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Key Facts: IMCA DP Practitioner Exam

2019

Scheme Introduced

IMCA M 249 / IMCA

8 modules in 4 sections

Exam Structure

IMCA M 249 Scheme Handbook

3 annual trials + 2 FMEA trials

Eligibility (last 24 months)

IMCA DP Practitioner scheme

GBP 550

Initial Accreditation Fee

IMCA

GBP 125

Annual Renewal Fee

IMCA

3 years

Revalidation Cycle

IMCA DP Practitioner scheme

A, B and C

M 190 Findings Categories

IMCA M 190

The IMCA DP Trials and Assurance Practitioner accreditation (scheme handbook IMCA M 249, launched 2019) is for senior personnel who develop, witness and report DP trials and manage DP assurance. Eligibility requires, within the last 24 months, involvement in at least three annual DP trials and two FMEA proving or five-yearly verification trials, plus operational activity planning and FMEA gap-analysis knowledge. The online invigilated exam (delivered via TestReach) has eight modules in four sections - all four must be passed - covering the code of conduct, IMCA/IMO guidance documents, DP control and power systems, thrusters, DP documentation, the M 190 annual trials code, and a scenario-based experience module. Core technical content includes the redundancy concept, worst-case failure design intent (WCFDI), equipment-class single-failure criteria, FMEA proving versus annual trials, M 190 A/B/C findings categories, common-mode failures, blackout recovery, capability plots (M 140) and CAMO/TAM/ASOG. Fees are GBP 550 initial and GBP 125 annual, with three-yearly revalidation.

Sample IMCA DP Practitioner Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the IMCA DP Practitioner exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The IMCA DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme is governed by which scheme handbook?

A.IMCA M 249

B.IMCA M 103

C.IMCA M 190

D.IMCA M 117

Explanation: The DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Handbook is IMCA M 249, which sets out the accreditation requirements, the examination structure, the exam rules and tips for success.

2In which year did IMCA introduce the DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme for those developing, witnessing and reporting DP trials?

A.2014

B.2019

C.2017

D.2022

Explanation: IMCA introduced the personal DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme in 2019 to establish recognised industry standards for practitioners involved in DP trials and DP assurance processes.

3How is the IMCA DP Practitioner accreditation examination delivered to candidates?

A.A paper-based exam at IMCA's London office only

B.An open-book take-home assignment with no invigilation

C.An online invigilated exam through IMCA's examination partner TestReach

D.An oral interview before an IMCA technical panel

Explanation: The examination is taken online using IMCA's latest online tools and is invigilated through IMCA's examination partner TestReach at specialist invigilation centres worldwide.

4Over what cycle must an accredited DP practitioner undergo full revalidation, including submission of evidence of ongoing DP practitioner experience?

A.Annually

B.Every two years

C.Every five years

D.Every three years

Explanation: Accredited practitioners undergo revalidation on a three-yearly cycle, submitting evidence of ongoing DP practitioner experience, in addition to paying the annual renewal fee.

5Which of the following is a stated eligibility requirement for a candidate applying for DP Trials and Assurance Practitioner accreditation, based on the last 24 months of experience?

A.Involvement in a minimum of three annual DP trials

B.Holding an unlimited master mariner certificate of competency

C.Completion of a 5-day classroom FMEA course

D.A minimum of ten years offshore service

Explanation: Within the last 24 months a candidate must have been involved in a minimum of three annual DP trials, at least two FMEA proving or five-yearly verification trials, and DP operational activity planning.

6A candidate has witnessed three annual DP trials in the past two years but has been involved in only one FMEA proving trial. With respect to the scheme's eligibility criteria, this candidate is:

A.Eligible, because three annual trials alone satisfy the criteria

B.Not yet eligible, because a minimum of two FMEA proving or five-yearly verification trials is required

C.Eligible, because FMEA involvement is optional

D.Not eligible, because five annual trials are required

Explanation: The eligibility criteria require a minimum of two FMEA proving trials (or two five-yearly FMEA verification trials) within the last 24 months in addition to three annual DP trials, so a single FMEA proving trial is insufficient.

7Under the IMCA practitioner code of conduct, when a practitioner witnessing annual DP trials identifies a serious deficiency that the vessel operator pressures them to downgrade, the practitioner should:

A.Downgrade the finding to maintain a good client relationship

B.Omit the finding from the report and raise it verbally only

C.Record the finding objectively at the category its failure effect warrants

D.Defer to the vessel master's judgement on categorisation

Explanation: The code of conduct requires practitioners to act with integrity and independence, recording and categorising findings objectively according to the failure effect, regardless of commercial pressure.

8The IMCA practitioner examination is structured as eight modules grouped into how many sections, each of which must be passed?

A.Two sections

B.Three sections

C.Eight sections, one per module

D.Four sections

Explanation: The examination comprises eight modules split into four sections, and each of the four sections must be passed for the candidate to succeed.

9Which IMCA guidance document is the primary reference for the design and operation of dynamically positioned vessels, including DP equipment class definitions?

A.IMCA M 103

B.IMCA M 109

C.IMCA M 140

D.IMCA M 220

Explanation: IMCA M 103 'Guidelines for the design and operation of dynamically positioned vessels' is the primary reference covering DP equipment classes and the design philosophy behind redundancy.

10Which IMCA document provides guidance on Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for DP vessels?

A.IMCA M 117

B.IMCA M 166

C.IMCA M 190

D.IMCA M 140

Explanation: IMCA M 166 'Guidance on failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)' is the reference for conducting DP FMEAs, which underpin proving and annual trials.

About the IMCA DP Practitioner Exam

The IMCA DP Trials and Assurance Practitioner accreditation, introduced in 2019 and governed by the IMCA M 249 scheme handbook, recognises individuals who develop, witness and report dynamic positioning (DP) trials and manage DP assurance. The online invigilated examination is delivered through IMCA's partner TestReach and comprises eight modules grouped into four sections, each of which must be passed. Candidates must demonstrate recent eligible experience and a working knowledge of IMCA guidance such as M 103, M 109, M 117, M 140, M 166, M 190 and M 220, plus the relevant IMO DP guidelines. Once accredited, practitioners pay an annual renewal fee and undergo full revalidation on a three-yearly cycle.

Exam sponsor: International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), with examination partner TestReach. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

Per the M 249 examination timetable (online invigilated via TestReach)

Passing Score

Each of the four sections of the examination must be passed

Exam / Certification Fees

GBP 550 initial accreditation (exam, hosting, invigilation, technical review); GBP 125 annual renewal

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

10%

Code of Conduct & Accreditation Scheme

The IMCA M 249 scheme handbook, the 2019-launched personal accreditation, eligibility criteria (three annual trials plus two FMEA proving or five-yearly verification trials within 24 months), the eight-module/four-section exam delivered online via TestReach, three-yearly revalidation, and the practitioner's required independence, competence and integrity when issuing findings

15%

IMCA & IMO Guidance Documents

M 103 design and operation of DP vessels and equipment-class definitions, M 109 DP-related documentation, M 117 training of key DP personnel, M 140 capability plots specification, M 166 FMEA guidance, M 190 annual trials code of practice, M 220 operational activity planning, and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1580 with MSC/Circ.645

15%

DP Control Systems

Equipment-class single-failure criteria, the redundancy concept, consequence analysis (Class 2/3), three position references of two or more principles with voting/weighting and rejection of a diverging reference, drive-off versus drift-off, controller gain, the vessel mathematical model, control-network segregation, and the Class 3 backup DP control system

20%

DP Power & Thruster Systems

Open versus closed bus-tie operation and fault containment, power management system auto-start, protection coordination and selectivity, blackout recovery sequence and timing, thruster runaway and frozen-command failures, common-mode failures via shared cooling/hydraulic/fuel/low-voltage supplies, and UPS autonomy for control and reference equipment

15%

DP Documentation & Assurance

The DP operations manual and document suite (M 109), capability plots and post-worst-case-failure operating limits (M 140), CAMO as the most fault-tolerant configuration, TAM as a risk-based mode, ASOG advisory (yellow) and action (red) limits, trials reports recording expected versus actual results, finding close-out verification, and evidence-based DP assurance reviews

25%

Annual Trials & FMEA

FMEA methodology and gap analysis, proving trials that validate the FMEA versus annual trials that confirm the proven redundancy and protective functions, worst-case failure versus WCFDI, M 190 findings categories A/B/C and their handling, hidden/latent failures, five-yearly verification trials after modifications, trials planning, consequence assessment and pre-agreed abort criteria

Preparing for the IMCA DP Practitioner Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Each of the four sections of the examination must be passed
Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
Time limit: Per the M 249 examination timetable (online invigilated via TestReach)
Exam / certification fees: GBP 550 initial accreditation (exam, hosting, invigilation, technical review); GBP 125 annual renewal Official sources

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IMCA DP Practitioner: Suggested Study Strategy

1Know the eligibility numbers cold: within 24 months you need at least three annual DP trials and two FMEA proving or five-yearly verification trials, plus operational activity planning involvement

2Be able to distinguish worst-case failure (WCF) from worst-case failure design intent (WCFDI): trials must prove the actual WCF does not exceed the WCFDI

3Memorise the equipment-class single-failure criteria - Class 2 tolerates any single active-component failure; Class 3 additionally survives loss of any one compartment to fire or flooding with A-60 separation and a backup control system

4Learn the M 190 A/B/C findings categories and that both the practitioner and the operator are responsible for issuing and accepting A and B findings constructively

5Map each IMCA document to its purpose: M 103 design/classes, M 140 capability plots, M 166 FMEA, M 190 annual trials, M 220 CAMO/TAM/ASOG, M 109 documentation, M 117 personnel

6Understand CAMO as the most fault-tolerant configuration (single failure does not exceed WCF) versus TAM as a risk-based mode that accepts a single failure could exceed the WCF, and ASOG advisory versus action limits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IMCA DP Trials and Assurance Practitioner accreditation?

It is a personal accreditation IMCA introduced in 2019, governed by the IMCA M 249 scheme handbook, for individuals who develop, witness and report dynamic positioning trials and manage DP assurance. Candidates pass an online invigilated examination of eight modules grouped into four sections.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Within the last 24 months a candidate must have been involved in a minimum of three annual DP trials and at least two FMEA proving trials (or two five-yearly FMEA verification trials), plus DP operational activity planning, and must demonstrate knowledge of FMEA gap analysis and DP incident investigation.

How is the examination delivered and structured?

The exam is taken online using IMCA's tools and is invigilated through IMCA's partner TestReach at specialist centres worldwide. It comprises eight modules grouped into four sections - covering the code of conduct, guidance documents, DP control and power systems, thrusters, documentation, the M 190 annual trials code, and a scenario module - and each of the four sections must be passed.

What does the exam cost and how long does accreditation last?

Initial accreditation is GBP 550 (covering the examination, hosting, invigilation, administration and technical review) and there is a GBP 125 annual renewal fee. The accreditation year runs from the exam pass date, and practitioners undergo full revalidation on a three-yearly cycle with evidence of ongoing DP experience.

What are the M 190 findings categories?

IMCA M 190 categorises annual-trials findings as A, B or C. Category A identifies serious deficiencies that could jeopardise safe DP operation - for example where the worst-case failure could exceed the design intent - while Category C covers minor observations. Both the practitioner and the vessel operator share responsibility for issuing and accepting A and B findings constructively.

Which IMCA documents should I study?

Key references include M 103 (design and operation of DP vessels), M 109 (DP documentation), M 117 (key DP personnel), M 140 (capability plots), M 166 (FMEA), M 190 (annual trials), M 220 (operational activity planning), plus IMO MSC.1/Circ.1580 and MSC/Circ.645.