Seafarer documentsVessel and cargo training
Basic training for ships in polar waters
- STCW V/4
- STCW A-V/4-1
- Full entry
- Checked 6 October 2026
- Document type
- Training certificate
- Validity
- As issued; competence shown every 5 years
- Names in other countries
- 15 countries
Contents7
1 What it covers
Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (STCW V/4) evidences basic training for safe navigation and operations in polar waters. It is needed by masters, chief mates and navigational watch officers where required for the ship type and ice conditions. Validity: as issued; competence shown every 5 years.1–5
2 What it consists of
The standard of competence is set by table A-V/4-1 of the Code.1–3
3 Validity and renewal
Document validity. The expiry date, if the issuing system sets one, is shown on the document itself. This reference does not calculate personal expiry dates.
Maintaining competence. Masters and officers continuing to serve on ships in polar waters show continued competence at intervals not exceeding 5 years.4,5
4 Which positions
The need follows from the ship and the duties on board, not from the title of the position. In this reference the document appears in the requirements of these positions:
5 Names in 15 countries
How national systems name this document. The original name is given where the source has it; the English name is our editorial rendering.
| Country | Name in the issuing country |
|---|---|
| South Africa | Basic training for ships operating in polar watersIssued by: South African Maritime Safety Authority · source |
| Estonia | Polaarvetes sõitvate laevade alase põhiväljaõppe tunnistusBasic Polar Waters Training CertificateIssued by: Transpordiamet · source |
| Philippines | Certificate of Proficiency – Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar WatersIssued by: Maritime Industry Authority · source |
| Germany | Befähigungsnachweis über eine Grundausbildung für den Schiffsdienst auf Schiffen, die in Polargewässern verkehren, PLR-GBasic training for ships operating in polar watersIssued by: BSH · source |
| Netherlands | Bekwaamheidsbewijs basistraining Polar-codeBasic training for ships operating in polar watersIssued by: Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat / Kiwa Register · source |
| Portugal | Certificado de formação básica para o exercício de funções a bordo de navios que operam em águas polaresBasic training for ships operating in polar watersIssued by: DGRM · source |
Show all 15 countries
| Country | Name in the issuing country |
|---|---|
| Norway | Certificate of Proficiency Polar Code – BasicIssued by: Norwegian Maritime Authority / Sjøfartsdirektoratet · source |
| Hong Kong | Certificate of Proficiency in Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar WatersIssued by: Hong Kong Marine Department · source |
| Japan | 乙種特定海域運航責任者Person Responsible for Polar Waters Navigation, Type BIssued by: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism · source |
| Finland | Polaarialueella liikennöivän aluksen kansipäällystön peruskoulutuksesta annettava lisäpätevyystodistusBasic training for ships operating in polar watersIssued by: Traficom · source |
| Canada | Basic Training for Personnel on Ships Operating in PolarIssued by: Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security · source |
| Canada | Basic Certificate of Proficiency for personnel on ships operating in Polar WatersIssued by: Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security · source |
| Australia | Basic Polar Code endorsementIssued by: Australian Maritime Safety Authority · source |
| New Zealand | Basic polar waters endorsementIssued by: Maritime New Zealand · source |
| Argentina | Formación Básica para los Buques que Operen en Aguas PolaresBasic Training for Ships Operating in Polar WatersIssued by: Agencia Nacional de Puertos y Navegación; Prefectura Naval Argentina · source |
| Slovenia | osnovna usposobljenost za delo na ladji, za katero velja polarni kodeksBasic Training for Ships Subject to the Polar CodeIssued by: Uprava Republike Slovenije za pomorstvo · source |
6
Same code STCW V/4: one code is not always one document. The certificate itself and the limitations written in it show which one you hold. Other types under this code: Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters1
Required before: Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters STCW V/46
7 Frequently asked questions
Who needs Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters?
How long is Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters valid?
What else is Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters called?
National names in 15 countries are listed on this page.