top of page
Keelson Logo 2024 dark blue CPD.png
Oceanpact logo.webp
Full FAQ

OceanPact DP CPD Self-Pay CPD Catch-Up

Do I need additional CPD for my NI revalidation?

 

The Keelson DP CPD programme used by OceanPact is an NI-accredited Continuing Professional Development programme for DPO revalidation.

​

If you are due to revalidate your DPO certificate, you may therefore need additional CPD years beyond the OceanPact-sponsored programme you have already completed.

​

The NI requires DPOs using the CPD route to complete the required number of years of NI-approved CPD, together with the NI Revalidation Online Exam and the applicable sea-time requirement.

How many CPD years do I need?
 

Your DPO certificate expires                      CPD required for NI revalidation

 

           2024                                                       1 year

           2025                                                       2 years

           2026                                                       3 years

           2027                                                       4 years

           2028 onward                                            5 years



If OceanPact has already sponsored one annual Keelson program that counts as one of those CPD years. You may still need to complete the outstanding programs.

 

Who pays for catch-up years?

OceanPact’s company programme covers the CPD enrollment arranged and sponsored by OceanPact.

OceanPact does not sponsor additional catch-up years required for an individual DPO’s revalidation.

​

If you need earlier or additional CPD years, you can enroll directly with Keelson on a self-pay basis.

Your OceanPact-sponsored CPD certificate remains valid — you are simply adding the additional annual certificates needed for your individual NI revalidation.

​

​

Can I complete all my missing years immediately?

​​

Not back-to-back.

​

The NI describes CPD as a continuous program throughout the five years that a DPO holds a valid certificate. Keelson therefore spaces catch-up programs rather than enrolling candidates into several annual programs consecutively. 

We will help you make a schedule based on:

  • your DPO certificate expiry date,

  • which CPD years you have already completed, and

  • how much time remains before revalidation.

 

Example

DPO certificate expired: March 2026
OceanPact-sponsored program
already completed: 2026
Still required: 2024 and 2025

A typical catch-up plan might be:

October 2026 – 2024 CPD
January 2027 – 2025 CPD

 

Example

Certificate expires: March 2027
OceanPact-sponsored program already completed: 2026
Still required: 2024, 2025 and 2027

A sensible catch-up plan would be:

  • October 2026 – 2024 CPD

  • January 2027 – 2025 CPD

  • 2027 CPD – complete after the March 2027 renewal under the NI 12-month indemnity arrangement

That keeps the programs spaced rather than back-to-back, while still allowing the candidate to complete the full four-year CPD requirement for a 2027 revalidation.

 

Example

Certificate expires: October 2028
OceanPact-sponsored program already completed: 2026
Still required: 2024, 2025, 2027 and 2028

Suggested plan:

  • February 2027 — 2024 CPD

  • August 2027 — 2025 CPD

  • February 2028 — 2027 CPD

  • August 2028 — 2028 CPD

This gives approximately six months between each catch-up program, while ensuring all five required CPD certificates are in place before revalidation.


What if my certificate has already expired?

For certificates expiring between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2028, the NI has a temporary 12-month indemnity arrangement for applicants who have the required sea time but still need to complete CPD and/or other new revalidation requirements.

The application must be submitted and paid, and the outstanding requirements must be completed within the indemnity period. The indemnity cannot be used to gain missing sea time. 

.

How do I enroll?

If you need self-funded catch-up CPD, contact:

assessment@keelsonmarineassurance.com

Please include:

Your full name
DPO certificate issue date
DPO certificate expiry date
Which Keelson/OceanPact CPD years you have already completed

​

​

We will confirm which CPD years you still need and suggest an appropriate enrollment schedule.

If you know which years you need you can complete the Keelson Independent enrollment form

​

Important: Your OceanPact-sponsored program may be only one of several annual CPD certificates required for your NI revalidation. Check your DPO certificate expiry date rather than assuming that completion of the current OceanPact program completes your full revalidation CPD requirement.

 

​

 
Keelson (n) definition: a longitudinal timber mounted atop the floor timbers and secured with bolts that penetrate into the keel.
The keelson ties the floors together, adding strength and rigidity to the frames.
​
Helping you be the best you can be.
​
© Keelson Marine Assurance LLC 2017
bottom of page