Maritime
Credits: nautinst.org
The Nautical Institute
Launches Ice
Navigator Scheme
T
he Nautical Institute launched the Ice
Navigator Training and Certification Scheme.
This is the latest in the Institute’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. The focus is on actual ship-handling and operation of vessels
in ice-covered waters worldwide.
The 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
24
in simulator exercises, and show a thorough understanding of ice
regimes, including ice physics, operations in sea ice, hazards, search
and rescue and weather.
Under ‘grandfathering’ arrangements, a participant who can
prove they have 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 Nautical Institute’s rigorous
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 recognized 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 on the occasion of the launch, Captain Duke Snider
FNI, President of The Nautical Institute, 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 Nautical Institute has a strong track record in providing
best practice guidance for operations in ice, including Polar Ship
Operations, by NI President Duke Snider FNI and Handling Ships in
Ice, by Johan Buysse. New editions of both books are currently in
preparation.
nautinst.org