5.1 Preparedness on board
According to chapter 8 of the Polar Code, every ship that navigates in Arctic waters must ensure that it has emergency response planning in the event that the ship is forced to carry out an evacuation. As mentioned previously, Executive Order 1697/2015 also contains a similar obligation. The Polar Code specifies that it must be ensured that there are escape routes and these must be made safe from icing. There must be rescue equipment for both the crew and passengers that is suitable for the weather conditions, including having sufficient insulation. The rescue equipment must protect against the cold, wind, and sun and must also contain equipment to communicate with rescue assets. All lifeboats have to be closed or partially closed; open lifeboats are not permitted. This is due to the fact that the low temperatures of the Arctic make it necessary to keep warm inside the lifeboats to survive. However, as described below, the survival span of an individual, even in a closed lifeboat, is rather short in the harsh Arctic environment.
The Polar Code does not specifically require that there should be immersion suits for all passengers and crew on board the ship. The Polar Code only requires that there is thermal protective aid. The difference between these two things is crucial should a person fall into cold Arctic water. The likelihood of survival wearing only a thermal protective aid is far less than if an immersion suit is worn.