When should DP location set-up checks be conducted?

Conducting DP location set-up checks upon arrival at the field, particularly outside the 100-meter safety zone, is essential for ensuring that the positioning system is accurately configured and ready for operational use. This timing allows for verification of the initial environmental and geographical parameters that will affect the DP system's ability to maintain the vessel's position effectively. Before engaging in operations close to the work site, validating the setup helps mitigate risks associated with equipment malfunction or environmental influences.

While conducting checks at the beginning of each shift or at specific intervals may seem reasonable, these do not necessarily ensure the system is appropriately calibrated for the specific conditions of the new location. Adverse weather conditions may prompt additional checks, but that shouldn't be the only time they are performed, as conditions can change rapidly. Midday checks could also be useful, but they may not coincide with significant operational transitions or new geographical settings, reducing their relevance. Therefore, performing the checks upon arrival, while ensuring you’re clear of the safety zone, is pivotal in maintaining operational integrity and safety.