One of the world’s largest Classification societies Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK) confirmed compliance of ‘Makarov’ courses on Polar Code to the recommendations of corresponding IMO Model Courses.

New model courses IMO 7.11 and 7.12 were adopted in February 2017 by the 4^th session of Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) Sub-Committee. The courses were developed by the Canada lead Review group which included experts from several countries having experience in ship operation in polar waters. The experts represented Norway, Denmark, Chile, Argentina and Russia. The IMO Model Courses are recommendatory and are used for development of training programmes by maritime educational institutions and Training Centres (TC).

The Makarov TC of Admiral Makarov SUMIS updated its working programmes of basic and advanced training on operation in polar waters, took account of expert discussions and considerations at the HTW Sub-Committee, and commenced their operational use.

Earlier, in January 2017, the University successfully passed accreditation for the courses and obtained certificates of compliance of basic and advanced courses for ships operating in polar waters (Basic training for ships operating in polar waters, Advanced training for ships operating in polar waters) to requirements in amendments of STCW Convention. The courses were also approved by the Administration of the Marshall Islands.

As is known, in November 2016 The IMO Maritime Safety Committee adopted amendments to STCW 78 Convention and included requirements to competencies of masters and deck officers on ships operating in polar waters. The amendments are made to Chapter V (Regulation V/4) and to Sections А-I/11 and А-V/4 of STCW Code, and will take effect from July 1, 2018.

The Makarov TC of Admiral Makarov SUMIS has been providing simulator training for ice navigation since 2002 and has trained over 1000 masters and deck officers from more than 20 countries. The courses are of great help to ship crews in ice conditions of Baltic Sea, the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as for handling high ice class oil and liquified gas tankers in approaches to ports of Sabetta and Novy Port.

For reference:

Class NK – one of the world’s leading Classification societies. Member of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). In Class NK  there are 9214 vessels with total tonnage of 245 million tons which is about 20% of the world’s merchant fleet (the company data). Head office is located in Tokyo (Japan).

 The Makarov Training Centre is one of the leading divisions of the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping. The Centre provides internationally recognized vocational training of cadets and students of the University, ship crews, wide range of maritime and oil and gas industry professionals from Russia, neighbouring and distant foreign countries. Training quality at the Makarov TC at SUMIS is recognised by Maritime Administrations of Russia, Liberia, Marshall Islands, leading Classification Societies, the Nautical Institute and other credible national and international organisations.

The Makarov TC of Admiral Makarov SUMIS became the world’s first training centre which received international recognition for compliance of the performed training to the new international requirements as the new Polar Code entered into force.