What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- STCW II/2 Master (≥ 3,000 GT) with the flag's mobile-unit endorsements (MODU endorsement where the administration issues one — indicative per flag).
- Nautical Institute DP Unlimited certificate for dynamically positioned units.
- Floating-unit stability and ballast-control training required by the MODU Code for personnel holding that duty.
Basic STCW
- A-VI/1
- A-VI/2
- A-VI/3
- A-VI/4
Specific courses
- GMDSS GOC and fleet/emergency communications
- Ocean meteorology and station-departure criteria in heavy weather
- MODU marine ops: supply, deep mooring, helideck (CAP 437 as reference — indicative)
- BOSIET/FOET with CA-EBS and offshore medical
Indicative experience
Indicative: II/2 plus 12+ months as Chief Officer/Master on offshore units or DP ships before command; moving to a MODU requires documented familiarisation with the specific unit and its DP FMEA.
Observations
The Master/OIM split is the most audited aspect of floater command: maritime emergencies (stability, abandonment) fall to the Master. Progression: DPO/Chief Officer → Master → OIM (via the MODU Code route) or marine superintendency.
What this role does
The nautical authority of floating MODUs (drillships and semis): responsible for navigation and transits, stability and ballast control, marine operations (anchoring, supply, helicopters) and the unit's maritime safety. Coexists with the OIM under a command split defined by flag and management system: under way the Master commands; on station, the interface is written down.
Typical watches
- Day work / 24h availability
Key responsibilities
- Maximum nautical authority during navigation and maneuvers.
- Management of dynamic positioning (DP) in anchored mode.
- Responsible for the structural stability and safety of the floating unit.
- Coordination with the IOM for all maritime operations.
Operational scope
- command bridge
- DP control room
- All floating unit
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.