Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (BPW)

Training format

Course approved

Maritime Administration of Ukraine
American Bureau of Shipping Academy
Republic of Panama
Republic of Liberia
Republic of the Marshall Islands

For whom

The course is designed for Captains, Chief Mates, Second Mates, and Watch Officers operating ships in polar waters. It is aimed at Officers and crew members responsible for safety duties and participation in emergency actions. It is useful for safety specialists involved in operations related to onboard safety, including Masters, Pilots, and Mooring Masters.

Teaching language

English
Russian
Ukrainian

Duration

Seat restriction

The course «Ships Operating in Polar Waters — Basic Training (BPW)» provides participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for the safe operation of ships in polar waters, meeting international standards (STCW and Polar Code). This course is also known as «Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters» and «Polar Code Basic Training».

Participants will learn the basics of navigation in the extreme climatic conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic, survival and environmental protection methods, as well as practical skills for maneuvering in ice conditions. The program includes theoretical training and practical exercises on a modern simulator that simulates real conditions in polar waters.

STCW Standards: Code, Section A-I/11, Paragraph 4, Code, Section A-I/12, Code, Section A-V/4-1, Code, Section B-I/12, Paragraphs 68-70, Code, Section B-V/g.

On the course you will learn to

Introduction

The course «Ships Operating in Polar Waters — Basic Training» provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe operation of ships in polar waters, in compliance with international standards and legislation (STCW and Polar Code). Participants will become familiar with the key aspects of navigation in the extreme climatic conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic, survival and environmental protection methods, and practical skills for maneuvering in ice conditions.

1. Basics of Navigation in Polar Waters

Navigation in polar waters requires a deep understanding of geographical features, ice conditions, and the use of specialized navigation systems.

Geographical features of the Arctic and Antarctic: Study the unique characteristics of these regions.
Ice conditions and their impact on navigation: The impact of various types of ice on navigation.
Navigation systems and technologies for operation in polar waters: Use of GPS, radars, and echo sounders.
Reading ice charts and forecasts: Analyzing ice charts for route planning.
Risks and methods of their minimization: Strategies to minimize risks when navigating in ice conditions.

2. Safety and Survival in Polar Conditions

Understanding the polar climate and its effects on humans is vital for survival in extreme conditions.

Characteristics of the polar climate: Study the impact of the climate on humans and ships.
Special equipment for polar conditions: Clothing, shelters, and communication devices.
Methods of survival in extreme cold conditions: Practical survival skills.
Providing first aid and maintaining life support: Basics of first aid in polar conditions.
Practical exercises in survival and first aid: Training in providing first aid and survival techniques.

3. Environmental Protection of Polar Regions

Preserving the ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic requires compliance with international and national environmental protection laws.

Ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic and their vulnerability: The importance of preserving unique ecosystems.
International requirements and national laws for environmental protection: Laws and norms for environmental protection.
Methods of pollution minimization: Waste management and oil spill prevention.
Practical measures for environmental protection on board: Real examples and methods of environmental protection.

4. Practical Navigation and Maneuvering

Maneuvering and navigation skills in ice conditions are necessary for the safe operation of ships in polar waters.

Basics of ice navigation: Types of ice and ways to pass through them.
Maneuvering in ice conditions: Tactics and techniques of maneuvering.
Using navigation systems in polar waters: Practical application of GPS, radars, and echo sounders.
Practical exercises in navigation and maneuvering in polar conditions: Training in navigation and maneuvering.

Conclusion

This course is intended for captains, chief officers, and officers responsible for navigation on ships operating in polar waters. Participants will gain the necessary knowledge and skills for the safe operation of ships in unique climatic conditions, as well as an understanding of international and national legislative requirements related to working in polar waters.

Issuing certificates

Certificate of qualified specialist.

Level of instructor-teachers

Course instructors are highly qualified and have significant experience working on various types of ships operating in polar waters. All instructors have higher maritime education and have completed specialized courses in navigation and ship management in extreme climatic conditions. Regular professional development ensures compliance with current standards and requirements of the STCW Convention. Extensive practical experience and work in training centers guarantee high-quality instruction and deep practical training for course participants.

Compliance with international conventions

This course complies with international standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is regulated by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW):

Code, Section A-I/11, Paragraph 4.
Code, Section A-I/12.
Code, Section A-V/4-1.
Code, Section B-I/12, Paragraphs 68-70.
Code, Section B-V/g.

Explanation of Standards

STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) — An international convention developed by the IMO to ensure maritime safety and prevent marine pollution.

Code, Section A-I/11, Paragraph 4: Describes the requirements for the certification and training of seafarers, including qualifications and experience required for obtaining a certificate of competence.
Code, Section A-I/12: Covers the requirements for quality assurance systems and methods applied to the training and certification processes of seafarers, as well as to assessment procedures.
Code, Section A-V/4-1: Contains mandatory minimum requirements for the competence of crews on ships operating in polar waters, including safety training, navigation, and emergency response.
Code, Section B-I/12, Paragraphs 68-70: Includes recommendations on the training and certification of seafarers, providing additional methodological guidance and best practices for fulfilling the mandatory requirements specified in Section A-I/12.
Code, Section B-V/g: Covers additional recommendations and guidelines on ensuring safety and environmental protection for ships operating in polar waters, providing methodological guidance for implementing the mandatory requirements of Section A-V/4-1.

These standards are aimed at ensuring the proper training and certification of crews on ships operating in polar waters, as well as establishing safety measures and procedures for the safe operation of ships in the extreme conditions of polar regions.

Material and technical support of the course

The course is conducted in classrooms equipped with all necessary equipment for theoretical and practical training. For practical training, the Navi-Trainer Professional 5000 simulator is used, which simulates real operating conditions in polar waters, including navigation and emergency situations. The simulator helps participants practice ship handling skills in low visibility, during polar nights, and in extreme temperatures, as well as conduct rescue operations. Participants learn navigation, ship management, risk assessment and management, working with navigation devices, and planning routes in polar water conditions.

Navigation simulator Navi-Trainer Professional NTPro 5000 by TRANSAS

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