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Meeting the Polar Code

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Meeting the Polar Code MEETING THE POLAR CODE • Moderator: George Eddings, HFW • Richard Bridge, EYOS Expeditions • Shelley Dowie, Rosemont • Jaap van der Velde, Damen • Nicholas Gale, Bermuda Shipping Registry Where do we want to go and why? • Guest trips • Western Greenland (HeliSki) • North West Passage (Sept) • Norway • Spitzbergen • Repositioning (Late Aug / Sept) • Alaska / Kamchatka to Eastern Seaboard / Europe • Northwest Passage (Canada) • Northern Sea Route (Russia) • Ice cover has decreased but still no guarantee – several ships unable to transit NWP in 2018 • Northern Sea Route better record of being open and icebreaker assistance available (costly) • Permitting required and relative to fuel cost on Suez / Panama canal passages • Guest trips (December to March) South Georgia • Falkland Islands • South Georgia Falkland Is. • Antarctic Peninsula Punta Arenas King George Is • Departure points • Punta Arenas, Chile Ushuaia • Ushuaia, Argentina • Falkland Islands • King George Is. (Charter flights Antarctic Peninsula from Punta Arenas) • 48 hour passage across Drake passage – best to have “Weather window” • Alternative Flight from Punta Arenas but also subject to weather delays • Private Owners – may offer charters to make deployment worthwhile Maximum extent of Antarctica area application International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) Set up in 1991 to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. IAATO Vessels carry trackers, make daily reports and undertake to provide mutual assistance in the event of an emergency as SAR facilities are very limited. Membership is not compulsory but advisable. Most Yachts will contract an expedition company – such as EYOS who are already members Why do we need the Polar Code? There have been several accidents and near misses in Polar Waters – most stark amongst them was the sinking of the MV Explorer in 2007 with 54 crew and 100 Passengers on board. All were rescued with just 1 minor injury reported Official report blamed the inexperience of the Master in Antarctic waters as the primary cause of the accident. Crew training is a central requirement of the Polar Code together with construction and operational requirements More and more Passenger Ships and Yachts are planning passages to polar areas including many with no “Ice Class” and so better regulation was needed The Polar Code • Applies to all ships on international voyages operating in polar waters • Part I • Does not apply to ships <500GT, Pleasure Yachts Not Engaged in Trade • Part II • Applies to all ships >400GT Ship Types Under the Code • Category A • Category B • Category C Complying with the Code – Existing ship • Define Operational Envelope • Conduct Operational Assessment • Create Polar Waters Operational Manual (PWOM) • Flag set limitations and issue documentation Key Considerations/Factors • Ice Class • Ship Intended to Operate in Low Air Temperatures? • Ice Accretion a possibility? Any Yacht can visit polar waters and remain compliant with the Code, however the less capable the yacht and its equipment, the more constrained it will be in its operating envelope. Ice capability - Ice reinforced hull - No weak hull appendages - Ice propellers - sub zero temperatures - Safety measures Expedition in Polar regions Expedition Enclosed equipment lifeboats Projects under construction SeaXplorer 62 m Projects under construction SeaXplorer 77 m Projects under construction SeaXplorer 55 m EYOS make a pre-voyage vessel visit to assess Yacht and Crew capability and compliance with the polar code We arrange the necessary permitting to visit these areas and advise on itineraries and activities – ensuring all are permissible, safe and appropriate In Antarctica EYOS as the permit holder (with UK FCO) and IAATO member ensure that all the conditions of permitting are complied with and inject immediately into an inexperienced crew an exceptional amount of expertise and experience overnight – bringing an additional member to the bridge team who has spent 10+ seasons in the ice DESIGN TRADE-OFF ICE and TROPICAL .
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