Course Criteria for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters

This aim of this publication is to help create training courses that provide seafarers with the necessary knowledge, understanding and proficiency to carry out the safe and effective operation of ships operating in polar waters. Training courses developed in line with these criteria will cover:

• Basic training for service on ships operating in polar waters
• advanced training for service on ships operating in polar waters.

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) and satisfy MCA requirements for approved training.

What this document is about

This document provides the criteria for the development of courses to deliver training covering service on ships operating in polar waters, in accordance with international regulations for seafarer training.

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
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Why these criteria have 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.

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

The Merchant Navy Training Board is the shipping industry’s central body for promoting and developing sector specific education, training and skills.

https://mntb.org.uk/