Friday, November 15, 2019

Safety in Polar waters addressed

Arctic Aframax Tanker is a joint development by Deltamarin and Aker Arctic Technology. Image courtesy of Aker Arctic.


New joint guidelines for Polar waters operation have been released by the ICS and OCIMF. 
 
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 Polar Code, adopted by the 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) were aimed at supporting 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. However, the ICS and OCIMF recognised that additional guidance is necessary to help shipping companies to develop a quality PWOM that is truly fit for purpose.
 
The new Guidelines purpose 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.

No comments:

Post a Comment