High-level control of dynamic positioning systems on marine vessels using hybrid controller is developed to extend the operational weather window for marine operations to harsh environments. The types of hybrid controller considered are multi-output PID controllers with position measurements, and multi-output PID and acceleration feedback controllers with position and acceleration measurements. Numerical simulations and experiments in addition to stability proof are conducted to verify the proposed hybrid-controller dynamic positioning system in varying environmental conditions from calm to extreme seas. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.