Why Compliance Matters: Understanding Dynamic Positioning and ABYC P-28

In recent years, Dynamic Positioning (DPS) systems have made their way from commercial vessels to recreational boating — bringing powerful capability to hold a vessel’s heading and location at the press of a button. It’s an exciting advancement for safety, precision, and confidence on the water.

However, as this technology evolves, so must the standards that protect boaters. The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) — the governing body for marine safety standards — addressed this specifically in ABYC P-28, which outlines the requirements for helm control and steering systems, including dynamic positioning functions.

And the message is clear:

ABYC P-28 does not allow user-defined Dynamic Positioning zones.

Why This Matters

In DP mode, the vessel is actively controlling thrust and steering. Allowing an operator to create custom “zones” — especially near docks, people, shorelines, or obstacles — introduces unpredictable scenarios and significant safety risks.

User-defined DP zones could result in a vessel:

    •    Holding position too close to fixed objects

    •    Creating hazardous thrust near swimmers or docks

    •    Operating outside the manufacturer’s tested and validated parameters

    •    Violating published safety standards

DPS is a precision control system, not a casual assist tool — and the industry must treat it with the same seriousness as helm controls.

ABYC’s Position: Safety First

ABYC P-28 exists for a reason: to ensure manufacturers implement DP systems responsibly and consistently to protect boaters, crew, and property.

Manufacturers who introduce features outside the standard — like allowing users to define and save their own dynamic positioning zones — are operating beyond the boundaries of marine safety compliance.

That’s not innovation.

That’s risk.

And anyone installing or selling those systems also inherits liability exposure if an incident occurs.

Dockmate’s Commitment to Compliance & Boater Safety

At Dockmate, we welcome technology that elevates boating. But equal to innovation is responsibility.

Dockmate DPS is engineered to:

    •    Comply with ABYC P-28 guidance

    •    Maintain fixed, validated operating parameters

    •    Prioritize predictable, safe system behavior

    •    Ensure vessel control matches OEM safety expectations

    •    Give boaters confidence, not complexity

We believe that innovation must never compromise safety or regulatory integrity — and boaters deserve transparency in how these systems operate.

The Bottom Line

Dynamic Positioning is not a toy. It is a powerful control mode, and safety standards exist to protect you. When evaluating DPS solutions, make sure you’re choosing a manufacturer aligned with ABYC P-28 — not stretching the rules for marketing flash.

Boating should always feel confident, secure, and predictable.

Standards aren’t a limitation — they’re a promise.