Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) reports that it has received approval from the Bahamas Maritime Authority to offer an ‘Ice Navigation in Polar Waters’ e-learning course on STCW Ice Navigation.
The course combines e-learning, interactive scenarios, and in-person assessment to provide navigational officers with an understanding of the hazards of manoeuvring in ice and transiting the polar regions.
The STCW course comprises nine modules and covers topics such as regulations, ice characteristics, voyage planning, vessel performance in polar waters, ice breaker operations, and crew preparation and safety.
The learning portion can be carried out entirely online, with a final assessment being taken under supervision at a Marlins Approved Test Centre. After completing all nine modules and the online simulator exercise, the learner takes an informal self-assessment: if they feel ready, they can apply for formal assessment and certification.
“STCW Ice Navigation at Basic Level is a long course that would traditionally require 4 – 5 days’ attendance at an on-shore training centre. Adding travel time, officers may need to spend a week away from home, often during their vacation time,” said Catherine Logie, Ocean Technologies Group, Director of Direct to Consumer Services.
“Access via our self-directed learning platform means seafarers can take regulatory training at a pace and location that suits them, fitting it in around their personal lives more easily.”
