Web Alert: Nautical Institute's Ice Navigator Accreditation Standard

Members are advised that at the start of July the Nautical Institute launched its Ice Navigator Scheme. This scheme is designed to help meet the demand for properly trained officers with the skills and knowledge to handle a ship in ice.

The scheme is designed to run in conjunction with the Polar Code and builds on STCW requirements. It focuses on the practical elements necessary to handle a ship and manage operations in ice covered waters worldwide; it is not limited to the Polar Regions.

Participants in the scheme can be awarded Ice Navigator Level 1 or 2. These qualifications are internationally recognised, valid for five years and demonstrate that the holder has the competence to navigate their vessel in ice anywhere within the limits of their certificate of competency.

The scheme may be accessed by those who possess a deck officer qualification (awarded by a white list administration) or are studying for a deck officer qualification.

For full details of the training standards please see the document attached on the right.