The US Coast Guard has issued policy letter to provide guidance for the training of certain personnel engaged on ships that operate in an area subject to Polar Code.
The Coast Guard will use this policy as a guide to help ensure personnel engaged on ships subject to the Polar Code are trained in a manner that provides a level of safety taking into account the challenges specific to the unique polar environment. Officers In Charge Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should bring this policy to the attention of the maritime industry within their zones of responsibility.
Current shipping forecasts suggest an increase in seagoing ships transiting remote polar areas. This affects both the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment and has become a growing global concern. In addition to the daily challenges of normal shipboard operations, ships operating in polar areas are subject to unpredictable and poor weather conditions, degraded navigational tools, increased threats to operating equipment and increased stability concerns.
Source: USCG
