According to the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Water (Polar Code), and further amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), Marshall Islands require deck officers on RMI-flagged vessels operating in Polar waters to be Polar certificated.
Marshall Islands will evaluate qualifications, training, and seagoing service on a case-by-case basis. These requirements are included in the RMI Seafarer Certification Requirements (MI-118).
Minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of Deck Officers on ships operating in Polar waters starting 01 July 2018.
- Deck Officers on ships operating in Polar waters shall hold a certificate in basic training for ships operating in Polar waters, as required by the Polar Code;
- Every candidate for a certificate in basic training for ships operating in Polar waters shall have completed an approved basic training for ships operating in Polar waters and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-V/4, paragraph 1, of the STCW Code;
- Masters and chief mates on ships operating in Polar waters, shall hold a certificate in advanced training for ships operating in Polar waters, as required by the Polar Code;
- Every candidate for a certificate in advanced training for ships operating in Polar waters shall: meet the requirements for certification in basic training for ships in Polar waters; have at least two months of approved seagoing service in the deck department, at management level or while performing watchkeeping duties at the operational level, within Polar waters or other equivalent approved seagoing service; And have completed approved advanced training for ships operating in Polar waters and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-V/4, paragraph 2 of the STCW Code.
Transitional provisions, 01 July 2018 – 01 July 2020
Until 01 July 2020, Deck Officers who began approved seagoing service in Polar waters before 01 July 2018 must be able to prove that they meet the requirements of §5.1.1 above by:
- Having completed approved seagoing service on board a ship operating in Polar waters or equivalent approved seagoing service, performing duties in the deck department at the operational or management level, for a period of at least three months in total during the preceding five years;
- Having successfully completed a training course meeting the training guidance established by the Organization for ships operating in Polar waters in accordance with section B-V/g of the STCW Code.
Until 01 July 2020, Masters and Chief Mates who began approved seagoing service in Polar waters before 01 July 2018, should be able to establish that they meet the requirements of §5.1.2 above by:
- Having completed approved seagoing service on board a ship operating in Polar waters or equivalent approved seagoing service, performing duties in the deck department at management level, for a period of at least three months in total during the preceding five years;
- Having successfully completed a training course meeting the training guidance established by the IMO for ships operating in Polar waters in accordance with section B-V/g of the STCW Code and having completed approved seagoing service on board a ship operating in Polar waters or equivalent approved seagoing service, performing duties in the deck department at the management level, for a period of at least two months in total during the preceding five years.
Deck Officers who have been evaluated as qualified will then receive a notation on their Officer’s Certificate that indicates they are qualified for Polar water service. A separate certificate will not be issued.
