DP Surveyor Spotlight: Meet Barry Devlin, DP Manager UK, Aberdeen
Barry Devlin, Chief Engineer and commercial Marine Surveyor heads the Dynamic Positioning team in the UK from our offices in Aberdeen. After over 25 years of experience in the seas on offshore vessels he decided to transition from his seafaring role and join the ABL team onshore, utilising his experience to assist our clients with their needs…
This is your first job onshore. What was the transition like and how does it benefit our clients to work with someone who comes directly from the seas?
The transition has been challenging but enjoyable. I have received fantastic support from everyone at ABL, from the managing director to the administration team, ensuring the transition was as smooth as possible. During my 25 years seagoing experience on all types of offshore vessels, I have encountered and overcome many challenging problems and situations. This has increased the knowledge pool of the DP team, which enhances the quality of the service ABL offers to clients.
What inspired you to specialise in Dynamic Positioning?
I joined my first Dynamic Positioning offshore vessel in 2000 and the complexity of the systems and technology has fascinated me ever since. The DP industry is constantly evolving, including the level of detail required to analyse ships technical systems with the ultimate aim of eliminating DP accidents and incidents, a challenge that is very rewarding and fulfilling.
What does your day-to-day look like as a DP Manager at ABL?
My day-to-day includes many online meetings to manage the UK Dynamic Positioning team, ongoing project management, writing DP and FMEA trials programs and trials attendance, writing FMEAs, DP assurance work and a lot of engagement with our clients.
What is your background?
I’m a qualified Chief Engineer, with 25 years as seagoing marine engineer. I’ve served on all types of DP offshore vessels in addition to large bulk carriers and cruise vessels. I’m a qualified commercial Marine Surveyor and affiliate member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS).
Can you tell us about something interesting you are working on right now?
I’m currently writing an FMEA for a rather challenging DP vessel which requires developing solutions in order for the vessel to comply with DP2 regulations and also ongoing Annual DP and 5 Year FMEA Verification trials for various vessels.
What does the future like in energy and oceans?
In my opinion, the future is hybrid technology and green fuels, as well as autonomous and semi-autonomous DP vessels, which present their own set of unique challenges to overcome.
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