Dynamic Positioning Operator

Noble Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Noble Corporation is seeking a Junior Dynamic Positioning Officer (DPO) in the United States. The role involves training under the Senior DPO while ensuring the vessel remains stable during operations, monitoring critical systems, and maintaining safety compliance.

Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Marine Transportation, relevant DPO certifications, and a proven background in an industrial marine environment. The company promotes a culture focused on safety and equal opportunity.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience on DP vessels and in industrial marine environments.
• Completion of all training requirements for the position within the designated time period.
• Proficiency in relevant systems required for the position.

Responsibilities

• Operate automated and fixed station keeping system of the vessel.
• Coordinate with Master and Rig Manager during operations.
• Monitor DP system and its associated equipment.

Skills

Dynamic positioning control systems

Office applications

Communication skills

Situation awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marine Transportation

Unlimited DPO certificate

USCG Unlimited Tonnage

Job description

Job Summary

The DPO is the Junior DP watchstander who trains and works under the direct supervision of the Senior DPO. Their primary duties involve maintaining the vessel on station for operations while on location, monitoring position while underway or making way, and continuously monitoring all systems critical for DP operations from the DP desk. The DPO also serves as Navigational Watch Officer when relieved from DP duty, maintains constant communication with the rig floor, ROV, and Engine control room, and ensures all required forms, logs, and check lists are kept in a professional and timely manner. They follow FMEA, WSOG, the DP Operations Manual, Standing Orders, and Night Orders, aid in maintaining DP system components and position monitoring references, and uphold safety and environmental compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Transportation preferred.
• 1+ years of experience on DP vessels and in an industrial marine environment.
• Unlimited DPO certificate issued by the Nautical Institute.
• USCG Unlimited Tonnage, Any Oceans Third Mate's License, or equivalent.
• Completion of all training requirements for the position within the designated time period.
• Proficiency in office applications, dynamic positioning control systems, and other systems required for the position.

Essential Functions

• Work under the direction of the Sr. DPO to gain greater knowledge and proficiency in DP operations.
• Optimize vessel position and heading to minimize vessel force required to maintain location.
• Continuously monitor current and forecasted weather and ocean conditions to anticipate changes in net forces acting on the vessel.
• Understand and follow prescribed WSOG, Standing Orders, Night Orders, and Noble policies.
• Maintain a high level of situational awareness while on watch.
• Take all measures to minimize distractions to prudent watchkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Operate the automated and fixed station keeping system of the vessel.
• Coordinate with Master and Rig Manager to move on or off location, start or secure the Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems.
• Monitor the DP system and its associated equipment and instrumentation to maintain the desired position of the unit over the well during drilling operations.
• Communicate with the Sr. DPO, Master, Drill Floor, and Engine Room during inclement weather to ensure the DP system is in optimal setup.
• Maintain good communications with the drill floor, engine control room, ROV, and Subsea at all times, and advise whenever a situation is developing that might affect operations.
• Advise the Driller and Master of potential position loss.
• Assist Chief Mate and Master with deck operations as required.
• Assist in performing preventative maintenance on DP equipment and setting up the DP system operational parameters.
• Run and maintain records for hydrophones and subsea beacons.
• Be familiar with basic operational theory and failure modes of satellite and acoustic position reference systems.
• Be familiar with principles of basic closed-loop control system theory, the Emergency Response Manual, and all software required for the DPO position.
• Complete training on any other systems relevant to the DP.
• Control the vessel using manual and joystick controls.
• Report all defects and anomalies to the Sr. DPO, Master, and relevant department heads.
• Ensure all DP system data are recorded and that adequate power reserves are in place.
• Function as vessel radio operator and maintain proper GMDSS and Radio watch.
• Support the Sr. DPO in navigation and Watch Officer duties during transit.
• Know operational theory, calibration methods, and failure modes of electronic riser and stack angle sensors.
• Know operational response to all DP alarms and Vessel Management System alarms.
• Know principles and planning of Power Plant operations and DP operations.
• Know DP processing of reference systems, wind sensors, VRS, and other peripheral equipment.
• Know thrusters performance, failure modes, and operation.
• Know vessel's FMEA and its implications.
• Know vessel's operations manuals and communication system.
• Maintain the rig in a stable condition and at the correct draft and trim.
• Use the onboard simulator where available.
• Manage deck crews, working outside with them as required.
• Monitor all DP room alarms, including DP system, Vessel Management System (VMS), Fire and Gas, and prioritize alarm response.
• Operate and understand the ballast control system, Power Management System, and fire and gas systems.
• Operate DP equipment under the direction of the DPO; receive radios and radar as required.
• Possess basic knowledge of distributed automation systems and practical operation of the DP control system.
• Possess knowledge of general math, trigonometry, and geometry.
• Possess system-specific knowledge of DP Control System redundancy, alarms, & warnings.
• Possess system-specific knowledge of Vessel Management System redundancy, alarms, and warnings.
• Sound ballast and bulk tanks.
• Assist with loading and sampling of bulk products as required.
• Possess basic understanding of drilling operations and well-control.
• Understand Emergency Disconnect Sequences (EDS) and Blowout Preventor (BOP) operations.
• Understand boat handling.
• Understand diesel generator controls, operations, and failure modes.
• Understand helicopter operations and failure modes of pitch/roll/heave sensors.
• Understand Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operations.
• Perform rig offset test to verify stack heading.
• Analyze WSOG, drift-off calculations, and riser analysis.
• Stand navigation watch as authorized by the individual's license.
• Stay aware of vessel movements inside and outside of the 500meter Security Exclusion Zone.
• Follow protocols for vessels alongside.
• Train and instruct assigned personnel as requested by management.
• Assist the Sr. DPO with maintaining the DP system in 100% operational condition between well locations.
• Consult with outside technical experts or specialists as required.
• Support maintenance requirements for the DP system and associated equipment.
• Ensure spare parts for the DP system are available and stored to prevent damage.
• Maintain a daily DP system logbook and prepare weekly reports on station‑keeping activities.
• Maintain up-to-date records of DP system equipment and performance changes, additions, replacements, and maintenance schedules.
• Use the Data Logger to optimize DP and Power Plant Operations and export data to Excel.
• Plan voyages and assist key supervisory personnel on the rig.
• Support the Sr. DPO in ensuring the DP system is repaired and pre‑tested between well locations.

Health, Safety, & Environmental

Implement and uphold Noble's safety policies and procedures. Ensure that all operations proceed safely, notify responsible parties of unsafe acts or conditions, and encourage personnel to observe safety and environmental policies. Maintain safety and security of the ship's crew and passengers and the operational condition of life‑saving, firefighting, and other safety systems. Lead the ship's firefighting and damage control response. Train and instruct crew members in firefighting, safety, and deck operations. Familiarize with Noble's Live Safe Code and Hazard Identification Tool. Attend daily pre‑tour and weekly safety meetings. Initiate safety stand‑downs when hazards are observed. Perform all safety critical tasks as detailed in the HSE case and incorporate the STOP the job planning process into all tasks.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Noble is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on an applicant's or employee's race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, membership or application for membership in a uniformed service, engaging in legally protected activity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.