Polar Code training allows navigation officers to serve onboard ships operating in Polar Waters (north of 60°N). Courses cover hazards in polar waters, ship handling in ice-covered seas, safe working practices at freezing temperatures, pollution prevention, and legislative requirements. The Basic course targets officers with STCW navigation watch certification; the Advanced course additionally requires prior basic polar training and at least two months of seagoing service in polar or equivalent ice conditions.
Prerequisites: Basic: hold a certificate as Master, chief mate or officer in charge of a navigation watch in accordance with regulations II/1, II/2 and II/3 of the STCW Convention, Advanced: hold a certificate as Master, chief mate or officer in charge of a navigation watch qualified in accordance with regulations II/1, II/2 and II/3 of the STCW Convention, Advanced: have met requirements for basic training for ships in polar waters in accordance with STCW Regulation V/5 paragraph 6 or hold a certificate in basic training for ships in polar waters, Advanced: have at least two (2) months of approved seagoing service in the deck department at management level, or watchkeeping duties at operational level, within Polar Waters or equivalent ice conditions