IMO’s MSC press briefing highlights the polar ship safety issue as more and more ships are going for arctic voyages. A detailed press release published on the IMO website put forwards the basic guidance given by MSC.
What’s in the guidance issued?
The MSC approved guidance for navigation and communication equipment intended for use on ships operating in polar waters. The guidance includes recommendations on temperature and mechanical shock testing, and on how to address ice accretion and battery performance in cold temperatures.
How will it help the Polar Code?
This is expected to be an important tool in support of the implementation of the mandatory Polar Code. IMO’s Polar Code helps ensure that ships operating in the harsh Arctic and Antarctic areas take into account extremes of temperature and that critical equipment remains operational under those conditions.
Life Saving Appliances on Polar Voyages?
The MSC also approved Interim guidelines on life-saving appliances and arrangements for ships operating in polar waters.
Draft To Be Implemented Voluntarily?
The Committee approved a draft Assembly resolution urging Member States to implement, on a voluntary basis, safety measures of the Polar Code on ships not certified under the SOLAS Convention. The draft resolution will be submitted to the IMO Assembly in late 2019 for adoption.
Why is it necessary?
The Polar Code is mandatory for certain ships under the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions. While SOLAS Chapter V (Safety of navigation) applies to all ships on all voyages (with some specific exceptions), the other chapters of the Convention do not apply to some categories of ships, including cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage; pleasure yachts not engaged in trade; and fishing vessels (sometimes termed “non-SOLAS ships”).
Voyage Planning in the Polar
The Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communication and Search and Rescue (NCSR) was instructed to consider the consequences and feasibility of applying chapters 9 (Safety of Navigation) and 11(Voyage planning) of the Polar Code to non-SOLAS ships; and to consider how best to enhance the safety of non-SOLAS ships operating in polar waters, including possible development of amendments to SOLAS and/or the Polar Code.
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Source: IMO
