An introductory course that gives offshore project staff, company representatives and vessel supervisors a practical understanding of DP systems, their limitations and the risks involved in DP operations — without qualifying candidates to operate the console.
The Dynamic Positioning Awareness (also known as DP Appreciation or DP Familiarisation, depending on the provider) is a short introductory course that builds situational awareness for people who work around DP vessels or depend on DP operations professionally, but who will never man the DP console themselves. The course covers how dynamic positioning systems work, the key components and reference systems involved, operational modes, the significance of DP class notations, and the practical risks and limitations that any competent person working in a DP environment should understand.
The content standard is set by IMCA M 117 Rev. 3 (June 2023), "Code of Practice for the Training and Experience of Key DP Personnel", Appendix 3. IMCA — the International Marine Contractors Association — governs the awareness level of the course; it is an industry best-practice standard rather than a statutory flag-state or STCW requirement. No MCA or STCW regulation mandates this course, though operators and charterers in the oil and gas, renewables and subsea sectors routinely require it for personnel deployed on DP vessels.
It is important to note that this course is entirely separate from the Nautical Institute (NI) DP certification scheme. It does not count as Phase A of the NI scheme, does not result in an NI logbook being issued, and does not lead to a Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) certificate. Candidates wishing to qualify as DPOs must enrol on the NI-approved DP Induction (Phase A) course, which is a distinct qualification.
This course primarily advances careers in offshore project management, vessel superintendency and supervisory roles aboard DP vessels. It is commonly required for offshore project staff engaged in installation engineering, shore-based Technical and Operations Managers, Company Representatives (Client/Charterer reps) stationed aboard DP vessels, Rig Managers, Dive Supervisors and ROV Supervisors, Marine Engineers and Electricians who maintain DP vessel systems, and Fleet Superintendents and Vessel Auditors. For professionals in the oil and gas, renewables and subsea sectors, holding this certificate demonstrates to employers and charterers that you have a credible working understanding of the DP environment you are operating in.
The DP Awareness course sits outside and below the NI certification scheme. For context, the full operator route runs: Phase A (NI Induction, 5 days) → Phase B (min. 60 DP sea days logged) → Phase C (NI Simulator/Advanced Course, 5 days) → Phase D (further 60 DP sea days, requires STCW CoC) → Phase E (Statement of Suitability sign-off → NI DPO certificate), with 5-yearly revalidation thereafter. The Awareness/Appreciation course does not form part of this scheme.
Successful candidates receive a Certificate of Attendance (sometimes titled Certificate of Training or Certificate of Completion, depending on the provider). This certificate carries no endorsement in a Discharge Book or Seafarer's Record. It has no expiry date and does not require renewal or revalidation — it is a one-time attendance record. Some employers may ask personnel to refresh their awareness periodically as internal policy, but there is no industry-wide mandatory renewal cycle for this level of course.
UK pricing varies significantly by provider and course format. City of Glasgow College (5-day format) has been listed at approximately £750 including VAT via STCWdirect. Kongsberg Maritime Aberdeen (5-day format) has been listed at approximately £1,550 including VAT. International providers typically charge USD 2,000–2,190. Always confirm current pricing directly with the provider before booking.