H938 AZIPOD® VESSEL OPERATION IN ICE, MANAGEMENT LEVEL

Ensure safety and efficiency whilst operating Azipod vessels in icy conditions with ABB Marine Academy’s five-day training course.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Empower your crews to navigate the world’s most challenging waters with confidence. Designed for senior deck officers, this advanced program equips your team with the skills needed to safely and efficiently operate Azipod‑equipped vessels in ice‑covered regions while meeting the essential requirements for Basic‑Level Polar Code competence.

 

Through immersive bridge‑simulator exercises, expert‑led lessons, and practical discussions, officers learn to anticipate vessel behavior, optimize safety margins, and lead bridge teams effectively in ice operations. This hands‑on, scenario‑driven approach ensures your crew returns better prepared, more resilient, and fully ready to support safe polar navigation and high‑risk voyage planning.

Learn more about the H938 – Azipod Vessel Operation in Ice, Management Level course:

  • Duration: 5 Days
  • Venue: Turku, Finland. Helsinki, Finland
  • Prerequisites: Azipod vessel deck personnel at management level. H883 – Azipod® vessel operation, operational level or good experience of Azipod vessel operations
  • Additional information: Maximum 4 participants in Helsinki, maximum 6 participants in Turku
  • Student profile: Azipod® Vessel Operation in Ice, Management level

Upon completion of this course the participants will be able to:

  • Have deep understanding of the operational principles of Azipod® vessels taking into account vessel safety, environmental and economical requirements and operational efficiency and maintenance needs
  • Fully utilize the flexibility of the propulsion system
  • Identify potential malfunctions of the propulsion system and cope with them without sacrificing vessel safety
  • Communicate on the bridge about the different aspects of vessel operation and handling in a clear and concise manner

Main topics include the following:

  • Azipod vessel operation and propulsion system behavior in all conditions
  • Azipod vessel system functionalities, power plant and propulsion system malfunctions
  • Azipod vessel resource management and bridge communication

Methods of learning in this course include:
 

Discussions, lessons, bridge simulator exercises and debriefings to ensure learning at top level.

 

COURSE OUTLINE

<p>The course runs over five days and an example of the typical agenda can be seen below:</p>

Day 1

<ul> <li>Introduction, safety, aims and objectives</li> <li>Theory: Ice Operations according to Polar Code basic level</li> </ul>

Day 2

<ul> <li>Theory: Basics of Azipod® controls, Speed controls</li> <li>Simulator: Familiarization, bridge team roles and communication</li> <li>Simulator: Operation exercises</li> </ul>

Day 3

<ul> <li>Theory: Ordinary operation of Azipod® propulsion</li> <li>Simulator: Operation exercises</li> </ul>

Day 4

<ul> <li>Theory: Ordinary operation of Azipod® propulsion</li> <li>Simulator: Operation exercises</li> </ul>

Day 5

<ul> <li>Theory: Malfunctions</li> <li>Simulator: Malfunctions during operations</li> <li>Written test, discussion and wrap-up</li> </ul>

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

<p>Learn more about how the H938 - Azipod Vessel Operational in Ice, Management Level can benefit your fleet with our frequently asked questions.</p>

H938 is ABB Marine Academy’s advanced management‑level training program for deck officers who operate Azipod‑equipped vessels in ice‑covered waters. The course develops the high‑level skills needed to safely navigate ice, manage propulsion behavior, handle malfunctions, and meet Basic‑Level Polar Code training requirements through both theory and simulator exercises.

This course is tailored for management‑level deck personnel—such as chief officers and captains—who are responsible for leading bridge operations and making strategic decisions during ice navigation. Prerequisites include completing operational‑level Azipod® training (e.g., H883) or having significant Azipod® operational experience.

Operating in ice demands rapid decision‑making, precise control, and a strong understanding of how Azipod® propulsion interacts with ice loads. The course helps leaders optimize propulsion flexibility, maintain safety margins, and reduce operational risks—critical for vessels operating in Arctic or Antarctic conditions.

Azipod® units provide flexible steering and powerful ice‑breaking capability, but they also demand careful load management and situational awareness. The course teaches officers how to interpret vessel response, optimize propulsion efficiency, and use Azipod® flexibility to navigate safely through ice.

Bridge simulator sessions allow officers to practice ice‑handling scenarios, propulsion failures, emergency maneuvers, and Polar Code‑aligned operations in a safe, realistic environment. This hands‑on experience builds the confidence needed for real‑world ice navigation.

The course includes theory and simulator elements required for Basic‑Level Polar Code competence, ensuring officers meet international standards for ice‑covered waters while gaining Azipod‑specific operational expertise.

Participants must be management‑level deck officers with prior Azipod® operational training (H883) or equivalent practical experience—ensuring they are ready for high‑level decision‑making in ice‑covered waters.

H938 enhances officers' ability to:

  • Anticipate vessel behavior in dynamic ice environments
  • Manage propulsion loads safely
  • Respond to malfunctions effectively
  • Improve communication and decision‑making under pressure

Shipowners gain senior officers who can:

  • Navigate ice more safely and efficiently
  • Comply with Polar Code requirements
  • Optimize propulsion use and reduce operational costs
  • Enhance the vessel’s reputation for safe polar operations

This leads to stronger risk management, operational resilience, and smoother voyages in extreme conditions.

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