What is Polar Code Training?

If you’ve found yourself researching the answer to What Is Polar Code Training, then you’re in the right place.

Operating in polar waters is different from standard seafaring. Seasonal changes in the ice, the greater risk of emergencies, and general dangers from an extreme climate mean seafarers must be fully trained and up to standard.

That’s not just advisory but also mandatory – under the IMO’s International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, also known as the Polar Code. Learn more about the Polar Code, what it involves, and why Polar Code training matters below.

What is the Polar Code?

The Polar Code, formally known as the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, is a set of regulations developed and established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Its role is to safeguard lives, property, and the environment in the challenging and potentially hazardous conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic waters.

The Polar Code, which came into effect in 2017, applies to all ships operating in polar waters. It covers:

Ship design and construction
Onboard equipment
Seafaring operations
Crew training
Environmental protection

Considering the pristine natural habits, the Polar Code aims to mitigate risks and prevent accidents, such as oil spills, deaths, or other forms of pollution. Animals and indigenous communities in the polar regions are found nowhere else on the planet, leading to stringent and compulsory rules.

What is Polar Code Training?

Polar Code training is a specialised form of training required of all seafarers operating ships in polar waters. Crew members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to safely navigate the challenging, hazardous conditions found in Arctic and Antarctic environments.

According to Chapter 12 of the Polar Code, training must guarantee that all masters, chief mates, and officers in charge of a navigational watch operating in polar waters have completed the relevant training. That includes the Polar Code and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Very few centres deliver an MCA-approved Polar Code training course, given the specificity and complexity of the training involved.

What Does Polar Code Training Involve?

The Maritime Skills Academy runs two separate Polar Code training courses:

During the Basic Polar Code training, learners are introduced to topics related to ice water navigation, season changes, and characteristics of the regions.

In addition, the course teaches emergency preparedness, equipping learners with strategies for effective responses to potential polar water emergencies. Throughout the sessions, a strong emphasis is placed on compliance with pollution prevention measures and a proactive approach to environmental hazard prevention. To maintain these delicate natural environments, all vessels must adhere to international and regional regulations and codes in polar waters.

The Advance Polar Code training, on the other hand, builds on the lessons of the first course. Participants will learn how to plan and conduct a voyage in polar waters, manage the safe operation of vessels in these challenging environments, and ensure the safety of the ship’s crew and passengers. This includes maintaining the operational condition of lifesaving, fire-fighting, and other essential systems onboard.

This training is structured around five key outcomes:

Ensuring vessel preparedness for voyages operating in polar waters.
Ensuring that both crew and passengers are adequately prepared for polar water operations.
Planning and conducting a successful voyage in polar waters.
Manoeuvring and operating the vessel safely amidst the unique challenges posed by polar waters.
Managing the response to emergencies that may arise during the voyage.

Conducted at the MSA Portsmouth training centre, all lessons and materials are developed by experienced Ice Captains and Ice Pilots, recognised as industry leaders. Moreover, the courses use a full bridge simulator to mirror real-life scenarios.

Individuals seeking training must meet the prerequisites, including substantial time and experience at sea.

Closing Thoughts

Polar Code training isn’t an optional extra to expand a seafarer’s skills. It’s critical to the safety of individuals operating in polar waters and the preservation of the pristine polar habitats. You won’t be allowed to join a ship’s crew unless you achieve these qualifications.

The Maritime Skills Academy offers MCA-approved Polar Code training courses developed by experienced ice captains and ice pilots, providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe and responsible operation of vessels in polar waters.

If you’re interested in our training courses, please apply via our website.

What are the Requirements of the Polar Code?

Entering into force in 2017, the Polar Code is the legal framework governing maritime operations in Arctic and Antarctic waters. It was developed by the International Maritime Organisation, of which 175 nations are members, including the UK.

Officially known as the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, it sets out regulations for shipping – in particular, ship design, construction, and equipment; maritime operation; crewing training; environmental protection; and search and rescue operations.

This Polar Code is divided into two parts:

Part I: Part I-A covers safety measures, and Part I-B contains additional guidance regarding those measures.
Part II: Part II-A details pollution prevention measures and Part II-B provides further information relating to pollution prevention.

In this article, we’ll primarily be focusing on the safety requirements outlined in Part I, as well as some information on seafarer’s duties in pollution control.

Safety Measures

Polar waters are among the most hazardous seas in the world. Not only are the environmental conditions frigid and freezing, but the waters are often tumultuous.

As a result, according to the Polar Code, vessels operating in polar waters must be designed and constructed with specific structural enhancements to withstand harsh conditions and ice encounters. In particular, the hull must be reinforced, and materials used in ship construction must be suitable for low-temperature environments.

Furthermore, ships must have the necessary equipment and systems for safe ice navigation. These include:

Ice radar
Ice-strengthened hulls
Capability to receive and process ice charts and satellite images

In addition to these safety measures, ships are also restricted by certain operational limitations depending on ice conditions, weather, and other environmental factors.

Safety Equipment

Because of the potential for calamitous accidents (and distance from any support), ships must carry adequate survival equipment, including immersive suits, lifeboats, and other life-saving, cold-adapted appliances.

Like other ships, fire safety measures (fire detection and extinguishing systems) must be present – albeit suited to low-temperature environments. Furthermore, ships must have effective communication systems to maintain contact with shore-based facilities and other nearby vessels.

Crew Training and Qualifications

Safety measures and equipment are useless without a well-trained crew drilled in emergency procedures and sea ice navigation.

Under Chapter 12 of the Polar Code, certain crew members (such as masters, chief mates, and officers) must have completed appropriate training, including Polar Code training and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). All crew members must also be drilled in the event of a fire or ship evacuation.

Emergency Preparedness

For most crew members, operating in polar waters differs little from standard seafaring. Where things become substantially more dangerous is in the event of an emergency.

The Polar Code requirements state that all ships must have specific emergency procedures for polar operations, including abandoning ships, firefighting, and dealing with ice encasement. Moreover, vessels must be equipped and prepared to carry out search and rescue operations.

Due to the scarcity of manpower in the polar regions, any ships nearby could be called upon to assist a distress call.

Environmental Protection

The polar waters are a pristine natural environment, home to animals, plants, and indigenous communities found nowhere else on Earth. As a result, the Polar Code’s requirements are stringent in this area.

Part II-A of the Code outlines measures to prevent pollution, with stringent regulations on the discharge of oil, oily mixtures, noxious liquid substances, and sewage. It emphasises compliance with the Ballast Water Management Convention to prevent the introduction of non-indigenous species and mandates the use of low-sulphur fuels to minimise air emissions.

Operational measures include protocols for waste minimisation and garbage disposal, with specific criteria for the disposal of various types of waste. Incidents that may lead to pollution must be immediately reported, and ships must be equipped to contain and mitigate the impact of pollution, including having spill response equipment and trained personnel.

Closing Thoughts

The Polar Code is among the most comprehensive maritime regulations currently enacted by international law. Its rules are ironclad, protecting both seafarers and the regional environment from risks and hazards.

For individuals looking to join a polar crew, this code requires officers and other crew members to undergo an approved Polar Code training course. These courses detail the ins and outs of the code, applying the regulations to real-life situations.

The Maritime Skills Academy is accredited by the Nautical Institute, and our Basic and Advanced Polar Code training courses equip seafarers with skills and knowledge to brave the poles.

Learn more about our Polar Code courses available on our website and start your polar seafaring career today!

The Maritime Skills Academy Celebrates the Nautical Institute’s Recognition for Polar Training Courses

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) is proud to announce that our Polar Code Basic Course (POLAB) and Advanced Training Course (POLA) has received recognition from the Nautical Institute (NI).

Our courses are part of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that seafarers must undertake to gain the Ice Navigator Level 1 and Level 2 Certificate. This recognition makes the Maritime Skills Academy one of only two training centres in the world to hold this accreditation.

What is the Ice Navigator Training Accreditation and Certification Scheme?

The NI Ice Navigator Training Accreditation and Certification Scheme is required under the Polar Code, with a global standard in training and certification of Ice Navigators.

The NI Standard complies with relevant IMO resolutions and identifies the skills, competencies, and experience that are expected of an Ice Navigator. Officers that obtain NI Ice Navigator Level 1 or Level 2 Certification will possess an internationally recognised level of experience and competence in the operation of ships in ice.

Mark Jaenicke, Operations Director at the MSA said,

“We are thrilled to have received recognition from the Nautical Institute and to be able to offer these high-quality courses to seafarers.

“Our team of experienced Ice Captains and Ice Pilots has developed the courses to provide a comprehensive education and training program that meets the requirements of the STCW.

“With this recognition, we are confident that our courses will help seafarers improve their skills and advance their careers in polar navigation.”

What is the Polar Training Course?

The Polar Training Course is a comprehensive training program designed to equip seafarers with the necessary skills and knowledge required for navigating ships in polar waters. The scheme was set up as part of the Nautical Institute’s Ice Navigator Training Accreditation and Certification Scheme, which is required under the Polar Code.

The NI has developed this global standard in training and certification of Ice Navigators in compliance with relevant IMO resolutions; it identifies the skills, competencies, and experience expected of an ice navigator.

The NI Standard has two levels: Ice Navigator Level 1 and Ice Navigator Level 2. These are internationally recognised certificates that signify a high level of experience and competence in the operation of ships in ice.

Officers who obtain the NI Ice Navigator Level 1 or Level 2 Certification will possess the necessary skills and experience to navigate polar waters safely and effectively.

What Do the Courses Involve?

The Maritime Skills Academy offers two MCA Approved Polar Code Training courses:

The Polar Code Training (Basic) (POLAB) aims to provide seafarers on board polar-operating ships with education and training that meet the STCW requirements. The course covers the following topics:

Polar Code overview and regulations
Cold climate and its impact on the ship and crew
Ice and its various forms
Navigation in ice and low visibility
Emergency procedures in ice-covered waters

The Polar Code Training (Advanced) (POLA) is intended for Masters and Officers in charge of the navigational watch involved in navigating ice conditions. The course covers the following topics:

Plan and conduct a voyage in polar water
Manage the safe operation of vessels operating in polar waters
Maintain safety of the ship’s crew and passengers and the operational condition of life-saving, fire-fighting and other systems

Both courses have been developed by experienced Ice Captains and Ice Pilots, who are recognised leaders in the industry. Our instructors have extensive experience in navigating ships in polar waters, and help deliver these courses.

Upon successful completion of the course, seafarers will have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate ships safely and efficiently in polar waters.

Final Thoughts

We are proud to have received recognition from the Nautical Institute for its Polar Code Basic Course (POLAB) and Advanced Training Course (POLA).

By completing these courses, seafarers can gain the Ice Navigator Level 1 and Level 2 Certificate, which will provide internationally recognised experience and competence in the operation of ships in ice.

This opens up polar waters to more seafarers and provides an opportunity to further your career in polar seafaring.

If you’re interested in the Polar Code Basic Course (POLAB) or Advanced Training Course (POLA), please click here.