Page 56: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q2 2015)

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SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY

USCG

Approved

STCW Ice Navigation:

Are you Ready?

The Manila Amendments to the Polar Code underscores the obvious need for competence in ice as increasingly accessible Arctic waters see more traf? c.

By Dr. Orson Smith and Captain Michael Terminel he International Maritime Organization announced re-

KNOWLEDGE BUILT ON ? nements to the Manila Amendments to the Polar Code

KONGSBERG SIMULATION

T in February 2015. This now will give better guidance to Any mariner completing the Ice Navigation (ALAVCT-738) the requirements for STCW training of ships of? cers navigat- course will satisfy the knowledge, understanding, and the pro- ing in Polar Waters. Separately, it is also no coincidence that ? ciency for the ice condition, voyage planning and navigating the Alaska Vocational Technical Education Center (AVTEC), ice requirement of Section A-11/2, Table A-11/2 and Section

Alaska Institute of Technology in Seward, Alaska, presented A-11/3, Table A-11/3 of the STCW Code as amended 2010, the ? rst Ice Navigation course approved by the US Coast and task 1.1.A.4 of NVIC 10-14 and 1.1.A.3 of NVIC 11-14.

Guard in November 2014. As changes are made to the Polar Code, AVTEC’s courses will

The curriculum for the 10-day short course was developed also evolve with minor re? nements to meet any new require- by a team of senior Alaskan mariners and a University of ments to conform to the 2015 IMO Ice Navigation training

Alaska Anchorage Arctic engineer, with a view toward im- guidelines.

plementation of IMO Polar Code requirements. The course is AVTEC’s course makes extensive use of simulation us- compliant with current IMO STCW guidelines for ships op- ing the Center’s Kongsberg Polaris Class A and two Class B erating in ice-covered waters, emphasizing Arctic operations simulator bridges. Simulations begin with bridge familiar- associated with offshore oil and gas development. ization and basics of observing and reporting ice conditions.

Image above: Niklas Ranta checks distances and ice concentration during a close quarter maneuvering exercise in AVTEC’s full mission simulator in Seward Alaska.

| | 56 Maritime Professional 2Q 2015