Ice Navigation and Polar Code

The course Ice Navigation and Polar Code is designed to equip mariners with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenging and often hazardous polar regions. As global shipping routes increasingly venture into Arctic and Antarctic waters, the expedition, touristic, and Arctic technical fleet is expanding so fast that there are simply not enough crew members with at least basic knowledge of ice navigation, which is crucial for the industry. That's why after five years of own experience in both the Arctic and Antarctic, I decided to prepare this course with all the knowledge and techniques that will be useful for those mariners who are:

• looking to the closest future, as with global warming, knowledge of ice navigation becomes more demanded;
• ready to be part of a potential and already profitable industry (average salaries on ships designed for navigating in ice are 40-45% higher than average salaries on bulk carriers and approximately equal to those in the LNG fleet);
• ready to expand unusual problem-solving skills, as ice navigation is aimed to prepare seafarers for unusual situations.

The course covers the principles of ice navigation and provides
an understanding of the Polar Code - an international framework
established to ensure the safety of ships operating in polar waters. 

Through a combination of theoretical lessons and practical exercises, this course aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of polar voyages. Participants will learn about mandatory safety measures, environmental protection requirements, and vessel-specific operational guidelines.

The next key aspects will be covered:

• Main routes through ice and their advantages;
• The ice class of ships and how to relate it to different Classification Societies;
• How to read ice charts, including WMO Egg, and recognize different ice types;
• Main rules of ice navigation, including when escorted by an icebreaker;
• Checklist to prepare ships for ice navigation and useful links.

By the end, attendees will be well-prepared to tackle the operational challenges posed by ice-covered areas and comply with international regulations.