Description
Course criteria for service on ships operating in polar waters is a practical training standards guide designed to support the development of courses for seafarers serving on such ships. It sets out the criteria for delivering basic and advanced polar waters training in line with international seafarer training requirements.
Course Criteria for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters is a detailed polar waters training criteria guide created to support the development of training courses for seafarers working in polar regions. It explains the standards needed to deliver both basic and advanced training for service on ships operating in polar waters.
This publication is especially relevant for training providers, maritime educators, and compliance-focused organisations because it aligns course development with international seafarer training requirements and MCA-approved delivery expectations for polar waters training.
Why Course Criteria for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters Matters
Polar operations place extra demands on ships, bridge teams, and training providers. This guide helps turn regulatory requirements into a structured training framework, making it easier to design courses that prepare seafarers for safe and effective service in remote, vulnerable, and operationally demanding polar environments.
This publication supports polar waters training and can be used alongside the Polar Code, 2016 Edition (I191E) Book and MCA Approved Basic Training for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters.
Who Should Read Course Criteria for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters?
This book is ideal for maritime training providers, course developers, maritime academies, compliance managers, masters, officers in charge of a navigational watch, and organisations building or reviewing polar waters training programmes.
Whether used as a course design reference, regulatory support document, or framework for approved training development, it provides a strong foundation for structured polar waters education.
For information
The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (The Polar Code) is a code of safety for ships operating in polar waters. It has been developed to supplement existing International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments to increase the safety of ships’ operation and mitigate the impact on the people and environment in the remote, vulnerable and potentially harsh polar waters. The Polar Code is therefore a useful reference document for the development and delivery of courses to meet the criteria identified within this booklet.
Training courses developed in line with these criteria, delivered at centres approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), will cover:
- Basic training for service on ships operating in polar waters (section 2)
- Advanced training for service on ships operating in polar waters (section 3)
The specifications described in this document have been developed by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) in conjunction with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The MCA has agreed with the MNTB that the specifications described in this document will satisfy the requirements for approved training. Conditions for MCA approval of short courses are contained in Annex A, which should be used in conjunction with the MCA guide to approval of regulatory training requirements.
The national occupational standards relating to this training are:
A32 Maintain safe, legal and effective working practices on board a vessel
A33 Ensure safe, legal and effective working practices on board a vessel
B13 Contribute to vessel operations
B14 Monitor and control vessel operations
B15 Plan and direct vessel operations
Why have these criteria been developed
These criteria have been developed to deliver education and training covering service on ships operating in polar waters as identified within Tables A-V/4-1 and A-V/4-2 of Regulation V/4 to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, hereafter referred to as STCW.
Who the training is aimed at
This training is relevant to certificated seafarers (masters and officers in charge of a navigational watch) that require the knowledge and understanding for service on ships operating in polar waters.
NB – Basic training for service on ships operating in polar waters may be imbedded within the officer cadet’s academic qualification used to obtain a first Certificate of Competency. The officer cadets will be eligible to undertake this basic training once they complete at least six months sea service. Where this is not the case, training establishments and companies may wish to provide it separately as required.
The MNTB considers this training to be of value and relevance to engineering officers in charge of an engine room watch. Whilst not an STCW regulatory requirement, training establishments and companies may wish to offer and provide this training to relevant engineering staff.
Aims of the training
The overall aim is to provide seafarers with the necessary knowledge, understanding and proficiency to carry out safe and effective operation of ships operating in polar waters.
Contents Listing
Section One: Introduction
Section Two: Basic Training for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters
Section Three: Advanced Training for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters
Annex A: Conditions for MCA Approval of Short Courses
Annex B: STCW Code:
Annex C: Instructor/Assessor Qualification and Experience Requirements
Annex D: Specimen Certificates
About the Authors of Course criteria for service on ships operating in polar waters
The Merchant Navy Training Board is the shipping industry’s central body for promoting and developing sector specific education, training and skills.
This publication is a valuable reference for any organisation developing or reviewing polar waters training. By connecting regulatory expectations with structured course design, it helps training providers create safer, clearer, and more compliant education for service in polar regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Course Criteria for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters used for?
It is used to support the development of training courses for seafarers serving on ships operating in polar waters.
Does it cover both basic and advanced training?
Yes, it covers criteria for both basic training and advanced training for service on ships operating in polar waters.
Who should read this publication?
It is suitable for training providers, course developers, compliance teams, maritime academies, and officers involved in polar waters training.
Is it linked to STCW and MCA requirements?
Yes, it is positioned around international seafarer training requirements and MCA-approved training expectations for approved delivery.
What should this page link to internally?
It should link primarily to the MCA-approved polar waters training course, then to the Polar Code, ice navigation, cold water survival, and bridge resource management support materials.
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