Polar Code highlights the potential hazards of operating in polar regions
The Polar Code highlights the potential hazards of operating in polar regions, including ice, remoteness and rapidly changing and severe weather conditions, and provides goals and functional requirements in relation to ship design, construction, equipment, operations, training, and search and rescue, relevant to ships operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters.
IMO has created an Infographic to explain what the Polar Code means for ship safety highlighting the following key issues for the proper equipment, design & construction, operation & manning for ships operating in Polar Waters:
Equipment Windows on Bridge Means to clear melted ice, freezing rain, snow, mist, spray and condensation Lifeboats All lifeboats to be partially or totally enclosed type Cloting I Adequate thermal protection for all persons on board Cloting II On passenger ships, an immersion suit or a thermal protective aid for each person on board Ice Removal Special equipment for ice removal: such as electrical and pneumatic devices, special tools such as axes or wooden clubs Fire Safety Extinguishing equipment able to operable in cold temperatures; protect from ice; suitable for persons wearing bulky and cumbersome cold weather gear |
Design & Construction Ship Categories Three categories of ship which may operate in Polar Waters, based on:
Intact Stability Sufficient stability in intact condition when subject to ice accretion and the stability calculations must take into account the icing allowance Materials Ships intended to operate in low air temperature must be constructed with materials suitable for operation at the ships polar service temperature Structure In ice strengthened ships, the structure of the ship must be able to resist both global and local structural loads |
Operations & Manning Navigation Receive information about ice conditions Certificate & Manual Required to have on board a Polar Ship Certificate and the ship’s Polar Water Operational Manual Training Masters, chief mates and officers in charge of a navigational watch must have completed appropriate basic training (for open-water operations) and advanced training for other waters, including ice) |
Source: IMO