Canada issues new safety and pollution rules for shipping in Arctic waters

Transport Canada announced it has introduced new Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations for vessels operating the country’s Arctic region.

The regulations will incorporate the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, also known as the Polar Code, which entered into force on 1 January 2017.

The Polar Code deals with hazards that can be encountered by vessels operating in the Arctic (and Anatarctic).

Both the regulations and the Polar Code cover safety and pollution prevention measures including matters related to vessel design and equipment, vessel operations and crew training.

Canada’s Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, said: “These new regulations demonstrate Canada’s leadership on the international stage when it comes to shipping safety and pollution prevention in the Arctic.”

Transport Canada is a department of government responsible for developing rules, policies and services for transportation.