An Overview of the International Maritime Organization Polar Code

Maritime regulators are working to establish international standards for safe travel in Arctic and Antarctic waters. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is leading the charge to develop and implement the Polar Code. These regulations eventually will serve as a mandatory, international code for all vessels operating in polar waters.

Polar Code: Why the need for an international code?

In implementing the Polar Code, the IMO seeks to provide a standardized means to address all safety concerns specific to ships traveling in extreme polar conditions.

This includes establishing international standards for the safety of:

• people traveling aboard the vessels (seaman, maritime workers, etc.);
• environment (particularly in ecologically vulnerable areas that have not previously been subject to a high volume of shipping traffic); and
• property (including cargo, vessels, infrastructure, etc.).

The IMO has stated that the comprehensive Polar Code must establish guidelines for all matters relevant to travel in polar waters. This includes:

• vessel design;
• ecological impact;
• training of maritime workers traveling in dangerous waters;
• construction requirements for vessels navigating in waters prone to ice coverage or submerged ice;
• equipment required for safe passage through Arctic and Antarctic waters;
• training protocols;
• operational standards and guidelines; and
• search-and-rescue protocol in inhospitable conditions and life-threateningly low water temperatures.

The Polar Code also will address any other factors pertinent to the safe operation of commercial vessels in polar waters.

New Requirements for Shipping Companies

The Polar Code currently is in draft form but likely will be codified in a relatively timely fashion. This means all shipping companies traveling in polar waters should be prepared to meet the IMO’s new standards established by the Polar Code.

The Polar Code will require vessels wishing to navigate polar waters to apply for a Polar Ship Certificate first.

This certification will establish three categories of vessels:

• Category A – includes vessels designed specifically for operation in polar waters where there is medium first-year ice and old ice inclusions;
• Category B – includes vessels designed for polar waters with thin first-year ice, possibly including old ice inclusions; and
• Category C – includes vessels designed for operation in open waters or in less severe ice conditions than what can be handled safely by vessels in Category A or B.

A vessel is eligible for certification only upon satisfactory completion of an IMO assessment. This assessment will take the following into consideration:

• vessel-specific operational limitations;
• additional safety equipment required;
• steps necessary to mitigate potential environmental threats;
• likely hazards; and
• operating conditions.

Vessels also would be required to carry aboard a Polar Water Operational Manual to guide master and crew in protocol for safe travel in polar waters.

It is crucial for shipping companies and vessel operators to stay in compliance with international and federal regulations. Download this free guide to learn more about what vessel logbooks you need to meet applicable requirements. Call 888-468-3757 to place an order today or simply place your order online.