Overview:
The purpose of this course is to provide training to navigation officers to operate vessels in polar waters. Further to this, the course addresses those additional provisions deemed necessary for consideration, beyond existing requirements of the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions, to take into account the climatic conditions of polar waters and meet appropriate standards of maritime safety and pollution prevention.
The course is designed to meet the mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters and deck officers on vessels operating in polar waters, in the STCW Code,.specifically those tables A-V/4-2 “Specification of minimum standard of competence in advanced training for ships operating in polar waters”.
A trainee successfully completing this course will gain:
- understanding of the basic requirements for structure, stability and subdivision, machinery, lifesaving appliances, fire protection, voyage planning, vessel routing, navigation systems and equipment, radio communication, pollution prevention equipment, liability and safety management systems, as applicable to the different types and sizes of vessels which may undertake voyages in polar waters;
- ability to contribute to the safe operation of vessels operating in polar waters;
- understanding of ice characteristics and areas where different types of ice can be expected in the area of operation;
- understanding of vessel performance in ice and low air temperature;
- understanding of safe operations and vessel manoeuvrability in ice;
- awareness to monitor and ensure compliance with legislative requirements;
- understanding to apply safe working practices and to respond to emergencies;
- understanding and awareness of correct crew preparation, working conditions and safety;
- understanding the need to ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements and prevent environmental hazards; and,
- understanding skills to perform manoeuvres to operate vessels in polar waters safely.
Prerequisites:
Every candidate for a certificate in advanced training for ships operating in polar waters should:
- hold a certificate as master, chief mate or officer in charge of a navigation watch qualified in accordance with Chapter V of the STCW Convention and the STCW Code. The minimum qualification will be set at STCW regulations II/1, II/2 and II/3 or equivalent as determined by the national administration;
- either has met the requirements for basic training for ships in polar waters in accordance with STCW Regulation V/5 paragraph 6 or hold a certificate in basic training for ships in polar waters; and,
- have at least two (2) months of approved seagoing service in the deck department at management level, or while performing watchkeeping duties at an operational level, within polar waters or other equivalent approved seagoing service.
Duration:
This course is typically run over a 5 day period.