2.6.

5 Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for

Seafarers (STCW) Code
Guidance regarding training of masters and officers for ships operating in polar waters is
contained in the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers(STCW)
Code, Section B-V/g*. Work to further develop internationally recognized criteria for training and
experience for ice navigators is underway at IMO as part of the development of a proposal for a
mandatory Polar Code. With respect to Canadian regulations, the specific qualifications of an Ice
Navigator are stated in Section 26 of the ASPPR.
Section B-V/g* of the STCW Code provides guidance for training masters and officers for ships
operating in polar waters. It is important that masters, officers in charge of a navigational watch
and officers in charge of an engineering watch on board ships operating in polar waters should
have relevant experience and training.
Prior to being assigned duties on board such ships, Masters and officers in charge of a
navigational watch should have basic knowledge on the following subjects 2 to 11. Officers in
charge of an engineering watch should have a basic knowledge of subjects 3, 6, 10 and 11.
Masters and Chief Engineer Officers should have sufficient and appropriate experience in
operating ships in polar waters.
1. Ice characteristics ice areas
2. Ship's performance in ice and cold climate
3. Voyage and passage planning for a ship in ice
4. Operating and handling a ship in ice (operations and navigation)
5. Operating and handling a ship in ice (propulsion, rudder and other engineering systems)
6. Regulations and recommendations
7. Equipment limitations
8. Safety precautions and emergency procedures (availability and limitations of
infrastructure)
9. Safety precautions and emergency procedures (safe working procedures, common
damages and limitations of fire-fighting)
10. Environmental considerations.