And the winners are...

The International Dynamic Positioning Operators Association (IDPOA) is delighted to announce the winners in the International Dynamic Positioning Excellence Awards 2010.

The awards recognise and celebrate excellence across the DP industry in categories which reflect the scope of this hugely specialised area. As well as celebrating the professional success of individuals the awards honour and acknowledge developments in training, equipment and operations.

Steven Jones, executive director of IDPOA said: "We received a fantastic collection of nominations which have now been whittled down to our inaugural DP excellence winners. These winners thoroughly deserve recognition for their hard work, enthusiasm, commitment and innovations. Well done everybody and congratulations."

The winners are as follows:

DP Operator of the Year - Nick Wallace

An individual DP Operator who has demonstrated outstanding passion, dedication and commitment to their role and profession.

With experience that spans systems and manufacturers alike, Nick Wallace is a DPO who not only has detailed knowledge of the equipment but is a highly skilled, experienced and diligent operator. Nick ensures not only the proper execution of duties but goes above and beyond to make the right things happen and the wrong don't.

Onboard Trainer/Mentor of the Year - C. Marc Bragg

An individual who has shown exceptional dedication, support, engagement and vision in a Training/Mentoring role.

For experienced and junior DP Operators alike, it is hugely important to be guided and encouraged by someone with real leadership skill, operational expertise and enthusiasm. Marc Bragg is both a highly skilled and experienced DP Master but is also someone who is there to help and support those working under him.

Leader of the Year - Charlie Stuart

An individual (onboard or ashore) whose encouragement, commitment and dedication to people makes them an excellent leader.

Regardless of which company you work for it is the individuals within, which make all the difference. In Charlie Stuart the DP Operators working for Tidewater Australia have someone working with them who is willing and able to support and lead not just in the office but out in the field, and is someone who is only ever an email away.

Training Centre of the Year - Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz

A training centre with excellent facilities, equipment, staff and student support.

It is all too easy for students to leave training centres with barely a look back over their shoulder. That is certainly not the case with Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz. The training centre polled an incredible 68 % of the total vote. With first class facilities, dedicated, professional and passionate lecturing staff, this was a runaway winner in the category.

Lecturer of the Year - Helge Samuelsen

An individual who has shown outstanding passion, knowledge, engagement and support in their teaching.

It takes genuine knowledge, skill and a capacity to engage with students to lift the DP training environment from the classroom and allow students to feel where their newly found ability fits into their professional lives. Helge has the knowledge and experience born from years in the profession. That would be impressive enough, but is built on a calm, assured and engaging capacity to get knowledge across to students and to bring the best out of the DP system, the course and the people.

We had an exceptional response in this category and special mention should also be given to Runner-Up Matt Barney of AMC Tasmania who was narrowly beaten by just a few percent of votes.

Manufacturer of the Year - Kongsberg

The equipment manufacturer who has demonstrated excellence in innovation, intuition, quality, control and service.

Being the biggest doesn't always make you the best, however in an extremely closely run competition, Kongsberg came out on top. The DP operators who voted voiced genuine enthusiasm about the capabilities, functionality and usability of the latest Kongsberg systems.

Innovation of the Year - Converteam, D-AFE

Recognising excellence in the innovative development or use of equipment, system or concepts to improve DP operations.

The world of DP is one of constant innovation and improvement. Over the past forty years manufacturers have worked tirelessly to out do not just the competition but also themselves. We are in a time of almost constant technological change and advancement, and this new DP development is about making high quality DP systems even safer, more reliable but with an environmental focus.

DP Vessel of the Year - Seajacks Kraken

The vessel regarded most highly by DPOs worldwide in terms of excellence, innovation, facilities, or any outstanding unique features.

Seajacks Kraken doesn't look or feel like many other ships - and perhaps that is why the vessel has proven so popular. Seajacks Kraken marks a sea change in the role of the offshore market and of its perceived industry role, as ships move away from their hydrocarbon roots and look to harness and exploit the natural environment. The vessel is a DP2 self-propelled jack-up, and shows how the maritime industry is evolving to reflect the new green economy. With its edgy design and innovative features this really is a glimpse of the future for DP and of offshore operations.

Investor in People Award - ADPS Ltd

A company or organisation that has delivered outstanding support, training, promotion, mentoring, CPD or new concepts and opportunities to benefit employees.

ADPS Ltd is a long standing name in what is seen by many to be a new industry. With their extensive network of DP Operators the company is influential and well placed, but more than their database, it is their attitude to those on it that makes the company stand out. With the support they give their DP Operators, especially through their mentoring schemes, they have the best interests of their people at the heart of their business.

Outstanding Services to DP Award - Ian Smith

An individual who has, over a sustained period shown continuing drive, commitment and passion to the DP industry and is a true ambassador for DP.

There are many people who have performed outstanding services to DP - especially from the technical and legislative perspectives. For us, as a people centred organisation, it is the human element of DP which we hold as key. With this in mind we felt it important to recognise the contribution to training, to operations and continuing professional development of DP Operators made by Ian Smith. Whenever you speak to influential people working with DPOs, Ian's name is mentioned as having been a positive influence on them. His approach, philosophy, passion and dedication runs through so many of the good things the industry does.

Special Recognition Award - Mystic Viking, Captain Raymond Kuczynski and the officers and crew

IDPOA didn't originally plan to have this category however, throughout the nomination process the "Mystic Viking" crew were repeatedly praised for their courageous response during the rescue operation of the fishing vessel "Missin' Link". The growth of DP operations is sometimes viewed as being to the detriment of traditional seafaring skills and values. The brave and skilled reaction of the Master, officers and crew of the Mystic Viking are truly worthy of the highest praise and we hope this Special Recognition Award serves to reflect this.