A safety alert regarding DGPS signal loss offshore in the Persian Gulf, potentially linked to regional military activity.
A case of DGPS signal loss offshore in the Persian Gulf. The reported DGPS signal issue is potentially from the ongoing military activity in the Middle East, resulting in vessels not being able to meet the minimum number of position reference systems (PRS) for DP station keeping.
- All contracted DP2 offshore support vessels experiencing DGPS signal disruption from 13th June resulted in temporary suspension of DP operations.
- The issue has been widely reported in the region, impacting the normal DP operations of the vessels, with the potential to impact the offshore supply activities.
- Despite following the instructions from the service providers, the issue still exists. No impact was reported to the helicopter operations offshore.
Corrective actions taken and recommendations
- Offshore vessel operations inside the 500m zone suspended as per Activity Specific Operating Guidelines (ASOG).
- Joint risk assessment carried out between the member’s Marine team and the vessel technical operator to operate the vessel with two PRS without DGPS signal.
- Further review of the risk carried out with the Marine Risk Team, supported in developing interim ASOG, with same successfully trialled for cargo operations offshore.
Apart from this incident, a safety alert following a reported case of DGPS signal loss offshore in the Persian Gulf last month.
Generally, commercial vessels in the Middle East are facing increased navigational risks due to widespread GPS jamming and spoofing, with authorities reporting a rise in false positioning signals in the Persian Gulf and eastern Mediterranean.