------------------------- Anslutna organisasjoner -------------------------- Det Norske Maskinistforbund / Norge - Finlands Maskinbefälsförbund / Finland Maskinmeistarafelagið / Færøerne - Maskinmestrenes Forening / Danmark Sjöbefälsföreningen / Sverige - VM - felag velstjora og málmtaeknimanna / Island Joint Declaration of Intention by the Nordic Navigators on Improved Maritime Safety in the Arctic The number of ships operating in Arctic waters grew by 25 per cent between 2013 and 2019, and the distance they sailed increased by 75 per cent, according to a WWF report. This increase in shipping in the Arctic combined with changing weather and ice conditions means that there is an increasing threat to the safety of crew and passengers onboard ships operating in Arctic waters. The current geopolitical situation also causes concerns about the future collaboration between the Arctic states and the consequences for security in the region. With the Arctic Council currently pausing its activities and a future where all its members except for Russia will be in NATO, focus is likely to shift even more towards security policy, and collaboration on topics such as search and rescue, Arctic shipping and environment may be hindered. The Nordic Navigators - an association of navigator unions from Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark and the Faroe Islands - share the concerns about Arctic safety expressed by several organizations working on maritime safety and environment in the Arctic. We wish to work together with other maritime stakeholders on recommendations to improve the Polar Code with an even stronger focus on safety and implementation of current regulations. Prevention is better than cure. Those of our members who are sailing in Arctic waters are the ones – together with passengers – who are at the greatest risk from lack of safety in Arctic shipping. The Nordic Navigators therefore call on maritime authorities in the Arctic states and flag states involved in Arctic shipping to consider the following improvements to Arctic maritime safety: Improved implementation • The Polar Code should include more specific tools for monitoring compliance in order to ensure that its rules and regulations are implemented by all flag states – also those that are new to Arctic shipping. • Since the new rules for Non SOLAS ships sailing in the Arctic will not be put into force until 2026, all flag states are encouraged to implement the rules as soon as possible. Stricter requirements • Cruise ships and tankers should only be allowed to operate in surveyed routes. • It should be considered whether the Polar Code could cover a larger area to include Arctic waters with seasonal ice. • Requirements for survival equipment and other necessary resources (food, water, space etc.) should be more specific so that crews can get by onboard for a minimum of five days in case of an accident. Nordiska Maskinbefälsfederationen Nordic Engineer officers’ federation +47 24 14 83 70 post@dnmf.no www.nmfnordic.com
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