Ice Navigation Training for Maersk Line Officers

 

Deck officers and captains from Maersk Line have begun a series of ice navigation training courses at Aboa Mare in Turku, Finland. The first course was taught in July, with the rest scheduled to take place during the second half of 2017.

 

The courses fulfill the Polar Code training requirements and are designed according to the particular needs of Maersk Line’s navigating officers, taking into account the Baltic Feeder newbuildings that will be delivered later this year. The Maersk Line officers will receive both Polar Code training as well as knowledge and skills essential to the operation of these newbuildings in ice and winter conditions. 

 

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), which entered into force on January 1, 2017, addresses ship design, construction and equipment, operational and training concerns, search and rescue and the protection of the unique environment of the polar regions (imo.org). Crew training will be mandatory under STCW as of July 1, 2018 for all captains and officers sailing in Arctic and Antarctic waters, depending on the ice conditions in the operating area.

 

Aboa Mare said the training is conducted in an optimal training environment, as its simulators allow the participants to practice realistic situations in a wide range of ice conditions. Aboa Mare’s tools for simulator training are continually developed and the training is often tailor-made according to the specific needs of the customer, as is the case with Maersk Line.

 

Aboa Mare has been providing training in ice navigation for 10 years, and today offers a diversified training portfolio in ice navigation training, including basic and advanced training in accordance with the Polar Code as well as training for Baltic and other sub-arctic ice conditions. Ship handling in ice, ice management training and specialized ice training is delivered according to the needs of the customer.