Overview:
This course provides training to officers in charge of a navigational watch to operate vessels in polar waters and address those additional provisions as required by the Polar Code to take into account the climatic conditions of polar waters and meet appropriate standards of maritime safety and pollution prevention.
Polar Waters includes both Arctic and Antarctic waters as defined in SOLAS and MARPOL regulations.
A trainee successfully completing this course will gain:
- the ability to contribute to the safe operation of vessels in polar waters;
- an understanding of ice characteristics and areas where different types of ice can be expected in the area of operation;
- an understanding of vessel performance in ice and low air temperature;
- an understanding of safe operations and vessel manoeuvrability in ice;
- awareness to monitor and ensure compliance with legislative requirements;
- an understanding to apply safe working practices and to respond to emergencies;
- an understanding and awareness of correct crew preparation, working conditions and safety;
- an understanding of the need to ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements and prevent environmental hazards; and,
- an understanding of the required skills to perform manoeuvres to operate vessels in polar waters safely.
Prerequisites:
Every candidate for a certificate in basic training for ships operating in polar waters shall hold a certificate as master, chief mate or officer in charge of a navigation watch qualified in accordance with regulations 11/1, 11/2 and 11/3 of the STCW Convention, respectively or equivalent as determined by the national administration.
Duration:
This course is a combination of lecture and simulation training over approximately 34 hours. This course may be offered in-person or online.