Polar Code training and ice-navigator competence
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether the Polar Water Operational Manual, Polar Ship Certificate, intended operating conditions and STCW V/4 certificates establish the correct competence for the Master, Chief Mate, watchkeeping officers and any separate ice navigator.
Ready onboard
0/7 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1Which officers require basic Polar Code training on this voyage?
Identify every officer in charge of a navigational watch and explain the requirement from the intended ice conditions and STCW V/4.
2Does the Master require advanced training for this voyage?
Compare the planned operation with the open-water or other-water categories and the substitution arrangement stated in the PWOM.
3Can an ice navigator replace the Master?
No. A qualified ice navigator may satisfy specified training functions under an approved arrangement, but the Master retains command and the PWOM must define responsibilities.
4Show that the ice navigator is properly qualified.
Produce the applicable certificate of competency, advanced polar-water training certificate and company appointment or verification record.
5What vessel-specific limitations were covered during familiarisation?
Explain the Polar Ship Certificate limits, ice class, polar service temperature, draught limits, machinery constraints and PWOM procedures applicable to this vessel.
6What happens if a required trained officer is unavailable?
Do not enter or continue the applicable polar operation until compliant manning is restored or formal authority provides a lawful alternative.
Where an observation may arise
A required Master, Chief Mate or watchkeeping officer did not hold the appropriate basic or advanced polar-water training certificate.
The vessel treated possession of an ice navigator as removing the Master's command responsibility or all training requirements.
The PWOM manning arrangement did not agree with the Polar Ship Certificate, company policy or officers actually assigned.
A person used as ice navigator lacked verified competency or advanced polar-water training.
The required training level was selected without identifying whether the voyage involved open waters or other waters.
Certificates were available, but officers could not explain the vessel's ice limitations or PWOM controls.
Master's practical note
Start with the intended ice regime, not the certificate file. The training matrix is credible only if it matches the actual route, forecast ice conditions and bridge team named in the PWOM.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: This question is generated for a vessel issued with a Polar Ship Certificate. Separate company competence requirements may still apply outside the mandatory Polar Code training trigger.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 12.1.1
- IMO Polar Code, Part I-A Chapter 12
- STCW Convention regulation V/4
- OCIMF Guidelines for the Development of a Polar Water Operational Manual
Last reviewed: 2026-09-12