GUIDELINES FOR SHIPS OPERATING IN POLAR WATERS

All vessels operating in the Antarctic and Arctic areas are usually exposed to a number of quite unique risks. The mariners are usually faced with the serious challenges posed by the harsh weather conditions, problems with establishing good communication, lack of good navigation charts, and others. In addition, the rescue and clean-up operations are usually very complicated and costly because of the geographical remoteness of the subject areas.

The cold temperatures natural for those areas reduce the working effectiveness of various components of the vessel, from sea suctions to deck machinery arrangements. We also have to take the ice in consideration, since its presents can also add some loads on the ship's hull, propulsion and hull appendages. The present IMO Guidelines address all above stated additional provisions that are definitely required to be considered beyond the existing regular requirements outlines in SOLAS/MARPOL Conventions, with the intention to cover the climatic conditions encountered in polar waters and also meet applicable standards of both safety and prevention of the marine pollution.

The guidelines provided in this document are recommendatory. The content of the volume is arranged in four parts covering the construction provisions, equipment, operational matters, and environmental protection and damage control issues.