Polar code course

Cold temperatures may reduce the effectiveness of numerous components of the ship, ranging from deck machinery and emergency equipment to sea suctions. When ice is present, it can impose additional loads on the hull, propulsion system and appendages.

This course provides training to navigation officers to operate ships in polar waters and to address additional provisions deemed necessary for consideration beyond existing requirements of the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions in order to take into account the climatic conditions of polar waters and to meet appropriate standards of maritime safety and pollution prevention.

Goals and objectives

To promote safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment by improving deck officers’ knowledge of operating in Polar Waters. More specifically, a participant successfully completing this course will gain:

• Ability to contribute to safe operation of vessels 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 ship manoeuvrability in ice
• Awareness to monitor and ensure compliance with legislative requirements
  
• Understanding how to apply safe working practices and to respond to emergencies
• Understanding and awareness of correct crew preparation, working conditions and understanding the need to ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements 
• Prevent environmental hazards
• Understanding skills to perform manoeuvres in order to safely operate ships in polar waters

The course is designed to meet the mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters and deck officers on ships operating in polar waters in the STCW Code, specifically the tables A.V/4-1 and A-V/4-2.

References
STCW including 2010 Manila amendments, 2017 edition. Specifically the tables A.V/4-1 "Specification of minimum standard of competence in basic training for ships operating in polar waters" and A-V/4-2 "Specification of minimum standard of competence in advanced training for ships operating in polar waters".

The course is approved by Danish Maritime Authority.