Polar Code Course - Basic and Advanced

Polar Code Course – Basic and Advanced Training for safe operations in Arctic and Antarctic waters Develop the knowledge and skills required to operate safely in some of the world’s most demanding maritime environments. Force Technology offers Polar Code training at two levels: Basic training in accordance with STCW Table A-V/4-1 and Advanced training in accordance with STCW Table A-V/4-2. The two levels can be completed separately or as a combined programme, allowing officers to enter at the level that matches their rank, experience and operational responsibility. You gain a practical understanding of ice conditions, vessel performance, environmental risks and operational limitations, enabling you to navigate safely while protecting both crew and the marine environment.

Course levels

	Basic training	Advanced training
STCW reference	Table A-V/4-1	Table A-V/4-2
Primary target group	Officers in charge of a navigational watch	Officers in charge of a navigational watch
Focus	Contributing to safe operation of vessels in polar waters	Planning, managing and leading operations in polar waters
Prerequisites	Certified deck officer. No prior polar training required	Completed Basic training and documented seagoing service at management level on vessels operating in polar waters
Duration	2 days	3 days
Certificate	Course certificate, Basic training	Course certificate, Advanced training

Who is the course relevant for

The course is designed for maritime professionals responsible for navigation and operational safety in polar waters.

Typical participants include:

Basic training

• Officers in charge of a navigational watch
• Deck officers serving on ships operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters
• Personnel with operational duties on ships subject to the Polar Code

Advanced training

• Masters
• Chief officers
• Senior deck officers with management-level responsibility
• Pilots and marine advisors operating in polar waters

What you will gain from the course

The course strengthens your ability to operate vessels safely and efficiently in polar environments.

You develop an understanding of how ice, extreme weather and low temperatures affect vessel performance, navigational decision-making and operational safety.

After Basic training, you will be able to

• Contribute to the safe operation of vessels in polar waters
• Understand the characteristics of sea ice and identify different ice conditions
• Recognise the effects of low temperatures on personnel, equipment and vessel systems
• Apply safe working practices in extreme environmental conditions
• Monitor and support compliance with Polar Code, SOLAS and MARPOL requirements
• Respond effectively to emergencies in remote and harsh operating environments
• Support pollution prevention and environmental protection measures

After Advanced training, you will additionally be able to

• Plan and conduct voyages in polar waters, including strategic and operational passage planning
• Apply the POLARIS methodology and interpret Risk Index Outcomes (RIO)
• Assess operational limitations based on the Polar Ship Certificate and the Polar Water Operational Manual
• Apply manoeuvring techniques for safe navigation in ice-covered waters
• Understand icebreaker operations, escort procedures and associated communication
• Manage operational risk assessment and decision-making under changing ice and weather conditions
• Lead and prepare bridge teams and crews for safe operations in polar regions

What your organisation gains

The course strengthens your organisation’s ability to operate safely and compliantly in polar waters.

You reduce operational risk through improved understanding of ice navigation, vessel limitations and environmental hazards.

At the same time, crews become better prepared to manage challenging conditions, supporting safer operations and stronger compliance with international maritime regulations.

The result is improved operational readiness, enhanced safety performance and reduced environmental risk.

What other participants say

“A perfect course – interesting, varied and highly relevant, with skilled instructors and a good combination of theory and simulator exercises.”

“The POLARIS calculations, Polar Code updates and DMI’s ice and weather sessions were particularly valuable.”

Advanced Polar Code participants, 2025

Course content and format

The course combines theoretical instruction, case-based learning, simulator exercises and structured debriefings based on realistic polar operations.

Basic training – course content

• Polar Code, SOLAS and MARPOL requirements
• Ice characteristics, ice types and ice recognition
• Effects of low temperatures on personnel, equipment and vessel systems
• Safe working practices in polar environments
• Emergency preparedness, survival and response
• Environmental protection and pollution prevention
• Shipboard documentation and operational limitations

Advanced training – course content

• Regulations and standards, including national and regional requirements
• POLARIS methodology, egg code and Risk Index Outcome calculations
• Ice charts, ice imagery and meteorological products
• Voyage planning, navigational aids, surveys and chart limitations in polar waters
• Ship manoeuvrability in ice, including approaching, transiting, turning and besetment
• Icebreaker operations and escort procedures
• Crew preparation, working conditions and contingency planning
• Vessel characteristics, propulsion and new expedition cruise ship technology
• Simulator exercises with structured debriefing

Throughout the course, participants gain practical insights into the challenges associated with Arctic and Antarctic operations and learn how to apply best practices in planning, decision-making and safe ship operation.

Prerequisites and level

Basic training
You are expected to be a certified deck officer with a solid understanding of navigation and ship operations. No prior polar training is required.

Advanced training
You are expected to have completed Basic training for ships operating in polar waters and to have documented seagoing service at management level on vessels operating in polar waters. Experience as a master or chief officer is assumed.

Examination and certification

The course is approved by the Danish Maritime Authority.

The training is designed to meet the mandatory minimum requirements for masters and deck officers operating ships in polar waters as specified in STCW Tables A-V/4-1 (Basic training) and A-V/4-2 (Advanced training).

Participants who successfully complete the course receive an approved course certificate for the level completed.

Force Technology is an established maritime training provider approved by DNV.

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

Tailor the course to your organisation

The course can be adapted to your vessel types, operational profile and planned polar operations. Company-specific procedures, routes and risk scenarios can be incorporated to maximise relevance and learning outcomes.

Basic and Advanced training can also be delivered as a combined programme for company crews.

Tailor the course to your organisation

This course can be adapted so participants work with your systems, data and real-world challenges from your organisation. Plan a tailored course for your team

Related courses

All courses

Reach out to Clara Giarrusso for more information.