CAM, TAM and ASOG: Do you know the difference?
Knowing what each one does is extremely important to ensure a safe operation and compliance with the legislation required for that operation.
Understand the main differences between these tools for a DP operation
Some tools are used as guides before and during a DP operation.
Knowing what each one does is extremely important to ensure a safe operation and compliance with the legislation required for that operation.
In this post you will see the main differences between these three important documents: CAM, TAM and ASOG. We should stress that all the information contained here was taken from IMCA M 220 Rev.2. Bear in mind that IMCA M 220 underwent its second revision in January 2021.
CAM stands for Critical Activity Mode. In other words, it is the definition of the most critical activity mode of the vessel. It defines the most fault-tolerant set-up of a DP system and related equipment. Vessels generally have only one CAM model and, for DP class II or III vessels, it ensures that the vessel does not exceed its WCFDI (Worst Case Failure Design Intent).
CAM x CAMO:
CAM is the tool itself and CAMO is the CAM reference table.
TAM stands for Task Appropriate Mode. Its purpose is quite similar to CAM, but it is drawn up for operations that may carry a certain degree of risk without causing harm to the crew, the vessel, the environment or the surroundings.
In general, TAM is applied when the risk analysis establishes that the consequences of exceeding the vessel's WCF (Worst Case Failure) are acceptable and safe.
The two main reasons for operating in TAM are:
– Greater fuel economy and
– Sparing equipment while operating in DP.
Example of TAM use: vessel in DP outside the 500 m zone
The layout of a TAM table is quite similar to the CAM one. Below you can see a model of a CAM/TAM table. It indicates only two colours: green and blue — green being normal status and blue advisory status.
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ASOG
A tool used during a DP operation to establish the operational limits according to the performance of the vessel's equipment and the weather conditions.
Unlike CAM, a vessel may have different types of ASOG for each type of operation, unit, field and so on.
The WSOG (Well Specific Operating Guidelines), FSOG (Field Specific Operating Guidelines) and LSOG (Location Specific Operating Guidelines) are documents conceptually equivalent to the ASOG, but applied to specific offshore sectors.
To draw up the ASOG, the following items must be checked:
– The technical capability of the vessel for its specific activity;
– Identification of the vessel's CAM/TAM (where applicable);
– Understanding of the vessel's ability to hold position following its worst case failure (WCF);
– Environmental conditions in relation to the location of the operation;
– Consequences of loss of position or heading.
Below you can see a model of an ASOG table. It indicates 4 colours for 4 distinct statuses, namely:
Green – Normal operation
Blue – Advisory status
Yellow – Degraded status
Red – Emergency status
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CONCLUSION
Understanding the main differences between the tools mentioned in this post gives you a better grasp of the DP operation.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
Here at Vision Marine Training we offer the ASOG course, in which you can learn in more depth about tools such as TAM, CAM and, above all, ASOG.
ASOG
DP REVALIDATION
So, do you still have any questions?
Talk to us! We are ready to meet your needs, understand your case and advise you on the best course to take for your maritime career.
Count on us!
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