P-1.1 Ships operating in the Arctic and Antarctic
environments are exposed to a number of unique risks. Poor weather
conditions and the relative lack of good charts, communication systems
and other navigational aids pose challenges for mariners. The remoteness
of the areas makes rescue or clean-up operations difficult and costly.
Cold temperatures may reduce the effectiveness of numerous components
of the ship, ranging from deck machinery and emergency equipment to
sea suctions. When ice is present, it can impose additional loads
on the hull, propulsion system and appendages.
P-1.2 Whilst Arctic and Antarctic waters have
a number of similarities, there are also significant differences.
The Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents while the Antarctic
is a continent surrounded by an ocean. The Antarctic sea ice retreats
significantly during the summer season or is dispersed by permanent
gyres in the two major seas of the Antarctic: the Weddell and the
Ross. Thus there is relatively little multi-year ice in the Antarctic.
Conversely, Arctic sea ice survives many summer seasons and there
is a significant amount of multi-year ice. Whilst the marine environments
of both Polar seas are similarly vulnerable, response to such challenge
should duly take into account specific features of the legal and political
regimes applicable to their respective marine spaces.
P-1.3 The Guidelines for ships operating in polar
waters (hereinafter called “the Guidelines”) are intended
to address those additional provisions deemed necessary for consideration
beyond existing requirements of the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions,
in order to take into account the climatic conditions of polar waters
and to meet appropriate standards of maritime safety and pollution
prevention.
P-1.4 The Guidelines are recommendatory and their
wording should be interpreted as providing recommendations rather
than mandatory direction.