DP Refresher and Competency Assessment is a dedicated service directed at certified DP Operators (DPO) who are completing a continuous professional development program. The CPD program was introduced by The Nautical Institute to ensure that DP officers constantly update their knowledge of dynamically changing regulations, the latest technologies, and keep up to date with the analysis of global industry incidents.

According to the new certification guidelines, one of the paths for the revalidation of a DPO certificate is the annual completion of approved online learning modules, culminating in an on-site final exam taken under supervision at an accredited training center. Our center provides the opportunity to take this exam in a stress-free and comfortable manner, regardless of whether you are improving your qualifications or facing the final step to extend the validity of your certificate for another 5 years.

Requirements:

• A valid passport

• A Seaman’s Book

• An OOW (Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch) Certificate of Competency (minimum requirement)

• Completed Basic Dynamic Positioning Course (DP Induction Course)

• DP Logbook

The course price includes:

• Cost of issuing the certificate / attestation by the Maritime Office / Maritime School

• Coffee / tea

• Free parking

Additional fees:

• Courier delivery of documents (upon request)

Certificate validity:

• Indefinite (No expiration date)

Accreditations:

The course is conducted in accordance with the Nautical Institute program outlined in

“The Nautical Institute Certification and Accreditation Standard”

Scope of verified knowledge:

The exam is not preceded by lectures at the center – it verifies the knowledge that the candidate has acquired independently while completing the CPD modules. The exam questions are based on NI guidelines and verify knowledge of, among others:

• The latest updates in industry guidelines, safety procedures, and regulations (IMCA, MTS, IMO).

• Analysis of real DP Station Keeping Events and the lessons learned from them.

• Technology development regarding position reference systems (PRS), sensors, and power management.

• Principles of correct creation and enforcement of shipboard documentation, including Risk Assessment and ASOG (Activity Specific Operating Guidelines).

What passing the exam proves:

Successfully passing the test at our center confirms that, as a DP Operator:

• You are well-versed in current occupational safety standards on offshore vessels.

• You understand contemporary technological conditions and can identify errors that led to failures on other vessels.

• You maintain your competencies at the highest operational level required by charterers and The Nautical Institute.

What does the exam look like?

• Modern conditions – the exam is conducted on-site, in our modernly equipped and comfortable classrooms in Gdynia. We ensure silence and optimal conditions for concentration, which are necessary when taking the test.

• Flexibility and convenience – we are aware of the dynamics of seafarers’ work, which is why we offer flexible exam dates, adapted directly to your schedule (e.g., during a short leave in the country).

• Expert support – experienced DP instructors are present on-site to provide technical assistance and guide you through procedural issues if you have any doubts regarding the administrative requirements of the NI program.

Confirmation of completion:

After successfully passing the final exam under the supervision of the center, the candidate’s result is officially recorded in the system authorized by The Nautical Institute (or in a partner app implementing the CPD modules). This is the culmination of the program and a legitimate basis for applying for the extension of the full DPO certificate validity.

Where does the training take place and is there parking?

The training takes place in Gdynia at 13A Polska Street. Free parking is located at 6 Chrzanowskiego Street. The barrier code is provided when the course is confirmed by the secretariat staff.