A pedigree of Polar safety

Even before the introduction of the IMO Polar Code, VIKING held decades of experience in Polar safety.

Working closely with special forces, navies, arctic research vessel owners, specialized arctic shipping companies, expedition cruise operators, harsh environment offshore operators and SAR services, we know what it takes to specify efficient safety solutions for polar conditions.

Are you Polar Code ready?

Today, we offer the maritime and offshore industry an unrivalled range of solutions and expertise.

We were first to develop special Polar liferafts operational down to -50° C, while our Polar immersion suits are tested below -60° C. Both solutions are widely in use with maritime operators navigating cold and icy waters today.

Also, we have developed special winterized lifeboat solutions and evacuation systems for safe mass evacuation in cold climates, while our exhaustive portfolio of additional LSA serves as a guarantee that we can put together complete firefighting and survival packages as specified in the Polar Code.

SAREX tested

VIKING has actively contributed to all editions of the SAREX expedition arranged by the Norwegian Maritime Authority, revealing potential gaps between existing SOLAS safety equipment and the demands of the Polar Code.

Here, our equipment was put through extensive and realistic full-scale tests, building on our unique insight for understanding Polar risks and how best to mitigate them through equipment performance.

Specifying Polar safety solutions

VIKING has pioneered and specified safety solutions that are compliant with Polar Code. Read details in below section – our solution for evacuation systems, marine fire safety, PPE and survival kits.

The Code only permits the use of enclosed survival craft.

VIKING Solutions

VIKING was the first to offer dedicated Polar liferafts operational down to minus 50 degrees celcius.

When it comes to lifeboats, we offer a full scope of tried and tested winterized solutions under the VIKING Norsafe brand.

While not addressed directly by the Polar Code, Marine Evacuation Systems (MES) are subject to requirements similar to those for other survival craft. VIKING has long supplied winterized MES solutions for use in cold and icy regions - including some operating under strict RMRS regulations.

The Polar Code states that adequate thermal clothing must be provided for all persons on board. Additionaly, an insulated immersion suit or thermal protective aid must be provided.

VIKING Solutions

VIKING strongly recommends the use of immersion suits when operating in Polar regions. For cargo vessels, the use of such suits is already a mandatory requirement.

We have the most extensive range of SOLAS approved immersion and anti-exposure suits in the industry. Our VIKING YouSafe Blizzard, Polar Immersion suit is widely used by cold-water shipping operators today.

To support the requirement for minimum 5 days survival upon escape and evacuation, the Polar Code mandates the carriage of group (GSK) and personal (PSK) survival kits based on the number of people on board.

VIKING Solutions

VIKING offers an exhaustive range of lifesaving appliances. PSK and GSK packages can be specified as standard package solutions or fully customized in accordance with Code and client requirements.

Full scope Polar safety packages

We bring the maritime and offshore industry a complete selection of Polar Code ready solutions and products including liferafts, lifeboats, marine evacuation systems, fire safety, PPE and additional LSA.

Discover and inquire about our full range in the shop.

Constant wear suit - VIKING YouSafe™ Hurricane

PS4190

Constant wear suit - VIKING YouSafe™ Hurricane+

PS4191

Immersion suit - VIKING YouSafe™ Blizzard

PS5002

Immersion suit - VIKING YouSafe™ Breeze

PS5006

Immersion suit - VIKING YouSafe™ Gale, Size 54 (Universal)

PS5019

Lifejacket - VIKING YouSafe™ Thermal

PV9720

VIKING Personal Survival Kit (PSK), Winter-version

1075974

VIKING Group Survival Kit (GSK), Summer-version

1075975

VIKING Group Survival Kit (GSK), Winter-version

1075976

VIKING Personal Survival Kit (PSK), Summer-version

1075958

Winterization technologies for lifeboats and rescue boats

Based on knowledge from SAREX survival tests in Polar conditions, we have developed concepts for winterized equipment, from equipment standards and maintenance to operation procedures.

Learn more

“Polar safety is uncharted territory to many operators and were delighted to share our experience and best recommendations for risk assessment, mitigation and product selection."

Benny Carlsen - Senior Vice President Global Sales, VIKING

The original Polar liferaft

For safe escape and evacuation in Polar regions, VIKING recommends our patented Polar liferafts.

Based on VIKING quality standard SOLAS liferafts, Polar liferafts are packed in special containers with built-in heating. Available in sizes from 6-35 persons, they are designed and tested to withstand extremely harsh conditions.

PPE for Polar conditions

The Polar Code mandates thermal protection to be available for all passengers and crew members aboard. VIKING recommends the use of insulated immersion suits over, e.g. thermal protective aids.

Polar survival kits

Life-saving appliances merit their own chapter in the Polar Code, but keeping seafarers safe in extreme conditions cannot rely on minimum standards.

VIKING has put together two competitive packages of high-quality products conveniently bundled in practical waterproof grab (PSK) and carrying (GSK) bags. Our kits are field tested at SARex III and fit for 5-days of Polar survival.

We wrote the book on Polar Code safety

As a global leader in maritime safety, we're dedicated to raise the transparency of the Polar Code, making it as simple as possible for everyone to stay safe and compliant.

Our extensive guide helps you decipher Part 1 of the code, which contains mandatory goal based provisions and recommendations on safety measures – including special considerations for passenger vessel operators.