Polar Code Basic Training

Code polar-basic · STCW A-V/4-1

Basic Training for service on ships operating in polar waters under STCW A-V/4-1 — required for officers serving on ships that operate in polar regions under the Polar Code. Ice and weather hazards, safe operation in low-temperature environments, ice-class limitations, crew-cold-weather safety.

Prerequisites: bst
Duration: 30 hours
Validity: 5 years
Refresher: every 5 years
Typical cost: ~$700 USD

Where to take this course

Country guides list accredited training centres in the major seafarer-supplying nations:

Related glossary terms

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Polar Code Basic Training: FAQ

What is the Polar Code Basic Training (POLAR-BASIC) certification?: Basic Training for service on ships operating in polar waters under STCW A-V/4-1 — required for officers serving on ships that operate in polar regions under the Polar Code. Ice and weather hazards, safe operation in low-temperature environments, ice-class limitations, crew-cold-weather safety. Referenced in STCW table A-V/4-1. Category: Polar.
Who needs POLAR-BASIC?: POLAR-BASIC applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-V/4-1. Recommended prerequisites: bst. Without POLAR-BASIC, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
How long does POLAR-BASIC take?: Typical course duration is 30 hours (3.8 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.
How much does POLAR-BASIC cost?: Typical cost is around US$700 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.
Where can I get POLAR-BASIC?: POLAR-BASIC is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.
How long is POLAR-BASIC valid?: 5 years from issue, with a refresher required every 5 years. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.

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Polar Code Basic Training: FAQ

What is the Polar Code Basic Training (POLAR-BASIC) certification?

Who needs POLAR-BASIC?

POLAR-BASIC applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-V/4-1. Recommended prerequisites: bst. Without POLAR-BASIC, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.

How long does POLAR-BASIC take?

Typical course duration is 30 hours (3.8 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.

How much does POLAR-BASIC cost?

Typical cost is around US$700 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.

Where can I get POLAR-BASIC?

POLAR-BASIC is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.

How long is POLAR-BASIC valid?

5 years from issue, with a refresher required every 5 years. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.