United Nations OKs New Shipping Code To Protect Arctic Waters
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Bristol Bay Times] By Carey Restino - May 19, 2015
The United Nations last week approved the Polar Code, a set of rules agreed upon after years of negotiation that will govern ships traveling through the world's Arctic waters.
While those involved say the Polar Code, which was approved last week by the United Nations' International Maritime Organization, is a big step forward toward safer shipping in the Arctic, some organizations say there is more that can be done.
The Polar Code did include mandatory avoidance of marine mammals and bans on oil waste discharge as well as garbage, an issue for vessels traveling for months at sea. In addition, new rules set guidelines for ship design, operations, training and search and rescue efforts for ships operating in the Arctic oceans.
"After over a decade of negotiation...
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