Discussion paper: regulatory update for shipping in Canada's Arctic waters: options for an ice regime system

• Main Authors: Timco, Garry, Kubat, Ivana
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: National Research Council of Canada 2007
• Subjects: Arctic; Arctic pollution
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.4224/12328167; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/ft/?id=bcea65f1-0c2c-4ad2-b606-a1631e283ee1; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/object/?id=bcea65f1-0c2c-4ad2-b606-a1631e283ee1; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/fra/voir/objet/?id=bcea65f1-0c2c-4ad2-b606-a1631e283ee1

The two ice-related systems that are used in the Arctic Pollution Prevention Regulations are briefly described and the research to establish their scientific basis is summarized. It is shown that neither system has a strong scientific basis. This fact, along with the new international initiatives for classifying the structural capability of Arctic vessels suggests that a review and updating of the Arctic regulations are in order. Four options are suggested for doing this: Modified Ice Regime System, Regimes Ice Chart System, Hybrid System, and the Arctic Certificate System. The general approach for each is described and the advantages and disadvantages are outlined. The report is intended to initiate a dialogue amongst all stakeholders of the shipping regulatory system in the Arctic. NRC publication: Yes