Officer of the Watch (Deck) SDPO

IMR Vessels (Crane Subsea, ROV & Subsea Construction) 

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced SDPO (Senior Dynamic Positioning Operator) to join our offshore international fleet of IMR vessels. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining precise vessel positioning during crane subsea lifting operations, ROV operations, and subsea construction activities, aboard vessels equipped with active heave-compensated cranes. This position requires proven offshore DP experience and a strong understanding of subsea operational support. 

Primary Duties / Responsibilities:

• Operate DP systems to maintain safe and precise vessel positioning during subsea crane lifts, ROV launch/recovery, and subsea construction operations 
• Support crane operations involving active heave-compensated (AHC) cranes, ensuring safe positioning and coordination during critical lifts 
• Liaise closely with ROV, survey, crane, and construction teams to ensure seamless integration of DP and subsea operations 
• Conduct pre-operation risk assessments and participate in toolbox talks specific to DP-critical operations 
• Monitor DP system performance, environmental conditions, and vessel footprint during operations 
• Assist in maintaining DP capability plots, FMEA documentation, and DP trials records 
• Participate in emergency response procedures, including DP-related contingency actions 
• Ensure compliance with IMCA DP guidelines, ISM, ISPS, and client-specific HSE requirements 
• Maintain accurate DP logs and operational records in line with company and flag state requirements 
• Support the Master and Chief Officer with bridge watchkeeping duties as required 

Qualifications

Education / Training: The OOW acting as SDPO or DPO shall be, as a minimum, qualified in accordance with STCW 95 Regulation 11/1 and hold a DP Operator's Certificate, issued by the Nautical Institute. (Additional requirements are contained in the Vessel Qualifications and Training Matrix appropriate to each vessel).

Experience: Minimum 3 years' sea-going experience as SDPO on IMR / subsea construction/offshore support vessels. 

Skills: Fluent in both verbal and written English. Computer literate.

Minimum Requirements 

• Officer of the Watch (OOW) Unlimited MMC (STCW II/1 or higher) 
• Proven experience supporting crane subsea operations, ROV operations, and subsea construction activities 
• Demonstrated experience operating on vessels equipped with active heave-compensated cranes 
• DP Unlimited certificate with sea time logged sufficient to serve as SDPO (per IMCA/nautical institute requirements) 
• Strong working knowledge of IMCA DP guidelines, ISM, ISPS, and MARPOL 
• Valid USCG medical certificate 

• Valid STCW Basic Safety Training, GMDSS, and other mandatory offshore certifications (BOSIET/FOET, HUET as applicable) 

   

Special Requirements

• In their role as Officer of the Watch, they have the authority to take any action necessary (or stop any activity) in the first instance (in the absence of the Captain I Chief Officer) to ensure the safety of the vessel, personnel and the protection of the marine environment. 

Decision Making: The Officer of the Watch (Deck) coordinates with the Captain, Chief Officer, Officer of the Watch (Engineer) or any other person necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. NOTE: The Officer of the Watch (Deck) may additionally perform the duties of Senior DPO or DPO where required. They may also hold the position of Ship Security Officer, as required by the ISPS Code, if so, designated in the Ship Security Plan

Helix Energy Solutions Group is an equal opportunity employer.