This is the latest in the NI’s expanding series of professional training schemes and has been developed in response to rapidly growing demand for officers with proven expertise in handling ships in ice.
While the scheme is designed to complement IMO’s Polar Code, course content is not restricted to the Polar regions and it expands on the minimum requirements of STCW. Its focus is on vessel shiphandling and operations in ice-covered waters worldwide.
This scheme is open to those who hold, or are studying towards, a deck officer qualification awarded by a White List administration. Participants must demonstrate practical competence on board and in simulator exercises, while showing a thorough understanding of ice regimes, including ice physics, operations in sea ice, hazards, search and rescue (SAR) and weather.
Under ‘grandfathering’ arrangements, a participant who can prove he or she has prior experience in ice may be eligible for the award of either a Level 1 or Level 2 Ice Navigator Certificate.
Training providers that offer the NI’s Ice Navigator Scheme courses must be fully accredited to the NI’s training accreditation standard. All training centres are audited to ensure consistency of delivery around the world and to ensure that they meet the highest professional standards.
Award of an NI Ice Navigator Level 1 or Level 2 certificate means the officer will possess an internationally recognised qualification, valid for five years, demonstrating they have the competence and confidence to navigate safely in ice anywhere within the limits of their CoC.
Speaking at the launch, Capt Duke Snider, NI President, said: “Operating ships within any ice regime requires specialist knowledge, skills and a level of awareness beyond those of the majority of mariners. This course will help to equip ships’ officers to meet the unique challenges posed by navigating in ice. Those who hold the NI Ice Navigator Certificate will be able to prove their ice-readiness to potential employers worldwide.”
The NI has a track record in providing best practice guidance for operations in ice, including Polar Ship Operations, by Duke Snider and Handling Ships in Ice, by Johan Buysse.
New editions of both books are currently in preparation.