Online DP Course or Classroom DP Course?

Find out more about the new learning formats for Dynamic Positioning courses.

A survey shows the acceptance of the Online DP Course. The classroom format, however, is still the majority choice. See the survey we ran and our analysis of the results.​

With the challenges of the pandemic, many courses and teaching methods were adapted so that they could continue to be delivered.

It was no different here at Vision Marine: the Basic DP and DP Technical courses had to be adapted to suit the “new normal”. Even though we still run the online courses, we have already restarted the classroom ones.

WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS THINK?

Based on a poll we ran with our LinkedIn connections and followers, we were able to gauge their preference as to the form of teaching:

53% prefer the classroom course and 47% prefer the online one.

Faced with such a close vote, we decided to write this article to show what our two courses offer and how they differ.

CLASSROOM DP COURSES

The Basic, Advanced and Technical DP courses are delivered in the classroom.

Below you will find the duration and the assessment of each one:

• The Basic DP course runs over 4 days and lasts 32 hours in total. Its assessment is for The Nautical Institute certification and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. A score of at least 70% of the exam is required to pass.
• The Advanced DP course lasts 28 hours, delivered over 4 days. The assessment is also carried out through The Nautical Institute platform. Since the focus of the course is simulator training, it can only be taken in the classroom format.
• DP Technical lasts 40 hours, spread over 5 days, from 8 am to 5 pm. The student sits the NI certification exam at the end of the course; it has 30 multiple-choice questions and a minimum score of 70% is required. Our great differential, in both the classroom and the online format, lies in how the course is delivered: two days by a master or DPO with extensive experience and the other two days by a chief engineer**,** level 8 or above. With that, we go beyond Appendix 3 of IMCA M 117, going deeper into the engineering content of the DP system.

ONLINE DP COURSES

Because of the pandemic, our Training Centre began adapting some Basic DP and DP Technical courses to the online format.

We believe, however, that Dynamic Positioning courses require special attention and carry a great degree of importance. That is why, although we have the online format, it is entirely live, so that the student can have an experience as close as possible to the classroom lesson.

In the case of the Online Basic DP course, although the syllabus is the same, we have a great differential compared with the classroom course. The student can begin familiarisation on board immediately after the course and before sitting the exam. The online course has 3 days of theory lessons and one day for reviewing exercises, in addition to The Nautical Institute exam, which is taken in person, by prior appointment.

The DP Technical course has four days of online theory lessons, also in live format. Its syllabus is the same as the classroom format. The fifth day takes place at the Training Centre and happens by prior appointment. That day consists of familiarisation with the OS and of sitting The Nautical Institute exam.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Vision Marine Training values a good relationship with its students. Our aim is not merely to issue the certificate but to build a long-term relationship.

We are always available to answer questions, whether about the course, about filling in the Logbook or about any other doubt on the DP system and related matters that may arise during your practice period on board.

CONCLUSION

Because of the pandemic, The Nautical Institute authorised the online format until 31 March 2021, initially. There is still no firm information, however, about whether this format will continue after that period. As things stand, it remains possible to choose between the two formats of the Basic and Technical DP courses.

By the way, did you know that we have other courses in the online format? Such as ASOG and the DP Refresher course, the latter delivered in blended format. For more information, you can get in touch with our service centre.

And you? Do you prefer online or classroom?

So, are you unsure which format suits you best?

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!