Prisilla Nadar

Due to global warming and other climatic conditions, the polar region has now become more navigable. With the growing transit in this region, there is a need to regulate rules and policies for smooth sailing of ships and better safety for seafarers. Understanding the significance of this passage for transportation, The Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) organized a webinar – titled Polar Navigation & Polar Code on 19th November.

Capt KN Deboo, Director and Principal of Anglo-Eastern Maritime Training Centre (AEMTC), Mumbai and Capt Sandeep Dhaul, Sailing Master who has experience in sailing through the artic were the speakers for this webinar.

Welcoming the participants, Capt Sasikumar introduced Capt Shiv Halbe, the moderator for this session. While introducing the speakers, Capt Halbe said, “This is a unique and interesting topic for discussion.”

On regulatory requirements of Polar code, Capt Deboo mentioned that more transits are happening in the polar due to global warming which has reduced ice covering by 30%. “So International Maritime Organization (IMO) felt the need to formulate a proper polar code, as the regulations were very scattered in pre polar code days,” said Capt Deboo.

According to him the polar routes have become attractive now because it is one of the fastest growing economic regions. These attractions come with its own challenges; there is higher probability of occurrence of hull damage due to floating ice in ice-infested waters; higher probability of grounding in coastal waters and many more.

Before the polar code 8 nations had formed an Artic Council in 1991 making its own regulations. Then in November 2014, IMO adopted at MSC 94, the SOLAS – Safety measures for ships operating in polar waters. Capt Deboo suggested that the requirements are needed to operate in polar waters such as Polar ship certificate, Polar waters operational manual and qualified Deck Officers.

Sharing his experience on sailing in the polar region, Capt Dhaul explained the type of ships that can sail through ice. He shared the pros and cons of working in the arctic region that were complemented with some exciting pictures of the polar animals he clicked during his journey.

Thereafter, an interesting panel discussion took place where several of the participants cleared their doubts.

Sailing through polar region may save time and fuel, but the melting ice that paved the way to sail through the arctic is surely a matter of concern.

Marex Media