The IMO has agreed on training requirements for seafarers navigating Arctic and Antarctic waters. Masters and navigating officers must complete special training in order to navigate ships in ice. One of the requirements is that the seafarers must acquire an improved understanding of the limitations to the crew, ship and the equipment applicable when operating in cold and desolate areas, with poor or no infrastructure in case of, for example, accidents and pollution.

The requirements will be incorporated in the STCW Convention, which is the international set of rules regulating the overall education and training requirements for seafarers. They are expected to enter into force at the turn of the year 2018, but the countries are urged to act faster so that the regulations can become effective when the Polar Code as such enters into force in January 2017.?

?For more information, visit imo.org.