Voyage Planning

Crew members, while not a part of voyage planning, need to be aware of the general voyage plan. A voyage plan is made in order to mitigate the risks of a polar emergency. Things that the master must take into account when making this plan include the following:

• The procedures directed in the PWOM
• Limitations of the hydrographic information that is available
• Limitations to any aids made available and used while planning
• Current environmental information available about the intended route of the voyage
• Statistical information available from past years in relation to ice and air temperatures
• Places of refuge and shelter
• Any information available about marine animals and their locations and migratory patterns
• What measures to take when encountering marine animals
• National and international protected areas along the planned route
• How to operate in areas that are remote from SAR capabilities

To learn more about Polar Code visit our Polar Code Online Training web page.