In a recent address to the general assembly of the International Maritime Organization, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp encouraged the IMO to address the pressing issues facing the international shipping community, including the Arctic, piracy and passenger ship safety. He challenged the international community to adopt a mandatory polar code of international norms for the Arctic to, “prevent the need for what would certainly be a difficult and lengthy response should a casualty occur, thus saving lives and protecting our environment.”
An IMO Polar Code would establish clear standards for ships and equipment design, vessel carriage requirements and appropriate operation and manning standards to help ensure the safety or mariners, passengers and cargo transiting the Arctic region. In the interim, an IMO voluntary Polar Code provides guidelines for ships operating in the Polar regions.
“The Arctic Ocean is rapidly changing from a solid expanse of inaccessible ice fields into a growing navigable sea, attracting increased human activity and unlocking access to vast economic potential and energy resources,” said the Commandant. “The acceleration of human activity, the opening of the seas and the inevitable increase in maritime activity means increased risk of maritime accidents, including those involving cruise ships, oil spills, and the illegal fishing and harvesting of other natural resources.”