Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (APW)

Introduction to the Course

This topic provides a general overview of the course, its goals, and objectives, as well as an examination of the characteristics of polar waters. Important aspects of preparing navigators and crew members for work in extreme conditions are covered, ensuring safety and compliance with international standards.

1. Introduction to Polar Waters:
   • Geographic definition of polar waters.
   • Characteristics of climatic and ice conditions.
2. Importance of Training for Polar Waters:
   • Reasons for the importance of specialized training.
   • Examples of real situations requiring special knowledge.

International Standards and Regulations

This topic covers international standards and regulations governing the operation of ships in polar waters. Emphasis is placed on understanding and complying with the requirements of various conventions and codes.

1. STCW and Other International Standards:
   • Overview of the International STCW Convention.
   • Key provisions and requirements of the STCW Convention, section A-I/11, paragraph 4.
   • Other international standards applicable to polar waters.
2. Requirements of International Conventions:
   • Understanding the requirements of Convention, section A-I/12.
   • Features of section A-V/4-2.
   • Code, section B-I/12, subsections 68-70.
   • Code, section B-V/g.
3. Compliance with Regulations:
   • Importance of compliance with international standards.
   • Examples of the consequences of non-compliance with regulations.
   • Methods of controlling and monitoring compliance with requirements.

Navigation and Ship Management in Polar Waters

This topic discusses the specific risks and features of navigation and ship management in polar waters. Methods of working with navigation instruments, route planning, and risk assessment in polar waters are considered.

1. Specific Risks of Navigation in Polar Waters:
   • Main risks associated with navigation in polar waters.
   • Examples of accidents and incidents in polar waters.
   • Impact of extreme climatic conditions on navigation.
2. Navigation Instruments in Polar Waters:
   • Features of working with navigation instruments in low temperatures.
   • Limited visibility and working in polar night conditions.
   • Technical means and instruments used for navigation in polar waters.
3. Route Planning and Risk Assessment:
   • Methods of route planning in polar waters.
   • Risk assessment and management in ice conditions.
   • Examples of successful route planning in polar waters.

Meteorological Conditions and Ice Situation

This topic is dedicated to understanding meteorological conditions and the ice situation in polar waters. Methods of analyzing and interpreting meteorological data, as well as working with ice charts and forecasts, are discussed.

1. Understanding Meteorological Data:
   • Key meteorological parameters affecting navigation in polar waters.
   • Sources and methods of obtaining meteorological data.
   • Interpretation of meteorological charts and forecasts.
2. Analysis and Forecast of Ice Conditions:
   • Types of ice and their characteristics.
   • Methods of analyzing ice conditions.
   • Use of ice charts and forecasts for route planning.
3. Practical Work with Meteorological and Ice Data:
   • Examples of analyzing real meteorological data.
   • Practice working with ice charts and forecasts.
   • Consideration of meteorological and ice data in route planning.

Safety Management and Emergency Procedures

This topic covers methods of safety management on ships operating in polar waters and emergency procedures. Preparation for rescue operations, fire safety, and emergency procedures are described.

1. Preparation and Conduct of Rescue Operations:
   • Preparation of the crew for rescue operations in polar waters.
   • Equipment and means for rescue operations.
   • Examples of successful rescue operations in polar waters.
2. Fire Safety on Ships in Polar Waters:
   • Features of fire safety on ships operating in low temperatures.
   • Equipment and fire safety procedures.
   • Methods of preventing and extinguishing fires in polar waters.
3. Emergency Procedures:
   • Emergency procedures and their significance.
   • Crew actions in emergency situations.
   • Examples of emergency actions in polar waters.

Environmental Protection and Sustainable Management

This topic is dedicated to measures for environmental protection in polar waters and sustainable ship management. Risk management systems, pollution prevention methods, and ecological aspects of ship operations are considered.

1. Environmental Protection Measures in Polar Waters:
   • Importance of environmental protection in polar regions.
   • Specific environmental threats in polar waters.
   • International norms and standards for environmental protection.
2. Risk Management System:
   • Basic principles of risk management on ships in polar waters.
   • Identification and assessment of risks.
   • Measures to reduce and prevent risks.
3. Sustainable Ship Management:
   • Principles of sustainable ship management in polar waters.
   • Implementation of environmentally safe technologies.
   • Monitoring and reporting on environmental indicators.

Practical Exercises

This topic includes practical exercises and training methods aimed at consolidating the knowledge and skills necessary for working on ships in polar waters. Simulators, simulations, and practical assignments are considered.

1. Navigation Simulators:
   • Simulation of real conditions in polar waters.
   • Ship management in conditions of limited visibility and extreme temperatures.
   • Conducting rescue operations on simulators.
2. Working with Ice Charts:
   • Practice analyzing ice conditions.
   • Route planning considering ice information.
   • Risk assessment and decision-making based on ice charts.
3. Emergency Procedures:
   • Practicing actions during a fire on a ship.
   • Practice evacuating the crew and passengers.
   • Simulation of various emergency situations in polar waters.
4. Performance Assessment and Feedback:
   • Methods of assessing the knowledge and skills of course participants.
   • Importance of feedback for improving training.
   • Examples of successful practical assignments and their impact on training.