What is DP Certification?
Dynamic Positioning (DP) certification allows officers to operate vessels that maintain position using computer-controlled thrusters instead of anchors. It is essential for jobs on offshore support vessels, construction vessels, drillships, and many subsea operations.
The main certifying body is The Nautical Institute (NI).
DP Certification Requirements (NI Scheme)To obtain a DP Operator (DPO) certificate, you must follow this structured path:1. Minimum Entry RequirementsYou must hold one of the following STCW Certificates of Competency:
| Certificate Type | STCW Regulation | Accepted For DP Training? |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Officer | II/1, II/2, II/3 | Yes |
| Engineer Officer | III/1, III/2, III/3 | Yes |
| Electro-Technical Officer | III/6 | Yes |
Note: You can start training while working toward your CoC in some cases, but you need the certificate before applying for the final DP certificate.
2. DP Training Phases (New Scheme)
2. DP Training Phases (New Scheme)
You must complete the following in order:
| Phase | Requirement | Details | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DP Induction Course (Basic) | Classroom + Simulator at NI-accredited centre | 5 days |
| 2 | Sea Time + Logbook | DP watchkeeping time + complete tasks | 60 days |
| 3 | DP Simulator Course (Advanced) | Advanced simulator training | 5 days |
| 4 | Final Sea Time | Additional DP sea time | 60 days |
Total sea time required: 120 days of DP watch-keeping.
3. Types of DP Certificates
| Certificate Type | Sea Time Requirement | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DP Unlimited | At least 60 days on DP Class 2 or 3 vessels | Most offshore jobs (recommended) |
| DP Limited | Less than 60 days on Class 2/3 vessels | DP Class 1 vessels only |
| Restricted | Special schemes (e.g. Jack-up platforms) | Specific vessel types |
Tip: Most companies prefer candidates with a DP Unlimited certificate.
Revalidation Requirements (2026 Update)
To keep your DP certificate valid, you must revalidate every 5 years.
From 2026 onwards, you need one of the following:
- 150 days of DP sea time in the last 5 years OR
- Complete the NI DP Refresher Course + minimum 3 years of NI-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
If you don’t meet the requirements, you get a 12-month grace period to complete them.
Summary: How to Become a DPO
- Get your STCW Deck or Engineer Officer Certificate.
- Complete DP Induction Course.
- Gain 60 days DP sea time + fill logbook.
- Complete DP Advanced Simulator Course.
- Gain another 60 days DP sea time.
- Apply to The Nautical Institute for your certificate.
- Revalidate every 5 years.
Recommended Training Providers
- The Nautical Institute (official body)
- Kongsberg Maritime (many centres worldwide)
- Lerus Training
- MPT (Maritime Professional Training)
- Other NI-accredited centres