How long should records of DP familiarization and competency be maintained on board?

The records of DP familiarization and competency should be maintained on board permanently. This approach ensures that there is a complete and continuous history of all personnel who have undergone DP training and have been deemed competent in their operational roles. Maintaining these records permanently allows for various benefits, including:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Many maritime regulations and standards require that evidence of training and competency is readily available. This helps in demonstrating compliance during inspections by flag states or classification societies.

2. Safety and Accountability: In the case of an incident or inspection where the performance of DP operations comes into question, having a permanent record allows the vessel and its crew to accurately verify that all personnel are trained and certified accordingly.

3. Crew Rotation and Replacement: In the maritime industry, crew members may change frequently. Having permanent records ensures that any new personnel can be easily confirmed as competent without needing to re-establish their qualifications through other means. It supports effective crew management and operational readiness.

4. Historical Reference: Should a question arise about past incidents or operational decisions related to DP, having a permanent record provides a historical reference that can be invaluable to the investigation or analysis process.

In summary, maintaining permanent records is not only a matter of compliance but