ICE Navigation with Simulator Exercises

This course is developed specifically for the Deck Officers to acquire knowledge and develop skills relating to the navigation in Polar Waters and Ice Waters. This course been designed according to the IMO Model Course 7.12 “Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters”.

Navigating in areas of ice concentrations and sub- zero temperatures has its own risks – from damage to the Vessel’s hull, propellers and rudder, to collisions and contacts, and most of all, being beset or aground in ice. The skill-sets necessary for navigating vessels in ice conditions, and handling vessels designed to operate in such areas is remarkably different from the normal ship-handling skills.

MSC 94 (Nitety Fourth Session of Maritime Safety Committee) has adopted the International Polar Code, which came into force on 1^st January 2017 as Chapter XIV of SOLAS Convention. Subsequently MSC 97 also amended STCW 1978 as amended, to incorporate requirements of the Polar code in Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

The Simulator exercises are supervised by an instructor and allows the trainee to become familiar with entering an ice field and maneuvering in ICE / breaking ice. This enables the trainee to be skilled Ice Navigation and Polar Navigation. Each exercise is preceded by a briefing session and followed up by a group debrief, which analyzes the actions and decisions of the trainee.

Objective:

On completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Interpret ice and meteorological data and formulate a situation appraisal and risk analysis for passage planning.
• Determine the specialized maneuvering strategies necessary for the ice transit.
• Understand the benefits and hazards of ice breaker assistance and convoy operations.
• Get guidance on ice navigation features in St; Lawrence, Baltic and Arctic Waters.
• Understand the difficulties of operation in extreme low temperatures and be able to take the requisite cold weather precautions.
• get involved in logical decision making, which promotes operational safety.
• identify the human resources and managerial skills necessary for enhancing safety, efficiency, and contingency management on board.
• Describe the ways of developing these human resources and managerial skills.
• recognize the need to develop a positive attitude so as to make the best utilization of his knowledge and skills.

This is a Value added Course conducted using e-Simulator streamed directly to the trainee computer at his/her home.