DGS Circular No.13 of 2026 (STCW CIRCULAR 03 of 2026) - Implementation of Amendments to the STCW Convention,1978, as amended, related to Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Regulation V/4) (MSC.416(97) and MSC.417(97).

DGSCIRCULAR13of 2026 FileNo.25-104/4/2026-NT–DGSCompno.38720 Date:09.03.2026 AuthorisedBy: Subject:ImplementationofAmendmentstotheSTCWConvention, ChiefExaminerof 1978,asamended,relatedtoShipsOperatinginPolarWaters(Regulation Master&Mates V/4)(MSC.416(97)&MSC.417(97))reg. IssuedBy:NauticalWing EACBranch. DGSSTCWCIRCULAR03of2026 1. The Directorate General of Shipping remains firmly committed to upholding maritime safety and promotingprofessionalexcellenceinthemaritimesector.TheInternationalMaritimeOrganization (IMO) periodically amends the STCW Convention to address emerging challenges and evolving requirements in the maritime sector. As a proactive member state, India places a high priority on thetimelyimplementationoftheseinstruments. 2. The purpose of this Circular is to notify implementation of the 2016 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the IMO via Resolutions MSC.416(97) and MSC.417(97). These resolutions explicitly prescribe the basic and advanced training requirements under Regulation V/4 paragraphs 2 and 4 of the STCW Conventions. 3. Inpursuanceoftheabove,anewSectionA-V/4hasbeenaddedtotheSTCWCode.Consequently, thefollowingcompetencytablesareherebynotified: (a) Annexure-A:Specificationofminimumstandardofcompetenceinbasictrainingfor shipsoperatinginpolarwaters(TableA-V/4-1). (b) Annexure-B:Specificationofminimumstandardofcompetenceinadvancedtraining forshipsoperatinginpolarwaters(TableA-V/4-2). 4. Every Master, Chief mate and officer in charge of a navigational watchkeeping serving on ships operating in polar waters shall successfully complete Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar WatersasspecifiedinAnnexureA. Page1of145. Masters and Chief Mates serving on ships operating in polar waters shall successfully complete AdvancedTrainingforShipsOperatinginPolarWatersasspecifiedinAnnexureB. 6. Every candidate for a certificate in basic training for ships operating in polar waters shall have completedanapproved basic training forshipsoperating in polarwatersandmeetthestandardof competencespecifiedinsectionA-V/4,paragraph1,oftheSTCWCode. 7. Everycandidateforacertificateinadvancedtrainingforshipsoperatinginpolarwatersshall: (a)Meettherequirementsforcertificationinbasictrainingforshipsoperatinginpolar waters; (b) Haveatleasttwo(2)monthsofapprovedseagoingservicein thedeckdepartment, atmanagementlevelorwhileperformingwatchkeepingdutiesattheoperationallevel, withinpolarwatersorotherequivalentapprovedseagoingservice;and (c)Havecompletedapprovedadvancedtrainingforshipsoperatinginpolarwatersand meetthestandardofcompetencespecifiedinsectionA-V/4,paragraph2oftheSTCW Code. 8. This Circular supplement and clarifies NT/EXAM Circular No. 02 of 2018 and shall be readinconjunctionwithDGS(NT/ENG)CircularNo.18of2025.Thetransitionalprovisions forcandidatesshallbeinaccordancewithNT/EXAMCircularNo.02of2018. ThisissueswiththeapprovalofChiefExaminerofMasterandMates. Capt.RaviSinghSikarwar NauticalSurveyor-cum-DDG(Tech.) Enclosures:- Annexure-A-Specificationofminimumstandardofcompetencein basictrainingforshipsoperatinginpolarwaters. Annexure-B- Specification of minimum standard of competence in advancedtrainingforshipsoperatinginpolarwaters. Copyto: 1. DGSSecretariat 2. NauticalAdvisortotheGovernmentof India 3. AllMaritimeTrainingInstitutes(MTIs) 4. AllRPSLCompanies 5. INSA/MASSA/FOSMA/ICCSA 6. ComputerCell–foruploadingontheDGSwebsite. Page2of14Annexure-A Specificationofminimumstandardofcompetenceinbasictraining forshipsoperatinginpolarwaters Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge,understanding Methodsfor Criteria for andproficiency demonstrating evaluating competence competence Contributeto Basicknowledgeofice Examinationand Identificationofice safeoperation characteristicsandareas assessmentof propertiesandtheir ofvessels wheredifferenttypesofice evidenceobtainedfrom characteristicsof operatingin canbeexpectedintheareaof oneormoreofthe relevanceforsafe polarwaters operation: following: vesseloperation .1 icephysics,terms, .1 approved Informationobtained formation,growth,ageing in-service fromiceinformation andstageofmelt experience andpublicationsis interpretedcorrectly .2 icetypesand .2 approvedtraining andproperlyapplied concentrations shipexperience Useofvisibleand .3 icepressureanddistribution .3 approved infraredsatellite simulatortraining, images whereappropriate .4 frictionfromsnow Useofeggcharts coveredice .4 approvedtraining programme Coordinationof .5 implicationsof meteorologicaland spray-icing;dangeroficing oceanographicdata up;precautionstoavoid withicedata icingupandoptionsduring icingup Measurementsand observationsof weatherandice .6 iceregimesindifferent conditionsareaccurate regions;significant andappropriateforsafe differencesbetweenthe passageplanning ArcticandtheAntarctic, firstyearandmultiyear ice,seaiceandlandice .7 useoficeimageryto recognizeconsequencesof rapidchangeiniceand weatherconditions .8 knowledgeoficeblink andwatersky .9 knowledgeofdifferential movementoficebergsand packice Page3of14.10knowledgeoftidesand currentsinice Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge,understanding Methodsfor Criteriafor andproficiency demonstrating evaluating competence competence .11 knowledge of effect of wind and current onice Basicknowledge of Examinationand Identificationof vesselperformancein assessmentof vessel iceandlowair evidence obtained characteristicsand temperature: fromoneormoreof limitations under thefollowing: different ice .1 vesselcharacteristics conditionsandcold .1 approvedin- environmental .2 vesseltypes,hulldesigns serviceexperience impact .3 engineeringrequirements .2 approvedtraining Proceduresare foroperatinginice shipexperience madeforrisk assessmentbefore .4 Icestrengthening .3 approved enteringice requirements simulatortraining, whereappropriate Awarenessoffresh .5 limitationsofice-classes water ballast .4 approvedtraining freezinginballast .6 winterizationand programme tanks preparednessofvessel, includingdeckandengine Actions arecarried out in accordance .7 low-temperaturesystem withaccepted performance principles and proceduresto .8 equipmentandmachinery preparethevessel limitationinicecondition and thecrewfor and lowairtemperature operationsiniceand low airtemperature .9 monitoringoficepressure onhull Communicationsare clear,conciseand .10 seasuction,waterintake, effectiveatalltimes superstructureinsulation inaseamanlike and specialsystems manner Page4of14Basic knowledge and ability Examinationand UsePolarCodeand to operate and manoeuvre a assessmentof PolarWater vesselinice: evidenceobtainedfrom OperationsManual one ormoreofthe tocorrectly following: .1 safe speedinthe determine the presenceoficeand recommended icebergs proceduresto load/unload cargo .2 ballasttankmonitoring and/or embark/disembark passengersin low .3 cargooperationsinpolar temperatures, waters monitorballastwater Page5of14Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge,understanding Methodsfor Criteriafor andproficiency demonstrating evaluating competence competence .1 approved foricing,monitor .4 awarenessofengine in-service engine experience loads andcooling temperatures, problems anchorwatch .2 approvedtraining shipexperience concernsinice,and .5 safetyproceduresduring transitnearice .3 approved icetransit simulatortraining, Interpretation and whereappropriate analysisof .4 approvedtraining informationfrom programme radaris in accordancewith lookoutprocedures withspecialcaution regarding identificationof dangerous ice features Informationobtained from navigational charts,including electroniccharts, and publicationsis relevant,assessed, interpreted correctly andproperlyapplied The primarymethod ofpositionfixing is frequentandthemost appropriateforthe prevailing conditions and routingthrough ice Performancechecks and testsof navigationand communication systemscomplywith recommendations forhigh latitudeand low airtemperature operation Page6of14Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge,understanding Methodsfor Criteriafor andproficiency demonstrating evaluating competence competence Monitorand Basicknowledge of Examinationand Locateandapply ensure regulatoryconsiderations: assessmentof relevantpartsofthe evidence obtained PolarWater compliance fromoneormoreof OperationsManual with .1 AntarcticTreatyandthe thefollowing: legislative PolarCode Communicationisin requirements .1 approvedin- accordancewith .2 accidentreports local/regionaland serviceexperience concerningvesselsin internationalstandard polar waters procedures .2 approvedtraining shipexperience Legislative .3 IMOstandardsfor requirementsrelated operationinremoteareas .3 approved torelevant simulatortraining, regulations,codes whereappropriate and practicesare identified .4 approvedtraining programme Applysafe Basicknowledgeofcrew Examinationand Identificationand working preparation,working assessmentof initial actions on practices, evidence obtained becomingawareof conditions andsafety: respondto fromoneormoreof hazardoussituations emergencies thefollowing: forvesseland .1 recognizelimitationsof individualcrew searchandrescue .1 approvedin- members readiness and serviceexperience responsibility,including Actions arecarried seaareaA4anditsSAR out in accordance .2 approvedtraining communicationfacility withPolar Water shipexperience limitation OperationsManual, accepted principles .3 approved and proceduresto .2 awarenessof simulatortraining, ensuresafetyof contingencyplanning whereappropriate operationsandto avoidpollutionofthe .3 howto establish and marineenvironment .4 approvedtraining implementsafeworking programme proceduresforcrew Safe working specifictopolar practicesare observedand environmentssuch as appropriatesafety low temperatures, and protective ice-coveredsurfaces, equipment is personalprotective correctlyusedatall equipment,useofbuddy times system,andworking timelimitations Responseactions areinaccordance .4 recognizedangerswhen withestablished plans andare crewsareexposedto appropriatetothe low temperatures situationandnature oftheemergency Page7of14Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge,understanding Methodsfor Criteriafor andproficiency demonstrating evaluating competence competence .5 humanfactorsincluding Correctlyidentifies coldfatigue,medical-first and applies legislative aidaspects, crew requirementsrelated welfare torelevant regulations,codes .6 survivalrequirements and practices includingtheuseof personalsurvival Appropriatesafety equipmentandgroup and protective survivalequipment equipment is correctlyused .7 awarenessofthemost Defectsand commonhulland damagesare equipmentdamagesand detectedand howto avoidthese properlyreported .8 superstructure-deck icing,includingeffecton stability andtrim .9 preventionandremoval ofice includingthe factorsofaccretion .10recognizefatigue problemsduetonoise and vibrations .11 identifyneedfor extra resources,suchas bunker,foodandextra clothing Page8of14Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge,understanding Methodsfor Criteriafor andproficiency demonstrating evaluating competence competence Ensure Basicknowledge of Examinationand Legislative compliance environmentalfactors assessmentof requirementsrelated withpollution- evidence obtained torelevant and regulations: prevention fromoneormoreof regulations,codes requirements thefollowing: and practicesare .1 identify particularly and prevent identified sensitive sea areas environmental .1 approvedin- hazards regardingdischarge Correctly serviceexperience identify/selectthe .2 identify areaswhere limitationsonvessel .2 approvedtraining shippingisprohibited discharges orshouldbeavoided shipexperience containedinthe PolarCode .3 approved .3 specialareasdefined simulatortraining, CorrectlyapplyPolar inMARPOL whereappropriate WaterOperations Manual/Waste .4 recognizelimitationsof ManagementPlanto .4 approvedtraining oil-spillequipment determinelimitations programme onvessel .5 plan forcopingwith dischargesand plans forstoring increasedvolumesof waste garbage,bilgewater, sewage, etc. Identifyreferences thatprovidedetails .6 lackofinfrastructure ofareastobe avoided, suchas .7 oilspillandpollutionin wildliferefuges, ice,including ecological heritage consequences parks,migratory pathways,etc. (MARPOL,Antarctic Treaty, etc.) Identifyfactorsthat mustbeconsidered tomanagewaste streamduringpolar voyages Page9of14Annexure-B Specificationofminimumstandardofcompetenceinadvancedtraining forships operating inpolar waters Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge, Methodsfor Criteria for understandingand demonstrating evaluating proficiency competence competence Planand Knowledgeof voyage Examinationand The equipment, conduct a planningandreporting: assessmentofevidence chartsandnautical voyageinpolar obtainedfromoneor publicationsrequired waters .1 informationsources moreofthefollowing: forthevoyageare enumerated and .2 reportingregimesin .1 approvedin-service appropriatetothe polarwaters experience safe conductofthe voyage .3 developmentofsafe .2 approvedtraining routeingandpassage shipexperience The reasonsforthe planning toavoidice planned routeare wherepossible .3 approvedsimulator supportedbyfacts training,where obtainedfrom .4 abilitytorecognizethe appropriate relevantsourcesand limitations of publications, hydrographic .4 approvedtraining statistical dataand informationandcharts programme limitations of inpolarregionsand communicationand whetherthe navigationalsystems informationissuitable forsafenavigation Voyageplan correctlyidentified .5 passageplanning relevant polar deviationand regulatoryregimes modificationfor andneedfor dynamicice ice-pilotageand/or conditions icebreaker assistance Knowledgeof equipmentlimitations: Allpotential navigationalhazards .1 understandand areaccurately identify hazards identified associatedwith limited terrestrial Positions,courses, navigationalaidsin distancesandtime polarregions calculationsare correct within .2 understandand acceptedaccuracy recognizehigh standardsfor latitudeerrorson navigational compasses equipment .3 understandand identifylimitations indiscrimination ofradartargets Page10of14Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge, Methodsfor Criteriafor understandingand demonstrating evaluating proficiency competence competence andicefeatures inice-clutter .4 understandand recognize limitations of electronic positioningsystems at highlatitude .5 understandand recognizelimitations innauticalcharts andpilot descriptions .6 understandand recognizelimitations incommunication systems Managethesafe Knowledge and abilityto Examinationand Alldecisions operation of operate and manoeuvre assessmentofevidence concerning vessels avesselinice: obtainedfromoneor navigatinginiceare operating in moreofthefollowing: basedonaproper polar waters .1 preparation andrisk assessment ofthe assessment before .1 approvedin-service ship'smanoeuvring approachingice, experience andengine includingpresenceof characteristicsand icebergs,andtaking .2 approvedtraining theforcesto be into accountwind, shipexperience expected while darkness, swell,fog navigatingwithin andpressureice .3 approvedsimulator polar waters training,where .2 conduct appropriate Demonstrate communicationswith communication .4 approvedtraining anicebreaker and skills,request ice programme othervessels inthe routeing,plotand areaandwithRescue commencevoyage CoordinationCentres throughice .3 understandand Allpotential ice describethe hazards are conditionsforthesafe correctlyidentified entryandexittoand fromiceoropen Alldecisions water,suchas leads concerningberthing orcracks, avoiding anchoring,cargo icebergs and andballast dangerousice operationsare conditions and basedonaproper maintainingsafe assessment ofthe distanceto icebergs ship'smanoeuvring andengine Page11of14Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge, Methodsfor Criteriafor understandingand demonstrating evaluating proficiency competence competence characteristicsand .4 understandand theforcesto be describe expected andin ice-ramming accordancewiththe proceduresincluding PolarCode doubleandsingle guidelinesand rammingpassage applicable international .5 recognize and agreements determinetheneed forbridgewatch Safelydemonstrate teamaugmentation progressionofa basedupon vessel throughice, environmental manoeuvringvessel conditions, vessel throughmoderate equipment and iceconcentration vesseliceclass (rangeof1/10 to 5/10) .6 recognizethe presentationsofthe Safelydemonstrate various ice progressionofa conditions asthey vessel throughice, appearonradar manoeuvringvessel throughdenseice .7 understand concentration(range icebreakerconvoy of 6/10to10/10) terminology,and communications,and Operationsare takeicebreaker planned and carried outin accordance directionandmovein withestablished convoy rulesandprocedures to ensuresafety of .8 understandmethods operationandto to avoidbesetment avoidpollutionofthe andtofreebeset marineenvironment vessel, and consequences of Safetyof besetment navigationis maintained .9 understandtowing throughnavigation andrescueinice, strategyand including risks adjustment of associatedwith ship'sspeedand operation heading through .10 handlingshipin differenttypesof various ice ice concentrationand Actions are coverage,including understoodto risks associatedwith permituseof navigationinice,e.g. anchoringsystem avoidturningand Page12of14Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge, Methodsfor Criteriafor understandingand demonstrating evaluating proficiency competence competence backing incold simultaneously temperatures .11 useofdifferenttype Actionsarecarried of propulsionand outin accordance ruddersystems, withaccepted including limitations principles and to avoiddamage proceduresto whenoperatinginice preparefor icebreakertowing, .12 useofheelingand includingnotch trimsystems, towing hazards in connection with ballast andtrimin relationwithice .13dockingand undockingin ice-coveredwaters, includinghazards associated with operationandthe varioustechniquesto safely dockand undockin ice-coveredwaters .14anchoringinice, includingthedangers toanchoringsystem– iceaccretionto hawsepipeand groundtackle .15recognizeconditions whichimpactpolar visibilityandmay giveindicationof localiceand water conditions,including seasmoke,water sky,iceblink and refraction Maintainsafety Knowledgeof safety: Examinationand Responsemeasures oftheship's assessmentofevidence areinaccordance crewand .1 understand the obtainedfromoneor withestablished passengersand procedures and moreofthefollowing: plans and theoperational techniquesfor procedures,andare Page13of14Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Competence Knowledge, Methodsfor Criteriafor understandingand demonstrating evaluating proficiency competence competence condition of abandoning the .1 approvedin-service appropriate to the life-saving, shipandsurvivalon experience situationandnature firefightingand ice and in of the emergency othersafety ice-coveredwaters .2 approvedtraining systems ship experience .2 recognize limitations of fire- .3 approvedsimulator fighting systems training, where and life-saving appropriate appliancesdueto low air .4 approvedtraining temperatures programme .3 understandunique concerns in conducting emergencydrillsin ice and low temperatures .4 understand unique concerns in conducting emergency responseiniceand lowairandwater temperatures ******************************************** Page14of14