💥"When Redundancy Fails: Why Only Resilience Matters in DP Systems"

🚨 Redundancy vs. Resilience: What Really Prevents a DP Event?

For decades, we’ve been taught that the magic word for safety in Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems is Redundancy. More generators, more thrusters, more computers. But what if we’ve been focusing on the wrong side of the equation all along? What if, in reality, it’s not Redundancy that prevents failure, but true Resilience?

According to IMCA M103 and IMCA M166​, Redundancy is designed so that the failure of a single component won’t lead to a loss of position. But Redundancy is a static state, a theoretical construct. Anyone who’s lived through a partial blackout or a sudden PRS collapse knows: Redundancy doesn’t save you — the system’s and crew’s ability to react does.

Redundancy: The Illusion of Total Control

IMO (MSC.1/Circ.1580) requires systems to be designed to withstand the worst-case failure (WCF). That’s where DP Equipment Classes (DP1, DP2, DP3) come in​. On paper, a DP Class 3 system is a fortress.

But what happens when multiple real-world factors align? Generator sync failures, firmware bugs, fatigued operators under pressure, hidden failures the FMEA didn’t catch? Designed redundancy doesn't stop events that originate outside the predefined models​.

Resilience: The True Survival Factor

Resilience is dynamic. It’s built through operational practices, training, tactical planning (CAMO/ASOG​), effective communication​, and above all, crew readiness to manage failure when — not if — it occurs.

The difference is simple:

• Redundancy aims to prevent the failure.

• Resilience ensures that when the failure does happen, the system survives.

A practical example? Capability Plots​ can show a vessel’s theoretical limits. But it’s the human response and well-structured procedures (CAMO, ASOG) that determine whether a station keeping event becomes a near miss... or a major incident.

It’s Time to Shift the Paradigm

If we truly want to prevent DP events, it’s not enough to flood the vessel with hardware and PRS. We need to:

✅ Provide ongoing, structured training (robust CPD)​

✅ Implement realistic, scenario-based contingency planning (CAMO/ASOG)

✅ Build a reporting culture that learns from failures​

✅ Conduct DP Annual Trials with operational insight, not just compliance​

✅ Design for failure recovery, not just failure prevention

The offshore industry is already moving in this direction. Designing for resistance is not enough. We must design for response.

🔴 Bold Conclusion:

At sea, Redundancy fails. Resilience saves.

It's time to rewrite the DNA of DP. Those still "collecting PRS and generators" without investing in operational culture are not safer — they’re deluded.