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.

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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 test your IMCA DP Practitioner exam readiness. 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 Practice Questions

Verified exam format metadata for IMCA DP Trials and Assurance Practitioner Accreditation is pending. The practice questions above remain available while official exam length, timing, passing score, fee, and administrator details are reviewed.