New Arctic safety guidelines

(Posted on 11/11/19)

Maritime trade between Arctic destinations and the rest of the world is expected to expand and an increasing number of ships are now undertaking voyages in polar waters. Technical developments in ship design and equipment continue to facilitate more and more ship operations in remote polar areas, despite challenging and unpredictable sea and weather conditions.

The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), adopted by the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO), requires shipping companies intending to operate in polar waters to develop a Polar Water Operational Manual (PWOM) in order for their ships to be issued with a Polar Ship Certificate.

New joint guidelines from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) aim to support shipping companies by providing advice on how to develop a PWOM that best suits their needs.

Appendix II of the IMO Polar Code already provides a model PWOM. ICS and OCIMF have recognised that additional guidance is necessary to help shipping companies to develop a quality PWOM that is truly fit for purpose.

In extreme conditions, and especially in ice, the way in which a ship is operated is critical for safety and environmental protection.

The purpose of the new Guidelines is to provide the means for shipping companies and Masters to develop a comprehensive PWOM tailored to the needs of their individual ships, taking into account the environmental hazards and the nature of their operations.

Guidelines for the Development of a Polar Water Operational Manual has been prepared by expert contributors with in-depth experience of operating ships in polar waters, as well as knowledge of the challenges faced by seafarers on board.

Topics addressed include: identifying hazards; understanding operational limitations; updating procedures; upgrading equipment and systems; understanding relevant legislation and ensuring that the results of assessments are fully addressed in the PWOM.

Available free of charge, the ICS/OCIMF Guidelines can be downloaded from the ICS and OCIMF websites and the Arctic Shipping Best Practice Information Forum (ASBPIF) web portal.

Latest News

Shipping takes major sustainable plastic step with toolkit from MACS

The Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS) has published a series of practical guides to enable... Read more

Shanghai climbs to second as Singapore retains top spot

Shanghai has officially become the world’s second-most prominent shipping hub, according to the... Read more

OceanScore sees growing port adoption of PortView

OceanScore, the maritime data and sustainability company helping shipping and ports turn regulatory... Read more

INTERCARGO highlights progress and priorities in bulk carrier safety

Bulk carrier safety continues to show steady long-term improvement, but the nature of risk facing seafarers... Read more

Norden raises full-year guidance following strong performance in dry cargo

Following stronger than expected operational performance in dry cargo, reduced costs associated with... Read more

Algoma announces refinancing of long-term debt

Algoma Central Corporation, a leading provider of marine transportation services, has announced that... Read more

Global maritime under threat from Fortibleed incident, warns Cydome

Major maritime, ports and energy companies have been identified by Cydome’s threat-intelligence... Read more

Crewing specialist expands global recruitment network with Indonesian seafarers

As the global shipping industry faces mounting concerns over future crew availability, Danica Crewing... Read more

IMO pauses evacuation in Strait of Hormuz following attack

Following an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman, IMO has decided to temporarily pause its evacuation... Read more

Human cost of keeping world trade moving highlighted on Day of the Seafarer

Leading health and wellness platform OneCare Group is calling on shipping leaders to recognise the immense... Read more