Polar Code Course
'Basic'

1

Master

2

Chief Mate

3

Officer of the Watch

The course explains, teaches and practices the basics of operating vessels in polar latitudes. It highlights the additional regulations and necessities beyond SOLAS and MARPOL to cope with polar specificities and risks.

The course is based on the requirements according to STCW A-V/4-1. After passing the test successfully the German Maritime Administration will issue the Polar Code Basic certificate. This is recognised by all flag states.

Competence

Prepare the vessel for polar operation, voyage planning and the ability to manoeuvre ships in ice covered areas including the interpretation of ice charts and images

Safety

Contribute to safe vessel operation in polar waters and understand safe vessel operation in ice and with ice breakers

Ice knowledge

Understand properties of ice, ice dynamics and areas where different types of ice may occur.

Ship knowledge

Understand the performance of ships in ice and low air temperature

Legal basis

Understanding the Polar Code Regulations & Standards

Emergency preparedness

First aid in hyperthermia, understanding the basics of firefighting and abandoning the ship in polar waters

Preparation

Knowledge of working conditions in the designated area and means of mitigation. Preparation of the crew for the polar environment.

Environmental aspects

Understand the need to comply with legal environmental protection. Context to the fragile state of the polar regions?

The participant receives a certificate recognised by the BSH upon successful completion of the course.