Maine Maritime Academy > Center for Professional Mariner Development > Courses > Basic Polar Code Operations

Basic Polar Code Operations   |   Blended Course  |   $1,400

MEMACE-847

 

Part 1:   Begin the Course   |  Register Now  

 

2025 Dates for the On-Campus Assessment:
Monday, May 5, 2025, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Castine     |    Register Now
Monday, July 14, 2025, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Castine     |    Register Now

For additional dates, contact our office.

 

Course Duration

This is a 40-hour hybrid course that includes:

  • 36 hours of self-paced online coursework

  • A 4-hour on-campus hands-on assessment and final written exam

Certification will be issued upon successful completion of all components.

Course Description

This USCG-approved course meets the STCW mandatory minimum requirements for training and qualification of masters and officers on board vessels operating in polar waters.

Topics include:

  • Ice characteristics, detection, and movement

  • Vessel performance in ice and cold climates

  • Operating and maneuvering ships in ice

  • Safe working practices and emergency procedures

  • Crew safety and survival in cold water

  • Compliance with pollution prevention standards

  • Voyage planning for ships operating in remote polar regions

All online modules include assessments that must be completed to progress. The final on-campus assessment and written exam are required for certification.

Course Access & Online Learning

Upon registration, students will receive a confirmation email with login details for Canvas, Maine Maritime Academy’s online learning platform.

  • The course is self-paced

  • Modules must be completed sequentially with a quiz after each

  • Allow up to 2 hours for the course to appear on your dashboard after registering

Returning students can log in using their existing Canvas credentials.

Maine Maritime Academy alumni who previously used Canvas as undergraduates will receive a new Canvas account for their CPMD courses.

Final Exam Options

1. Castine, Maine
Take the exam in person with Captain Ralph Pundt, the course instructor. This option includes live discussion and Q&A.
Bring your laptop.

2. MITAGS – Baltimore or Seattle
Schedule your exam at either MITAGS location:

  • Baltimore, MD: 410-859-5700

  • Seattle, WA: 206-441-2880

No fee for MITAGS proctoring. Contact them directly to schedule.
MITAGS will notify MMA after completion, and certificates will be emailed and mailed.

Retake Policy

Students who do not pass the exam on the first attempt may retake it.

USCG Approval

This course meets the certification requirements for Basic Polar Code Operations and satisfies the training standards of STCW Code A-V/4, Table A-V/4-1, as amended.

 

*Merchant Mariner license holders must contact the US Coast Guard directly for particulars concerning their license upgrades or re-certification questions: Call the National Maritime Center at 1-888-427-5662 or visit online at Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation.