Increased security in the Arctic waters
Arctic politicians meeting in Alaska decided to work for better search and rescue capabilities in the Arctic area
Enormous distances, vast barren landscapes and tough living conditions means that there are only a few possibilities for search and rescue in the Arctic and the areas around Greenland. With the fast growing cruise industry it is easy to imagine the rescue challenges involved if a cruise vessel runs into trouble in the ice cold and deserted seas. Common international rules are necessary to reduce the risk of such events and to make rescue actions possible, said admiral Henrik Kudsk, chief commander from the Greenlandic Commando. Politicians from all the Arctic Council member countries took part in the conference. The cruise season begins in May and end in October. This year, 45 cruise vessels will sail through the Greenlandic sea. The cruises will carry 55,000 passengers, which happens to be the total number of the people living in Greenland.
The Arctic politicians agreed with the commander and agreed to further efforts to improve risk reduction and emergency preparedness in the Northern Atlantic. They will take an active role in updating the "Guidelines for Ships Operating in Ice-covered Waters" within the International Maritime Organisation, and making these guidelines mandatory. They will also support the completion of the Arctic Council's Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment and develop an action plan on the basis of its findings.