Last month, Coast Guard members had the opportunity to present during the 7th Symposium on the Impacts of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic at the Naval Heritage Center in Washington, D.C. The event, held biennially since 2007, brings together some of the world’s leading experts to discuss the ongoing and expected impacts on naval and maritime operations due to rapid change in the Arctic sea ice cover. Maritime Commons attended the symposium to bring you, our readers, the latest on Arctic-related topics affecting maritime industry.
1/9/2017: Polar Code – MARPOL Applicability
On January 1, 2017 the Polar Code entered into force. The Polar Code builds upon MARPOL Annexes I, II, IV and V as well as SOLAS requirements. The Code applies to vessels which operate in polar waters, as defined in the applicable sections of MARPOL. Unlike the SOLAS applicability, there is not an extended implementation date for existing vessels. The MARPOL provisions became mandatory for all vessels operating in polar waters on January 1, 2017.
12/20/2016: Polar Code – SOLAS applicability
The Polar Code will enter into force on Jan. 1, 2017. The applicability of the Polar Code is more complex than other Codes because it builds upon three conventions – SOLAS, several annexes of MARPOL and STCW. This post aims to clarify the applicability of the Polar Code’s safety provisions.
12/13/2016: Polar Code – Implementation
The Polar Code is a goal-based standard that establishes functional requirements and regulations that are adaptable to a wide range of ship types and operations. In an effort to provide additional guidance, the Coast Guard’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has issued CG-CVC Policy Letter 06-16.
12/6/2016: Polar Code – Entry into force
The new International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, commonly referred to as the Polar Code is enacted through IMO resolutions MSC.386(94) and MEPC.265(68). These resolutions amend the SOLAS and MARPOL conventions, adding provisions to address hazards and conditions unique to polar waters. Due to the varying completion dates of these amendments, the provisions of the Polar Code will be implemented on different dates. In this discussion, we hope to help clarify the various dates and deadlines associated with the implementation of the Polar Code.
