehensive work status report must be prepared and communicated at the end of shifts and hitches. The role includes maintaining a safe navigational watch, reviewing DP FMEA and Proving Trials, understanding the SSOC procedure, and possessing full operational knowledge of the data logger. The Sr DPO is also responsible for ensuring adequate on-the-job DP training and experience for DPOs and Jr DPOs, preparing and executing rig move plans, maintaining nautical publications and charts, and ensuring safe Dynamic Positioning activities and simultaneous operations. Maintaining the 500-meter exclusion zone and performing emergency duties are also key responsibilities. As an identified Barrier Authority (BA) under the Valaris Management System (VMS), the Sr DPO is integral to the management and control of Major Accident Hazards/Process Safety Risks, responsible for barrier integrity verification activities, assessing deficiencies, and taking corrective actions.

Requirements

Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch License
STCW 95 II/1
Valid Flag State Endorsement
Valid Dynamic Positioning Operator certificate
Valid Ballast Control Operator credential (for semi-submersible MODUs)
Minimum of two (2) years experience as certified DPO on MODU’s and preferably on same type of DP system; or three years minimum experience as certified DPO from other type DP vessel
Fluent English communication skills
Compliant with all mandatory Sr DPO training described in the Valaris training matrix.

Nice To Haves

preferably on same type of DP system

Responsibilities

Operates the automated and fixed station keeping system of the MODU while on location.
Acts as the Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW) while underway.
Is the senior person on the bridge/control room in the absence of the Chief Mate or Master.
Complies with the Valaris Management System’s (VMS), policies, procedures, and relevant regulatory requirements.
Responsible for proper set up, operation, and monitoring of the DP System and associated sensors.
Operates and understands ballast control system, power management system, bilge system, ventilation system, fire & gas system, fuel system, etc. as per the most recent class-approved DP FMEA and Proving Trials.
Responsible for maintaining applicable and required regulatory and internal vessel records.
Immediately communicates a situation that may result in a position loss or any equipment fault or failure that degrades station-keeping ability.
Maintains DP/Bridge logbooks and other DP records as required.
Maintains records of system anomalies and ensures they are adequately corrected.
Supports Preventive and Corrective DP equipment maintenance.
Supports acoustic system setup and deployment.
Understands basic drill floor operations and their potential impact on DP operations.
Ensures effective communication with the drill floor, Engine Control Room (ECR) and ROV (when deployed) while connected to the seabed.
Maintains operational awareness and plans DP operations to support the overall operational goal.
Maintains awareness of Permits to Work and Isolated equipment as it pertains to equipment or systems that support DP operations.
Ensures operations are planned, organized, supervised, and executed in accordance with well programs, rig move plans, company requirements, and contractual obligations.
Prepares a comprehensive and accurate work status report and communicate it at end of shift and end of hitch handovers.
Maintains a safe navigational watch as required and as directed by the Master.
Reviews and understands the vessel’s class-approved DP Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Proving Trials.
Reviews and understands the requirements of the SSOC procedure.
Possesses full operational knowledge of the data logger.
Responsible to ensure DPOs and Jr DPOs receive adequate on-the-job DP training and experience.
Prepares and executes rig move plans in accordance with Master’s Standing Orders and company procedures.
Maintains nautical publications and charts per regulatory standards.
Maintains Voyage Planning report (transits/field moves).
Ensures safe Dynamic Positioning activities and Simultaneous Operations with other vessels.
Responsible for maintaining the 500-meter exclusion zone of the vessel.
Performs emergency duties and responsibilities as stated on the Station Bill, DP Emergency Response Plan and vessel specific Emergency Response Manual.
As an identified Barrier Authority (BA) under the Valaris Management System (VMS), integral to the management and control of Major Accident Hazards/Process Safety Risks.
Responsible for the thorough and timely completion of assigned barrier integrity verification activities, as prescribed under VMS, for the assessment of associated deficiencies and, if applicable taking mitigating or corrective actions to the best of their competency, knowledge and ability.