By
Rebecca Gibson |
Crew onboard ships operating in polar waters must undergo more comprehensive training and gain certification, according to new International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements.
Agreed by the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping, the new requirements mandate that all shipboard personnel must complete passenger ship emergency familiarisation training that equates with their duties and responsibilities. All crew designated to assist during musters must also undergo passenger ship crowd management training.
In addition, ship masters and navigating officers must complete comprehensive training before navigating in ice. This training must be carried out according to requirements set out in the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), which was adopted by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in November 2014. The code is expected to enter force with related SOLAS amendments on 1 January 2017.
The requirements will be incorporated in the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention and are expected to enter into force in 2018 following approval by the MSC.