American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Hyperlink: Eagle.org

ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.

ABS, in service to the marine industry, provides rules and guides free of charge.  This includes the ABS Ice Class Rules, which contain the IACS Polar Rules referenced in Chapter 3 of the Polar Code, as well as the Baltic Ice Class Rules that are referenced in POLARIS (MSC.1/Circ. 1519). 

ABS has decades of experience with ice class ships and icebreakers. Through the Harsh Environment Technology Center (HETC), ABS continues to push the state of the art with respect to knowledge and capabilities of ships in ice, low air temperatures and marine systems to predict or manage these hazards.

ABS recognizes that vessels need not have an ice class to operate in Polar Waters, therefore ships would be built to the overarching ABS Steel Vessel Rules.  These rules are also available free for download and contain the ice class rules as Part 6.

DNV GL

Hyperlink: IMO Polar Code
Follow this link for DNV GL’s guide to the Polar Code Document ‘Maritime Polar Code: Understand the Code’s requirements to take the right steps for smooth compliance’. For Chapter 3, see page 14.

See also:

• IMO Polar Code on the DNV GL website
  
• Arctic shipping risk assessment and winterisation

Icelandic Transport Authority

Hyperlink: http://www.icetra.is
The Icelandic Transport Authority manages the administration of transport affairs and conducts oversight pertaining to aviation, maritime affairs, traffic and safety oversight of transport structures and navigation. The Icelandic Transport Authority issues certificates to seafarares and is responsible for Port State Control and Flag State Control and manages the Icelandic ship registry.

Lloyd's Register (LR)

Hyperlink 1: The Polar Code by Lloyds
Lloyd's provides information and assistance for users to comply with the Polar Code. Lloyd's interactive toolkit allows users to work through the Code on their own terms and download Lloyd's register free guidance, templates and examples to help understand and meet  compliance needs.

Hyperlink 2: Lloyd's Polar Code Resources
Lloyd's also provides guidance documents on; the Operational Assessment, setting operational limitations (limitation wording), determining the Operating Envelope and LR’s How to use POLARIS.

Hyperlink 3: The Polar Code: A Regulatory Interpretation Guide
This document provides Loyd's Register guidance on all aspects of the Polar Code (chapter by chapter). For Chapter 3, see the LR Regulatory Guide pages 31 to 32.

Lloyd's Register website.

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

Hyperlink 1:  Northern Sea Route – Best practices and Challenges (2017)
For Chapter 3, see pages 3-4 and page 13.

Hyperlink 2: Offshore Vessel Operations In Ice and or Severe Sub Zero Temperatures in Artic and Sub Artic regions (2014).
The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance to operators and charterers of offshore support vessels employed for use in areas impacted by ice or severe sub-zero temperatures with the aim of encouraging high standards of safety and environmental protection for those operating in Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions.

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Hyperlink: Eagle.org

ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.

ABS was heavily involved with and actively participated in the development of the Polar Code.  Being so close to the code’s development enabled ABS to create and publish one of the first guidelines for industry a year before the Code came into force: IMO Polar Code Advisory.

To disseminate its knowledge, ABS offers training to ship owners/operators on the IMO Polar Code.  This training provides owners an understanding of the requirements of the Code, how to manage its goal based standards structure, and how to effectively progress through the process up to and including issuance of the Polar Ship Certificate.

A key aspect of the Polar Code is contained in Chapter 1 Paragraph 1.5 – Operational Assessment, one of the cornerstones to the Polar Code’s application.  An ABS Facilitated Operational Assessment, is a service offered by ABS where a formal HAZID is performed, climatic conditions and the ship’s capabilities and the Code’s requirements are closely examined to determine the required risk control measures.  The outcomes of this assessment form the foundation to the ship specific Polar Waters Operational Manual.

ABS Advisory Services has prepared a full Polar Code support offering for industry. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Arctic Economic Council

Hyperlink: https://arcticeconomiccouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/AEC-Maritime-Transportation-WG-report.pdf

State of the Maritime Transportation in the Arctic (2019).

Arctic Institute of North America

Hyperlink: https://www.genice.ca/home

AINA is a partner in a 4 year project - GENICE - which is to address the need to develop preparedness and response strategies for fuel spills in Arctic waters. The project brings together a broadly interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral team to combine cutting-edge genomics, analytical chemistry, and sea-ice geophysics with economic, policy and end-user expertise to focus on the role of and potential for bioremediation of fuel spills in the Arctic marine environment. The overarching objectives of the project are to generate baseline microbial genomics data for the Hudson Bay Corridor, conduct a series of bioremediation viability case studies, develop recommendations on technology-based emergency spill response strategies, and define best practices for knowledge sharing, capacity building for spill-response, and policy development; each of these objectives is informed by genomics.

This work is relevant to the Polar Code Part IIA: Pollution Prevention Measures Chapter 1. Prevention of Pollution by Oil in particular and outcomes could potentially be used to support decision making with respect to response to incidents and counter-pollution activities such as oil pollution combating strategies, spill response, pollution prevention equipment for ships, and shipping route designation.

DNV GL

Hyperlink: IMO Polar Code
Follow this link for DNV GL’s guide to the Polar Code Document ‘Maritime Polar Code: Understand the Code’s requirements to take the right steps for smooth compliance’.

See also:

• IMO Polar Code on the DNV GL website
  
• Arctic shipping risk assessment and winterisation

International Hydrographic Commission (IHO)

The IHO, as an Observer organization at the IMO and its chief advisor on nautical charting issues, has contributed to the safety considerations of the Polar Code, related specifically to the generally unsatisfactory state of the underlying hydrographic surveys from which existing nautical charts in the polar regions are derived.

The IHO input has been based on the work of the two hydrographic Commissions that cover the polar regions - the Arctic Regional Hydrographic Commission (ARHC) and the IHO Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica (HCA). Each Commission provides a framework for cooperation and coordination between the various countries that produce nautical charts of polar waters.

1) IHO Hydrographic Dictionary (IHO Publication S-32)

2) Status of Hydrographic Surveying and Charting Worldwide (IHO Publication C-55) (5 November 2020) (provides base data for governments and supporting international organizations as they consider the best means by which to implement responsibilities set out in Chapter V, Regulation 9, of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention)

3) Joint IHO/IMO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information (MSI) (IHO Publication No. 53) (January 2016)

4) Facts About Electronic Charts and Carriage Requirements (IHO Publication S-66) (January 2018)

5) The Need for National Hydrographic Services (IHO Publication M-2) (June 2018)

6) Caution Required When Using Nautical Charts of Arctic Waters (ARHC Notice) (28 June 2017)

7) International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean (IBCAO) (Version 4.0, July 2020) (The goal of the IBCAO initiative is to develop a digital database that contains all available bathymetric data north of 64° North, for use by mapmakers, researchers, institutions, and others whose work requires a detailed and accurate knowledge of the depth and the shape of the Arctic seabed.)

8) Mariners' Guide to Accuracy of Depth Information in Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) (IHO S-67) (October 2020)

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

The following explanatory graphics and videos are replicated from the IMO website. Further important information is detailed on the Polar Code section of IMO's website, including information on the second phase of the Polar Code.






IMO in the polar environment: the Polar Code explained:



IMO in the polar environment: Search and Rescue

Guidence on Surveys:

• Note IMO Circular 16 December 2016 (MSC.1/Circ.1562)

Guidance on methodologies for assessing operational capabilities and limitations in ice

• Note IMO Circular 6 June 2016 (MSC.1/Circ.1519) 

 

Interim guidelines on life-saving appliances and arrangements for ships operating in polar waters.

• Note IMO Circular 26 June 2019 (MSC.1/Circ.1614)

 

Training of Seafarers
Resolution MSC.416(97), adopted on 25 November 2016, containing amendments to the STCW Convention, 1978 , including amended regulation I/1.1 adding definitions of “Polar code” and “Polar waters”, amended regulation I/11 requiring continued seagoing service for masters and officers for the continued professional competence for ships operating in polar waters, amendments to chapter V of the STCW Convention (Regulation V/4 on “Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters and deck officers on ships operating in polar waters”).

This led to the development of IMO model course on Basic and Advanced Training for ships operating in polar waters (see image).

Further information on Polar Code (second phase):

• Resolution A.1137(31), adopted on 16 January 2020, Interim safety measures for ships not certified under the SOLAS Convention operating in polar waters
• Guidance for navigation and communication equipment intended for use on ships operating in polar waters (MSC.1/Circ.1612, June 2019). See Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), 101 session, 5-14 June 2019.

Lloyd's Register (LR)

Hyperlink 1: The Polar Code by Lloyds
Lloyd's provides information and assistance for users to comply with the Polar Code. Lloyd's interactive toolkit allows users to work through the Code on their own terms and download Lloyd's register free guidance, templates and examples to help understand and meet  compliance needs.

Hyperlink 2: Lloyd's Polar Code Resources
Lloyd's also provides guidance documents on; the Operational Assessment, setting operational limitations (limitation wording), determining the Operating Envelope and LR’s How to use POLARIS.

Hyperlink 3: The Polar Code: A Regulatory Interpretation Guide
This document provides Lloyd's Register guidance on all aspects of the Polar Code (chapter by chapter). For Chapter 1, see the LR Regulatory Guide pages 21 to 26. 

Lloyd's Register website.

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

Hyperlink 1:  Northern Sea Route – Best practices and Challenges (2017)
For Chapter 1, see pages 1-2.

Hyperlink 2: Offshore Vessel Operations In Ice and or Severe Sub Zero Temperatures in Artic and Sub Artic regions (2014).
The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance to operators and charterers of offshore support vessels employed for use in areas impacted by ice or severe sub-zero temperatures with the aim of encouraging high standards of safety and environmental protection for those operating in Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions.

World Meterological Organization (WMO)

Hyperlink 1: https://public.wmo.int
WMO provides information for integrating weather, climate and hydrological data, environmental information and weather-climate predictive tools in the Arctic region, for example through its World Weather Watch (WWW), the Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services, the Global Cryosphere Watch and other components of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) as well as its World Climate and Weather Research Programmes (WCRP and WWRP). This is the general link to the WMO's public website.

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Hyperlink 2: https://globalcryospherewatch.org/
The World Meteorological Organization's Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) is an international mechanism for supporting all key cryospheric in-situ and remote sensing observations. To meet the needs of WMO Members and partners in delivering services to users, the media, public, decision and policy makers, GCW provides authoritative, clear, and useable data, information, and analyses on the past, current and future state of the cryosphere.

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Hyperlink 3: https://www.ocean-ops.org/
WMO has various in situ observation programmes in polar waters.

The joint WMO-IOC Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) established two action groups for the polar regions, the International Arctic Buoy Programme (IABP, 1991) and International Buoy Programme for Antarctic Buoys (IPAB, 1994) .
IABP focuses on Arctic Ocean and its marginal seas, excepting Exclusive Economic Zones, with expected resolution of 250km×25okm. It aims to provide meteorological and oceanographic data for real-time operational requirements and research purposes including support to the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and the World Weather Watch (WWW) Programme. As of June 2020, there were 223 buoys operational, thanks to high number of deployments in MOSAiC station. More details of IABP data, see http://iabp.apl.uw.edu/

IPAB (jointly WCRP/SCAR) investigates south of 55°S and that region of the Southern Ocean and Antarctic marginal seas within the maximum seasonal sea-ice extent, in 500km×500km grids. It is designed to provide meteorological and oceanographic data for real-time operational requirements and research purposes. In June 2020, there were 65 operational buoys, leaving most of Southern Ocean still sparsely sampled. More details of IPAB, see http://www.ipab.aq/.

With Minamata Convention taking effect in 2020, the DBCP is taking necessary measures to assist Members to migrate to mercury-free instruments, including environmental stewardship discussion at recent 36th DBCP session, http://goosocean.org/DBCP-36

Under the Ship Observations Team (SOT), mostly fast-moving Voluntary Observing Ships (VOS) regularly gather meteorological data (including sea ice) in the Arctic with manned or automated weather stations wherever the equipped ships navigate;

The Ship of Opportunity Programme (SOOP) deploys XBTs on mostly quarterly repeated lines which lead at least partly into the Arctic region and collect sea temperature profiles from the surface to 1000m.

Radiosondes (Automated Shipboard Aerological Programme-ASAP) for upper air soundings are only launched in this area as part of research ship activities. The latter operate inter alia in the Arctic region as part of the GO-SHIP repeat hydrography programme, with data collection from the surface to the seafloor of highest quality and full set of parameters. Some GO-SHIP lines are repeated every or at least every second year, but most of them (including the transpolar line on the map below) are sampled only once per decade. Neither in SOT nor GO-SHIP exists a particular working group or performance indicator with focus on polar matters.

Hyperlink 4: https://public.wmo.int/en/programmes/world-weather-research-programme
WMO's World Weather Research Programme advances society's ability to cope with high impact weather through research focused on improving the accuracy, lead time and utilization of weather prediction. It has several activities focused on the Arctic region, including the Year of Polar Prediction.

Hyperlink 5: http://www.polarprediction.net
WMO is coordinating a Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP), starting in 2017, which will include a host of observing, modelling and educational activities. YOPP has the overarching goal to significantly improve our environmental prediction capabilities for the polar regions and beyond, on time scales from hours to seasons. Because of various teleconnections the poles influence weather and climate conditions in lower latitudes where hundreds of millions of people live. YOPP is intended to evaluate the improvement of weather and climate prediction worldwide with improved polar observational network. The connection to longer time scales is made through the World Climate Research Programme’s Polar Climate Predictability Initiative. The core period of YOPP entails intensive observation and modelling campaigns in both the Arctic and the Antarctic, scheduled from mid-2017 to mid-2019.

Hyperlink 6: http://wcrp-climate.org/
For longer timescales the World Climate Research Programme (a cosponsored organization of WMO, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the International Council for Science) provides the science underpinning changes in the climate worldwide, including the Arctic.

Hyperlink 7: http://www.climate-cryosphere.org/wcrp/pcpi
The Polar Climate Predictability Initiative (PCPI) is an initiative of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), whose goal is to improve the understanding of the predictability of climate and the effect of human activities on climate. The PCPI has a focus on polar regions and their role in the global climate system and aims to improve predictability of the climate system on all time scales by improving our understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms and their representation in climate models.

WMO website

Audubon Alaska

Hyperlink: https://ak.audubon.axds.co/

This comprehensive, trans-boundary atlas contains over 100 maps of Arctic marine mammals, seabirds, sea ice, subsistence, and more. The Atlas is organized into six sections that build, layer by layer, the ecological foundation of the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas.

The six sections are:

• Physical Setting explores various climatic attributes and the abiotic processes that perpetuate them.
• Biological Setting introduces the lower trophic food web.
• Fishes describes a range of prominent pelagic and demersal fish species.
• Birds highlights a long list of seabirds and waterbirds that regularly use these waters.
• Mammals maps out regional use by many cetaceans, pinnipeds, and polar bears.
• Human Uses covers subsistence, conservation, and economic drivers in the region.

Using these data layers it is possible to construct maps that will show areas of likely interaction between vessel traffic and a variety of Arctic marine life and Indigenous subsistence activities.

Alaska Chadux̂ Network (Chadux̂)

Chadux̂ is a non-profit organization governed by industry representatives and funded by participating vessel owner/operators that provides vessels operating in Western Alaska and the U.S. Arctic with best management practices and response capabilities.  The Network has over 450 vessel companies from around the world representing over 3,500 vessels enrolled in its programs.

Chadux̂ has adopted routing measures for cargo, passenger vessels and yachts as well as for fishing, towing and supply vessels. Conformance with these routing measures results in vessels operating further off shore. In addition, participating vessels are monitored 24/7 while in the U.S. Arctic. This allows for prompt notification of propulsion or navigation issues that require prompt attention to reduce the likelihood of a grounding and pollution event. Decisions related to Ports of Refuge are managed pursuant to Appendix O of the Federal / State of Alaska Unified Response Plan.  For information on enrolling in the Chadux̂ and to learn more about risk reducing routing measures in the U.S. Arctic click here.

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Hyperlink: Eagle.org

ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.

A critical element of voyage planning is having access to details of the historical temporal environmental conditions in the planned area of operation that may influence the risk associated with operations, including low temperature, the presence of sea ice as it relates to the capability of the ship structure and propulsion train to interact with the ice, the possibility of ice accretion specifically with respect to the presence of environment conditions that facilitate ice accretion and the amount of daylight.  ABS Advisory Services offers a climate assessment which included:

• Detailed temperature analysis following the Polar Code’s MDLT. An example of this can be found in Appendix 10 of the ABS Guide for Vessels Operating in Low Temperature Environments (LTE Guide).
• Sea ice analysis using the POLARIS system (MSC.1/Circ.1519). The basis of POLARIS is an evaluation of the risks posed to the ship by ice conditions using the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) nomenclature and the ship’s assigned ice class (or lack thereof). POLARIS can be used for voyage planning or on-board decision-making in real time on the bridge although, as with any methodology, it is not intended to replace an experienced Master’s judgement. POLARIS assesses ice conditions based on a Risk Index Outcome (RIO) determined by the following simple calculation:

The Risk Values (RV) are a function of ice class, season of operation, and operational state (i.e., independent operation or icebreaker escort). Risk levels are higher with increasing ice thickness and decreasing ice class. POLARIS establishes RVs for the seven (7) IACS Polar Classes, four (4) Finnish-Swedish Ice Classes, and non-ice strengthened ships. For an example a non-ice strengthened, Category C ship, only the bottom row of risk values need to be considered. The row corresponding to the subject vessels will be the bottom row for non-ice strengthened vessels.

ABS-POLARIS is a tool developed by ABS to processes raw ice chart data (sourced from various ice data providers including the Canadian Ice Service, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Danish Meteorological Institute, the Russian Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, etc, using the IMO POLARIS methodology. ABS-POLARIS will determine Risk Index Outcomes and replot ice charts as ice risk charts that are specific to the ship’s ice class notation. The tool can process and plot a single ice chart as an Ice Risk Index Outcome (RIO) chart or process multiple ice charts to evaluate statistical values of RIOs. For example, the ABS-POLARIS tool can take five (5) years of ice charts for a region covering the first week of a month and produce an average RIO for the region.  This can be used to evaluate operational probabilities in the given area, or to evaluate the likelihood of the ship encountering ice conditions that exceed its capabilities in that time period.  Alternatively, the tool can be used as a means of optimizing the ice class selection if an operational area and time frame is known. Striving for Safer Polar Shipping.

ABS recommends using a multi-year average of RIOs. The ABS-POLARIS averaging algorithm only accounts for areas where ice is present in the average. The figure below graphically shows how the program stacks and calculates the average.  If a location only has ice present for a single year the program will only use the year with data in the average. This means that the only ice chart with ice will be the ice shown in the final output. For example, the lower points in the figure where the presence of ice is indicated with a star and circles indicate ice free area. For this five (5) year average the figure will show the RIO from the only year with ice in the area.  This results in a slightly conservative ice analysis.

Further examples of the ABS-Polaris outputs can be seen in Figures 12 and 13 of the ABS IMO Polar Code Advisory.

There are aspects of Chapter 11 that can be overlooked by someone developing a Polar Water Operational Manual (PWOM). Most of the regulations of this chapter are not mandatory to be included in the PWOM but ABS suggests that the manual either contain the information required by the regulations of this chapter or make reference to where the crew can access this information.

AMATII

Hyperlink: www.arcticinfrastructure.org
The Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group approved a project during the Swedish Chairmanship (co-led by the United States and Iceland) to assess transportation infrastructure. The Arctic Marine and Aviation Transportation Infrastructure Initiative (AMATII) seek to evaluate Northern infrastructure ports, airports, and response capability by inventorying maritime and aviation assets in the Arctic.

Bering Sea Elders Group

Hyperlink: http://eloka-arctic.org/

The link submitted is the electronic version of "The Northern Bering Sea: Our Way of Life", published by the Bering Sea Elders Group an alliance of thirty-nine Yup’ik and Inupiaq villages that seeks to protect the sensitive ecosystem of the Bering Sea, the subsistence lifestyle, and the sustainable communities that depend on it. The Northern Bering Sea: Our Way of Life highlights large hunting and fishing areas, and the ecological importance of the region.

The maps and information contained in the submission provide valuable information on locations and timing of marine mammal concentrations and marine mammal migratory routes. Information is also provided on locations and timing of subsistence hunting of marine mammals, an important cultural practice for the region.

Canadian Hydrographic Service

Hyperlink 1: Canadian Hydrographic Service / Organization or Service: Arctic Voyage Planning Guide - Canada
https://gisp.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/apps/AVPG-GPNA/
A compilation of data and services relevant to mariners travelling in the Arctic region of Canada. The AVPG is not intended to replace official carriage information or products provided from Canadian sources. In case of disparity, the information contained in official publications will prevail. The mariners remain responsible for navigational decisions and safety of their ships. The information provided in this guide should be used together with all other relevant information, as required by law, standards and good seamanship practices.

Hyperlink 2: Canadian Hydrographic Service / Arctic Regional Hydrographic Commission - https://iho.int/en/arctic-rhc
The IHO has encouraged the establishment of Regional Hydrographic Commissions (RHCs) to coordinate hydrographic activity and cooperation at the regional level. The RHCs are made up of IHO Member States together with other regional States that wish to participate. RHCs work in close harmony with the Organization to help further its ideals and program. RHCs meet at regular intervals to discuss such things as mutual hydrographic and chart production problems, plan joint survey operations, and resolve schemes for medium and large scale International Chart coverage in their regions.

Hyperlink 3: Canadian Hydrographic Service
http://www.charts.gc.ca/
The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) is the hydrographic office of Canada. All vessels in Canadian waters must carry and use nautical charts and related publications pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations, that are issued by, or on the authority of, the Canadian Hydrographic Service.

Hyperlink 4: Canadian Hydrographic Service / Northern Canada Sailing Directions
http://www.charts.gc.ca/publications/sailingdirections-instructionsnautiques-eng.asp
Canadian Sailing Directions are companions to nautical charts. Sailing Directions is a great tool for planning and assisting in navigation because they provide information that cannot be shown on a chart.

Hyperlink 5: Canadian Hydrographic Service / Canadian Tide Tables Vol. 4 – Arctic and Hudson Bay.
http://www.tides.gc.ca/eng/data/predictions/2017#vol4
Volume 4 of the CHS Tide tables provides tidal information for CA Arctic waters.

Canadian Hydrographic Service website

Canadian Ice Service

Hyperlink: http://ice-glaces.ec.gc.ca/

The Canadian Ice Service's mission is to provide the most timely and accurate information about ice in Canada's navigable waters. We work to promote safe and efficient maritime operations and to help protect Canada's environment.

Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Secretariat

Hyperlink: https://www.ccamlr.org/en/data/online-gis
The site provides broad scale information on the whole Antarctic Area including daily sea ice concentrations, polar front positions, and a range of management area information from fishing management units to marine protected areas and vulnerable marine ecosystems. Data can be layered onto an Antarctic wide map or viewed layer by layer. As well as the latest extent of sea-ice, it is possible to search for place names and zoom to specific areas.

CCAMLR website

Danish Geodata Agency

Hyperlink:  http://eng.navigation.gl/
Navigation.gl is a portal for use by mariners who are not familiar with navigation in arctic waters, especially the waters surrounding Greenland. Mariners intending to navigate in the waters surrounding Greenland can use the portal to obtain an overview of the websites of relevant authorities and institutions that provide information about safe navigation in these waters. The navigation.gl portal is developed in collaboration between Danish and Greenland authorities. The portal primarily features links to the websites of the Danish Maritime Authority, The Danish Geodata Agency and the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI).

Danish Geodata Agency

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)

Hyperlink: Guidelines for the Development of a Polar Water Operational Manual

The International Chamber for Shipping (ICS) and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) jointly published this document in 2019. ICS and OCIMF members consider that how a ship is operated in Polar waters, and especially in ice, is a critical aspect for safe operations. The quality of the PWOM will have an impact on achieving safe operations. This document suplements the Polar Code and its Appendix II, which provides a model for a PWOM. The document states that while Appendix II is a useful starting point, ICS and OCIMF members have found that additional information is needed to develop a quality PWOM.

International Hydrographic Commission (IHO)

The IHO, as an Observer organization at the IMO and its chief advisor on nautical charting issues, has contributed to the safety considerations of the Polar Code, related specifically to the generally unsatisfactory state of the underlying hydrographic surveys from which existing nautical charts in the polar regions are derived.

The IHO input has been based on the work of the two hydrographic Commissions that cover the polar regions - the Arctic Regional Hydrographic Commission (ARHC) and the IHO Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica (HCA). Each Commission provides a framework for cooperation and coordination between the various countries that produce nautical charts of polar waters.

1) IHO Hydrographic Dictionary (IHO Publication S-32)

2) Status of Hydrographic Surveying and Charting Worldwide (IHO Publication C-55) (5 November 2020) (provides base data for governments and supporting international organizations as they consider the best means by which to implement responsibilities set out in Chapter V, Regulation 9, of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention)

3) Joint IHO/IMO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information (MSI) (IHO Publication No. 53) (January 2016)

4) Facts About Electronic Charts and Carriage Requirements (IHO Publication S-66) (January 2018)

5) The Need for National Hydrographic Services (IHO Publication M-2) (June 2018)

6) Caution Required When Using Nautical Charts of Arctic Waters (ARHC Notice) (28 June 2017)

7) International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean (IBCAO) (Version 4.0, July 2020) (The goal of the IBCAO initiative is to develop a digital database that contains all available bathymetric data north of 64° North, for use by mapmakers, researchers, institutions, and others whose work requires a detailed and accurate knowledge of the depth and the shape of the Arctic seabed.)

8) Mariners' Guide to Accuracy of Depth Information in Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) (IHO S-67) (October 2020)

International Ice Charting Working Group

Hyperlink: http://nsidc.org/noaa/iicwg/
For Arctic shipping, the website of the International Ice Charting Working Group (IICWG) most importantly provides contact information for all of the national ice services in the world, including 24/7 emergency access to ice information. Additionally, the site provides information about IICWG activities, summaries and presentations from annual IICWG meetings, documents on standards, and links to other ice information sites.

IICWG website

International Ice Patrol

Hyperlink: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=IIPHome
The website of the International Ice Patrol (IIP) is hosted by the United States Coast Guard Navigation Center. The site provides the daily Iceberg Limit to 60°N as a graphical chart, a text bulletin, a KML or a shape file. The graphical chart also contains iceberg distribution estimates. The Iceberg Limit is established by the Canadian Ice Service (CIS) from September through January and by IIP from February through August. A weekly iceberg outlook for the Grand Banks of Newfoundland along with background information describing the IIP’s mission and history are also available on this site. Together with the CIS and the US National Ice Center (USNIC), IIP is a member of the North American Ice Service. The IIP site contains links to CIS and the USNIC.

International Ice Patrol website

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Hyperlink: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Polar-default.aspx

IMO's website contains information regarding voyage planning.

Additionally, IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in May 2018, adopted new and amended ships' routeing measures in the Bering Sea and Bering Strait, aimed at reducing the risks of incidents - the first measures adopted by IMO for the Arctic region where the Polar Code applies.

The measures include six two-way routes and six precautionary areas, to be voluntary for or all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above, in the Bering Sea and Bering Strait off the coast of the Chukotskiy Peninsula and Alaska, proposed by the Russian Federation and the United States. These waters are expected to see increased traffic due to rising economic activity in the Arctic.

In addition, the MSC established three areas to be avoided in the Bering Sea, proposed by the United States, to improve safety of navigation and protect the fragile and unique environment. These measures entered into force on 1 December 2018.

Further information on IMO Routeing measures

Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University

 Hyperlink: http://www.paninuittrails.org/index.html?module=module.paninuittrails Chapter 11 voyage planning: The Atlas is one of the outcomes of the project “The Northwest Passage and the construction of Inuit pan-Arctic identities” (funded by SSHRC—the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), and co-directed by Claudio Aporta (Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University), Michael Bravo (Geography, University of Cambridge), and Fraser Taylor (Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre, Carleton University). This project looks at Inuit occupancy of the Northwest Passage, through a study and documentation of Inuit traditional trails and place names, which have interconnected Inuit groups across the Arctic since time immemorial.

Marine Affairs website

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Hyperlink:  https://arctic-nga.opendata.arcgis.com/
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Arctic Support Web map provides public access to nautical information products relevant for the Polar Code including Arctic charts and sailing directions. These standard nautical products address sections 9.2.1 of Chapter 9: Safety of Navigation and 11.3 of Chapter 11: Voyage Planning. The Web map also provides relevant Arctic spatial data for download such as elevation, sea ice extents, airfields, and search and rescue zones. Many other hydrographic and broader maritime domain data sets and resources are provided as Web services.

NGA website

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Hyperlink 1:  https://usicecenter.gov
The USNIC Daily Ice Edge product depicts the daily sea ice pack (8-10/10ths or greater of sea ice), and the Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ). The marginal ice zone is the transition between the open ocean (ice free) and pack ice. The MIZ is very dynamic and affects the air-ocean heat transport, as well as being a significant factor in navigational safety. The daily ice edge is analyzed by sea ice experts using multiple sources of near real time satellite data, derived satellite products, buoy data, weather, and analyst interpretation of current sea ice conditions. The product is a current depiction of the location of the ice edge vice a satellite derived ice edge product.
The USNIC MIZ product is archived by NOAA@NSIDC, from September 2004 for the Arctic and January 2010 for Antarctic ice, available here.
    
Hyperlink 2:  https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/coast-pilot/index.html
The United States Coast Pilot® consists of a series of nautical books that cover a variety of information important to navigators of coastal and intracoastal waters and the Great Lakes. Issued in nine volumes, they contain supplemental information that is difficult to portray on a nautical chart. Coast Pilot 9 - 35th Edition, 2017 covers the Pacific and Arctic coasts of Alaska from Cape Spencer to the Beaufort Sea.

Hyperlink 3: https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/
NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is the nation’s chartmaker, with over a thousand charts covering 95,000 miles of shoreline and 3.4 million square nautical miles of waters within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.

Hyperlink 4: https://cetsound.noaa.gov/biologically-important-area-map
Chapter 11 of the Polar Code calls for mariners to take into account marine mammals when planning voyages, and to avoid harm as much as possible when transiting in polar environments. In 2011, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) convened a working group to map cetacean density and distribution within U.S. waters.The specific objective of the Cetacean Density and Distribution Mapping Working Group (CetMap) was to create comprehensive and easily accessible regional cetacean density and distribution maps that are time- and species-specific, ideally using survey data and models, that estimate density using predictive environmental factors.

Hyperlink 5: https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/arctic-zone/data.html

• Realtime Data and Climate Indices
  • Data and Analyses
  • Indices
  • Weather
• Retrospective or Historical Data, Analyses and Indices
  • Data and Analyses
• • Indices

US National Ice Center data products currently archived at NSIDC

At the National Snow and Ice Data Center, selected data originating with NOAA and other operational ice services are archived, and are or will be published online.   These have multiyear periods of record. As of September 2021, these data products are archived:

• U.S. National Ice Center. 2020. U.S. National Ice Center Daily Marginal Ice Zone Products, Version 1
• National Ice Center Arctic Sea Ice Charts and Climatologies in Gridded Format
• IMS Daily Northern Hemisphere Snow and Ice Analysis at 1 km, 4 km, and 24 km Resolutions

Other data sets originating with operational ice charting organizations and archived at NSIDC are the following:

• U.S. National Ice Center Arctic and Antarctic Sea Ice Concentration and Climatologies in Gridded Format
  • U.S. National Ice Center. Compiled by F. Fetterer and J. S. Stewart. 2020. U.S. National Ice Center Arctic and Antarctic Sea Ice Concentration and Climatologies in Gridded Format, Version 1. [Indicate subset used]. Boulder, Colorado USA. NSIDC: National Snow and Ice Data Center.
• International Ice Patrol Iceberg Sightings Database
  • International Ice Patrol. 1995, updated 2020. International Ice Patrol (IIP) Iceberg Sightings Database, Version 1. Boulder, Colorado USA. NSIDC: National Snow and Ice Data Center.
• International Ice Patrol Iceberg Drift Tracks
  • National Snow and Ice Data Center (comp.). 1995. International Ice Patrol Iceberg Drift Tracks, Version 1. Boulder, Colorado USA. NSIDC: National Snow and Ice Data Center.
• International Ice Patrol Annual Count of Icebergs South of 48 Degrees North, 1900 to Present
  • International Ice Patrol. 2020. International Ice Patrol Annual Count of Icebergs South of 48 Degrees North, 1900 to Present, Version 1.
• Multisensor Analyzed Sea Ice Extent - Northern Hemisphere (MASIE-NH)
  • U.S. National Ice Center (NIC) and NSIDC. 2010, updated daily. Multisensor Analyzed Sea Ice Extent - Northern Hemisphere. Developed by F. Fetterer, M. Savoie, S. Helfrich, and P. Clemente-Colón. Boulder, Colorado USA: National Snow and Ice Data Center.
• Canadian Ice Service Arctic Regional Sea Ice Charts in SIGRID-3 Format
  • Canadian Ice Service. 2009. Canadian Ice Service Arctic Regional Sea Ice Charts in SIGRID-3 Format, Version 1. Boulder, Colorado USA. NSIDC: National Snow and Ice Data Center.
• Daily Great Lakes Ice Concentration, 1973 Onward
  • Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. 2020. Daily Great Lakes Ice Concentration, 1973 Onward, Version 1. Boulder, Colorado USA. NSIDC: National Snow and Ice Data Center.

NOAA website 

Norwegian Polar Institute

Hyperlink: http://geodata.npolar.no/barentsportal/?&extent=-1051920,6930390,2322054,9271428&layers=layer6:340
Chapter 11 of the Polar Code calls for mariners to take into account marine mammals when planning voyages, and to avoid harm as much as possible when transiting in polar environments. The Norwegian Polar Institute's Barents Portal provides mariner's with environmental information to ensure as little impact to the marine environment as possible.

Nunavut Planning Commission

Hyperlink: http://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=5ceec85326374c9b9b56e935477a7e80&extent=-180,35.3976,180,87.2166
The Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan is a product of extensive consultations that included visiting all 25 Nunavut communities at least twice. After listening to the residents of Nunavut, governments, industry stakeholders and other interested parties including the Dene residents from Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Inuit from Northern Quebec, the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan provides clear guidance that directs resource use and development in the Nunavut Settlement Area. The Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan provides for protection of Caribou calving and post-calving grounds and critical bird habitat; identifies traditional on ice travel routes with special management tools to protect them, areas of mineral potential, as well as areas with potential for tourism activities. The Draft Plan also provides Nunavummiut a voice in determining the future of development in the Nunavut Settlement Area at the land use planning level.

NSIDC website

Nautical Institute

Hyperlink: https://www.nautinst.org/resource-library/technical-library/ice.html
This page contains articles which explain the application of the Polar Code with respect to training - Chapter 12 and the obligations and expectations on mariners and their employers. They identify the constructs of the International Standard for Ice Navigators created by the leading professional body for those navigating ships - The Nautical Institute and provide other useful background reading. The articles embody best practice in the consideration of training and qualifications for the area.

Nautical Institute website

Oceans North Canada

Hyperlink: https://oceansnorth.org/en/canada-arctic-marine-atlas/
Reducing impact from shipping on Inuit use and ecologically significant areas in the Canadian Arctic is the intent behind chapter 11 (voyage planning) of the Polar Code. The Oceans North Integrated Arctic Corridors Framework describes route planning which would lead to low impact shipping in this region.

Oceans North Canada website

Oil Companies International Marine Forum

Hyperlink 1: Guidelines for the Development of a Polar Water Operational Manual

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the International Chamber for Shipping (ICS) and the jointly published this document in 2019. ICS and OCIMF members consider that how a ship is operated in Polar waters, and especially in ice, is a critical aspect for safe operations. The quality of the PWOM will have an impact on achieving safe operations. This document suplements the Polar Code and its Appendix II, which provides a model for a PWOM. The document states that while Appendix II is a useful starting point, ICS and OCIMF members have found that additional information is needed to develop a quality PWOM.

Hyperlink 2:  Northern Sea Route – Best practices and Challenges (2017)

Hyperlink 3: Offshore Vessel Operations In Ice and or Severe Sub Zero Temperatures in Artic and Sub Artic regions (2014).
The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance to operators and charterers of offshore support vessels employed for use in areas impacted by ice or severe sub-zero temperatures with the aim of encouraging high standards of safety and environmental protection for those operating in Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions.

Polar View

Hyperlink: http://www.polarview.aq/
The Polar View data page is operated by the British Antarctic Survey with European Space Agency support. This site provides freely available satellite data and automated ice information products for both polar regions. It is highly utilized by mariners in the Southern Ocean, in particular, where there is a current lack of regular ice information from national services.

Swedish Transport Agency

Hyperlink 1: http://www.aari.ru/odata/_d0015.php?lang=1&mod=0
For ice types Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) has current and historical maps of ice types (and coverage) in the Arctic.

Hyperlink 2: https://seaice.uni-bremen.de/sea-ice-concentration/
For historical data on ice coverage, the University of Bremen has a useful site with current and historical data based on passive microwave data (AMSR2). It should be noted that the ice coverage indicated in the maps as “blue” (in false colour) is ice-coverage up to 10%. In a local area, there may be large ice floes, where the coverage can be up to 100%, as well as spots with less than 10% total coverage. It should also be noted that anecdotal evidence suggest that ice coverage is on the conservative side and that ice cover has been found to be more extensive in real operation that indicated on the map of the day.

Hyperlink 3: http://polarportal.dk/en/sea-ice-and-icebergs/sea-ice-thickness-and-volume/
The Polar Portal operated by the Danish Research Institutions provide guidance of ice-thickness in the Arctic.

Hyperlink 4: http://nsidc.org/soac/sea-ice-age-year.html
For historical ice age data, the National Snow and Ice Data Centre operates a useful site where different years and seasons can be compared.

Hyperlink 5: https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov
For visual historical observations of ice conditions, Nasa’s Worldview can be sued to select a particular area and time. The webbsite provides a good visual verification if the selected day had limited cloud cover. Ice conditions can be compared to other times/years on the same location. The Polar Portal operated by the Danish Research Institutions provide guidance of ice-thickness in the Arctic.

Swedish Transport Agency website

USCG Maritime Information Exchange

Hyperlink: https://cgmix.uscg.mil/MARPOL/Default.aspx
The purpose of the Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange (CGMIX) website is to make Coast Guard maritime information available on the public internet in the form of searchable databases. For Ships Operating in the US Arctic and Near Arctic the CGMIX Public Database includes a link to MARPOL Servicing Facilities.

This online searchable database contains a listing of all U.S. Ports and Terminals holding valid MARPOL Certificates of Adequacy (COAs). Ships operating in the Arctic are subject to additional restrictions relating to discharges of Annex I Oil/Oily residue, Annex II Noxious Liquid Substances, Annex V Garbage including food waste, and Annex VI Ozone Depleting Substances and Stack Scrubber residues. U.S. Ports and Terminals are issued Certificates of Adequacy (COAs) as evidence that their facilities meet the requirements of Annexes I, II, and V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

Adequate port reception facilities (PRF) at Arctic and near Arctic ports and terminals are meant to ensure ships can comply with enhanced restrictions on discharges from ships to the sea outlined in the Polar Code. US MARPOL regulations are further detailed in 33 CFR Part158. https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2001-title33-vol2/pdf/CFR-2001-title33-vol2-part158.pdf

Additional resources include: -The World Port Index published by the (US) National Geospatial Agency which provides Marine Safety Information on ports and terminals around the world. This publication gives the location, characteristics, known facilities, and available services of a great many ports and shipping facilities and oil terminals throughout the world and can be downloaded as a PDF document. The data is arranged geographically and is keyed to the applicable Volume of the Sailing Directions and shown on a chart. https://msi.nga.mil/Publications/WPI

The IMO's Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) which includes databases on pollution prevention equipment for ships and MARPOL port reception facilities. The public, searchable databases are arranged by Member States (including all eight Arctic Council states) and provide contact information for ports and terminals including those in Arctic regions. Information on ships waste management in the form of IMO Guidance can be downloaded from the website for ships and PRF operators. The guidance while not specific to Arctic shipping will be useful for ship operators planning on voyaging in Arctic or near Arctic waters. (MEPC.1/Circ.834.Rev.1) in English, French and Spanish. GISIS Data Base: https://gisis.imo.org/Public/Default.aspx

Guidance (Free Download from the GISIS site): https://gisis.imo.org/Public/Shared/Public/Download.aspx?FileType=UnsecuredFile&FileCode=PRF-GUIDE

World Meteorological Organization

Hyperlink 1: http://weather.gmdss.org
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) website displays the marine forecast and warning products that are provided to mariners via SafetyNet and NAVTEX, as part of the Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS), within the framework of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The worlds' oceans have been divided into 21 areas, called METAREA's, for the provision of marine products to shipping. The products displayed are issued by the National Meteorological Services (NMS) appointed as WWMIWS Issuing Services. METAREA Coordinators are assigned to coordinate provision of the marine services for each area. Canada, Norway, Russian Federation have responsibilities in the respective METAREAs in the Arctic polar waters.

Hyperlink 2: https://www.arctic-rcc.org/
Arctic RCC Network and Arctic Climate Forum
Based on the WMO Regional Climate Centre’s (RCCs) concept and as a legacy of the 2007-2008 International Polar Year, the Arctic Regional Climate Centre Network (ArcRCC-Network) has been established in May 2018. The ArcRCC-N is a centre of excellence that links Arctic national meteorological and ice services and provides regional climate products and services. Canada leads the forecasting services, Norway the data services and Russia the monitoring services. Currently Norway provides overall coordination of the Network activities. The Network members committed to provide on a regular basis all the products and services, including climate data, monitoring, long-range forecasting, as defined in the Implementation Plan. The Arctic Climate Forum (ACF) , a flagship activity of the ArcRCC-Network serves as a platform that brings together climate experts and sector representatives from countries, e.g. from indigenous community, shipping, tourism, hunting, ice-breaking, etc., to produce consensus-based climate prediction and information, with input from global and regional producing centres and National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, with the aim of gaining substantial socio-economic benefits in climate sensitive sectors. Since 2018 ACF sessions occur every May (physical meeting) and October (online meeting) to produce seasonal outlook on temperature, precipitation, sea ice, snow cover for summer and winter season respectively. The ArcRCC-Network coordinates this activity and provides technical input to ACF building on atmospheric, oceanic and ice data sets from observing networks, model outputs, satellites.



Hyperlink 3: https://community.wmo.int/activity-areas/operational-information-service/volume-d-information-shipping
The WMO No. 9 Volume D: Information for Shipping contains Marine meteorology and other related geophysical information necessary for safe and economic conduct of shipping operations, as well as for fishing and other marine activities, is made available to the user by the various Meteorological Services of maritime countries. The provision of this information is co-ordinated by WMO. The Chapter 4 Part C contains the ship weather routing services.

Hyperlink 4: https://library.wmo.int/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=12793#.X7aDi2j0n4Q
The WMO No. 485 Manual on the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System is designed to facilitate cooperation in data-processing and forecasting among Members; to specify obligations of Members in the implementation of the World Weather Watch (WWW) Global Data Processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS); and to ensure adequate uniformity and standardization in the practices and procedures employed in achieving these. Some Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMC) are defined to cope with Marine Environmental Emergency Response (MEER) and Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations.

WMO website

World Wildlife Fund

Hyperlink 1: http://awsassets.wwf.ca/downloads/hudsonstraitmarinersguide_2.pdf?_ga=2.224626205.640108791.1510171305-2063225585.1506616454 Chapter 11 of the Polar Code calls for voyage planning that results in the least amount of impact on marine mammals in the Arctic. The Hudson Strait Mariner’s Guide is designed to assist with this provisions. The Guide is made up of two large posters to be hung on the ship’s bridge: a chart that will help mariner’s identify whales, seals, polar bears and walrus, and maps of marine mammal habitat in both summer and winter. The guide lists phone numbers so mariners can report sightings and incidents at both the national and community level, and provides operational guidance when close to or encountering marine mammals.

Hyperlink 2: https://www.wwf.dk/wwfs_arbejde/gronland_og_arktis/sadan_arbejder_vi/oget_sejlads_er_en_trussel_mod_hvaler_/ Chapter 11 of the Polar Code calls on mariners to plan voyages with the least amount of impact on marine mammals in the Arctic. The Greenland Mariner's Guide is a tool for mariners to operationalize this chapter in the Code and reduce harm as much as possible on marine life in Greenlandic waters.

Hyperlink 3: http://oceanplanning.wwf.ca
Chapter 11 of the Polar Code requires mariners to plan voyages which results in the least amount of harm to marine life. WWF Arctic Oceans map depicts areas of high value to local communities and makes recommendations on use and protection for the region.

Hyperlink 4: Eastern Arctic Mariner’s Guide
The Eastern Arctic Mariner's Guide is made up of three large posters to be hung on a ship’s bridge, consisting of:

• Visual identification chart that will help mariners recognize whales, seals, polar bears and walruses.
• Maps of critical habitat, migration routes and calving areas.
• Maps indicating designated conservation areas and ice, including community on-ice travel routes and caribou sea-ice crossings.
• Recommends courses of action regarding sensitive whale habitats, walrus habitat, caribou sea-ice crossings, shipping in polynyas and around floe edges, ice-breaking and Inuit travel routes as well as a tourism exclusion zone and travel speed.
• Lists phone numbers so mariners can report sightings and incidents at both the national and community level, and provides operational guidance when close to or encountering marine mammals.

WWF Arctic Programme

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Hyperlink: Eagle.org

ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.

As part of the Polar Code implementation process, ABS requires that ship owners submit their PWOM to ABS for review (not approval). ABS reviews the manual to ensure that all hazards identified in the operational assessment are addressed. Some PWOMs have utilized Appendix 10 of the ABS Guide for Vessels Operating in Low Temperature Environments to estimate the ship’s operating temperatures. ABS recommends a closer and ship specific examination of the applicable hazards and ABS offers climatic hazard analysis services which includes air temperature and sea ice analysis.

Appendix II of the Polar Code contains an example Table of Contents for a PWOM, it is a starting point and leaves a significant content to be contemplated and completed by the ship owner.  ABS’ Harsh Environment Technology Center is developing a template PWOM for ABS classed vessels seeking a Polar Ship Certificate.

For more information on some of the services ABS provides see ABS Polar Code Support or please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

DNV GL

Hyperlink: IMO Polar Code
Follow this link for DNV GL’s guide to the Polar Code Document ‘Maritime Polar Code: Understand the Code’s requirements to take the right steps for smooth compliance’. For Chapter 2, see page 27.

See also:

• IMO Polar Code on the DNV GL website
  
• Arctic shipping risk assessment and winterisation

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)

Hyperlink: Guidelines for the Development of a Polar Water Operational Manual

The International Chamber for Shipping (ICS) and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) jointly published this document in 2019. ICS and OCIMF members consider that how a ship is operated in Polar waters, and especially in ice, is a critical aspect for safe operations. The quality of the PWOM will have an impact on achieving safe operations. This document suplements the Polar Code and its Appendix II, which provides a model for a PWOM. The document states that while Appendix II is a useful starting point, ICS and OCIMF members have found that additional information is needed to develop a quality PWOM.

International Ice Charting Working Group

Hyperlink 1: http://www.bsis-ice.de/IcePortal/
The Ice Logistics Portal (http://www.bsis-ice.de/IcePortal/) is operated by the German Hydrographic Service. This site provides convenient access to current ice charts produced by all of the national ice services in PDF and GIF formats as well as S-411 code for import to Electronic Navigation Chart System. Additionally, the site provides links to background ice information and coding standards. The ice information available on the Ice Logistics Portal is critical for voyage planning and navigation in Polar Regions. The information on the portal is not new but duplicates current ice chart data available on national ice service websites. It alleviates the need for mariners to be familiar with all of those sites and is more appropriate for the ASBPIF than an extensive listing of individual ice service websites.

Hyperlink 2: http://nsidc.org/noaa/iicwg/
For Arctic shipping, the website of the International Ice Charting Working Group (IICWG) most importantly provides contact information for all of the national ice services in the world, including 24/7 emergency access to ice information. Additionally, the site provides information about IICWG activities, summaries and presentations from annual IICWG meetings, documents on standards, and links to other ice information sites.

IICWG website

Lloyd's Register (LR)

Hyperlink 1: The Polar Code by Lloyds
Lloyd's provides information and assistance for users to comply with the Polar Code. Lloyd's interactive toolkit allows users to work through the Code on their own terms and download Lloyd's register free guidance, templates and examples to help understand and meet  compliance needs.

Hyperlink 2: Lloyd's Polar Code Resources
Lloyd's also provides guidance documents on; the Operational Assessment, setting operational limitations (limitation wording), determining the Operating Envelope and LR’s How to use POLARIS.

Hyperlink 3: The Polar Code: A Regulatory Interpretation Guide
This document provides Lloyd's Register guidance on all aspects of the Polar Code (chapter by chapter). For Chapter 2, see LR Regulatory Guide pages 27 to 30 and Appendix 2 of the Code.

Lloyd's Register website.

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

Hyperlink 1: Guidelines for the Development of a Polar Water Operational Manual

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the International Chamber for Shipping (ICS) and the jointly published this document in 2019. ICS and OCIMF members consider that how a ship is operated in Polar waters, and especially in ice, is a critical aspect for safe operations. The quality of the PWOM will have an impact on achieving safe operations. This document suplements the Polar Code and its Appendix II, which provides a model for a PWOM. The document states that while Appendix II is a useful starting point, ICS and OCIMF members have found that additional information is needed to develop a quality PWOM.

Hyperlink 2:  Northern Sea Route – Best practices and Challenges (2017)
For Chapter 2, see page 1.

Hyperlink 3: Offshore Vessel Operations In Ice and or Severe Sub Zero Temperatures in Artic and Sub Artic regions (2014).
The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance to operators and charterers of offshore support vessels employed for use in areas impacted by ice or severe sub-zero temperatures with the aim of encouraging high standards of safety and environmental protection for those operating in Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions.

World Meterological Organization

Hyperlink 1: http://weather.gmdss.org
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) website displays the marine forecast and warning products that are provided to mariners via SafetyNet and NAVTEX, as part of the Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS), within the framework of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The worlds' oceans have been divided into 21 areas, called METAREA's, for the provision of marine products to shipping. The products displayed are issued by the National Meteorological Services (NMS) appointed as WWMIWS Issuing Services. METAREA Coordinators are assigned to coordinate provision of the marine services for each area. Canada, Norway, Russian Federation have responsibilities in the respective METAREAs in the Arctic polar waters.

Hyperlink 2: https://community.wmo.int/technical-regulations-and-guidance
WMO provides its guidance documents to support shipping in the Arctic Waters.
The WMO No. 558 Manual on the Marine Meteorological Services is designated to facilitate cooperation in respect of the international coordination of marine meteorological services (MMS); to specify obligations of Members in the implementation of MMS; and to ensure uniformity in the practices and procedures employed in achieving these.

The WMO No. 471 Guide to the Marine Meteorological Services is to describe the requirements for the various types of service; to explain the rationale for the agreed methods of providing services; and to give guidance on how to set up and maintain marine meteorological services.

The WMO No. 574 ‘Sea Ice Services in the World’ contains a description of sea ice, methods of observation and the basis of ice information services; It also lists the sea-ice information services of 17 countries according to region, describing organization, data acquisition, output products and forecasts, and giving details of publications and postal addresses.
The WMO No. 259 Sea Ice Nomenclature provides snapshot of the WMO Sea Ice Nomenclature.

WMO website

The Environment Agency of Iceland

Hyperlink:  https://www.ust.is/the-environment-agency-of-iceland/
The Environment Agency operates under the direction of the Ministry for the Environment. It's role is to promote the protection as well as sustainable use of Iceland’s natural resources, as well as public welfare by helping to ensure a healthy environment, and safe consumer goods. The Agency is responsible for implementing the MARPOL convention.