A historic milestone for marine safety and the protection of Arctic people and the marine environment in polar waters will be reached when the International Maritime Organization (IMO) initiates the implementation phase for the Polar Code in May 2015. The Polar Code establishes binding or mandatory international standards for new and existing commercial carriers and passenger ships operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters. The Code covers ship structural standards ; required marine safety equipment ; training and experience standards for the ship officers and crew ; and environmental rules regarding oil, noxious liquids, sewage and garbage. All maritime states will have the challenge of implementing the Polar Code in their national legal systems by 1 January 2017. The Arctic states share the challenge and responsibility of showing strong leadership during the Code's implementation phase and articulating to a global community the importance and immediacy of international safety and environmental rules for polar ships.

Author: Lawson Brigham, Visiting Researcher, Cambridge University, United Kingdom and Professor, University of Alaska Fairbanks, United States.

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