Decoding the Polar Code

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Advances in technology and vessel design, as well as changing environmental conditions, have opened up the polar routes and at a stroke, new commercial possibilities for shipping. These include tourism, oil and gas exploration and shorter-routes between markets. We've seen a lot of interest from our readers from the Tanker, LNG and Cruise industries searching our websites and whitepaper library for information on all aspects of Polar Operations. So, in January 2017 we published our Decoding the Polar Code, which has been distributed in print and digital to our top 4000 technical, legal and compliance contacts at shipowners worldwide. 

New Frontier : New Challenges and Information Needs
Vessels transiting the polar regions face increased and even novel technical and commercial challenges and hazards. The Arctic and Antarctic regions are new frontiers where the shipping industry has limited operational experience to draw upon. Recognising this the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently completed the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (the Polar Code). It enters into force 1 January 2017. The Polar Code, for the first time, sets out minimum international safety and pollution prevention requirements for ships operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters. The Code imposes additional demands on ships, their systems and operations that go beyond SOLAS, MARPOL and other IMO instruments.

But what does this mean in practice? Decoding the Polar Code - an exclusive Riviera Maritime Media supplement - will do just that. It will break down the code and its implications into digestible parts that vessel owners (and indeed suppliers) can use as a point of reference. Timed to coincide with this landmark industry event Decoding the Polar Code will dissect this new legislation and distil the essential information in clear, concise and authoritative terms. 

CONTENTS

Overview of the Polar Code     

SOLAS ISSUES 
Construction/operational limitations and POLARIS explained by Class    
Winterisation issues    
Operational Understanding: The Ship Registry Perspective (part 1)    
Operational Understanding: The Ship Registry Perspective (part 2)    

A VIEW FROM ABOVE
The importance of Ice data / research institutions– working with the Satellite Industry    
Ice charting: A view from the Antarctic / Arctic    
Ice management    

COMMUNICATIONS
Common Problems Up North: challenges with ship-to-ship communications & navigation    

STCW Issues

Crew training:  skills and competence for polar operations    
Life saving equipment / Search & Rescue

MARPOL Issues

An overview of MARPOL and the Polar Code
A view from the cruise line industry with a focus on protecting the environment    
CASE STUDY: The historic voyage of the Crystal Serenity    

BEST PRACTICE

The Arctic Marine Best Practice Information Forum Proposal and Update 

FINAL WORD 

A view from Finland: the next chairs of the Arctic Council     

SPECIAL DIRECTORY SECTION

This publication includes a special directory mid-section featuring coverage of leading companies serving this important sector.