Shaping the future of safe Arctic shipping: An interview with IMO Consultant Michael Kingston

In 2009, IMO adopted recommendatory 'Guidelines for ships operating in polar waters'. However, following a number of high-profile incidents, the need to develop mandatory requirements was recognized and IMO developed the Polar Code. The Polar Code applies to vessels of 500 gross tonnage and above, newbuilds from January 2017 and existing vessels from January 2018. Much support was given by Arctic States in this process.

The Polar Code has come into force by way of amendments to the three cornerstone IMO conventions, namely the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

The Polar Code is comprised of two parts that include mandatory and recommendatory sections that take into account the unique risks associated with operating in the polar regions including varying ice types, low temperatures, high latitude, remoteness, severe weather, limited charting, the pristine environment, and lack of training.

Part I addresses safe design, construction, operation of vessels, and emergency equipment and procedures. It entered into force under SOLAS Chapter XIV. It also describes the enhanced training and certification requirements for crew members working on polar ships, the provisions of which enter into force under STCW.

Part II addresses environmental protection with significant requirements for pollution prevention in the way oil, garbage and sewage is dealt with. It enters into force under MARPOL.

The Code principally applies above 60 degrees north and below 60 degrees south. To operate a vessel in this area, it's now necessary to have a Polar Ship Certificate and to carry a Polar Waters Operational Manual detailing how the ship and crew will deal with the conditions in accordance with the additional SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL requirements. As the Polar Code is built on top of these existing IMO conventions, port state control can leverage existing compliance and enforcement capabilities.