Interpretation of the Polar Code

The adoption of the Polar Code was a first step towards ensuring safe and sustainable shipping in the Arctic. In order to ensure the success of the Polar Code there is a need to work towards facilitating, where applicable, consistent interpretation of the Code. This project build off a survey submitted during the 2019-2021 PAME Work Plan period. It will convene a correspondence group of Arctic State Polar Code subject matter experts to analyze the survey results, and consider developing a paper containing Polar Code interpretations for possible submission to the IMO.

Implementation of the Polar Code

In order to ensure the success of the Polar Code it is of great importance to work towards facilitating a harmonised implementation and enforcement of the Polar Code. Cooperation is the key to solving these challenges, and both the IMO and Arctic Council have important roles to play.In order to ensure the success of the Polar Code it is of great importance to work towards facilitating a harmonised implementation and enforcement of the Polar Code. Cooperation is the key to solving these challenges, and both the IMO and Arctic Council have important roles to play.

The exchanges of information of the interpretation of the Arctic and Observer States can, in our opinion, contribute to an efficient implementation of the Polar Code. Furthermore, the exercise may contribute to establish a "common ground" for interpretation as well as give PAME an overview of any remaining challenges. This will also be a valuable background for discussions at IMO and a possible future revision of the Code.

The project Correspondence Group has met to advance the project, and discssed key issues, including:

• The relationship between ship category, ice/polar class, ice conditions and POLARIS or similar accepted tools as a decision support toolThe relationship between ship category, ice/polar class, ice conditions and POLARIS or similar accepted tools as a decision support tool.
• Ice conditions - category C ship
• The Polar Water Operation Manual (PWOM)
• Ice accretion and damage stability calculations
• Removing ice accretion
• Manning and training
• Recognised organisations (RO)

The meetings were chaired by Norway and was attended by the following states: Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Kingdom of Denmark, Norway, Russian Federation, Singapore, Spain, and the United Kingdom.