How should vessels constructed prior to June 9, 2017, be treated regarding their dynamic positioning systems?

Vessels constructed prior to June 9, 2017, should be treated according to the guidance established in IMO MSC 645 issued in 1994. This is because vessels built before this date are likely designed with older standards and technologies in mind, and the guidelines from that time are specifically tailored to address the characteristics and capabilities of DP systems prevalent during their construction phase.

Following the 1994 guidelines ensures that older systems are validated correctly against the standards that were in place when they were designed and built.

In contrast, adhering solely to the latest revision of IMO guidelines might not consider the specific design and operational parameters of these older vessels. Ignoring previous guidelines simply because new technology is implemented is also problematic, as it overlooks the importance of compliance with established norms for vessels that may not have the infrastructure to support modern DP systems. Lastly, while complying with Section 2 of the IMO MSC 1580 Guidelines is relevant, those guidelines may apply more strongly to vessels constructed after the specified date, making them less applicable to earlier constructions.