3.1 Edict to the Governing Senate of September 4, 1821, “Concerning Enforcement of the Ordinance on Boundaries for Navigation and Maritime Relations Along the Coasts of the East Siberia, North-West America, and the Aleutian Islands, the Kuril Islands, and Others” (1821)

According to the Statute of the International Court of Justice, national laws are not within the sources of international law. In the Arctic legal positions of the Arctic States as reflected in their national laws were developing.

Resolution of the Emperor: “So be it.”

Having observed, from materials submitted to Us, that the trade of Our subjects at the Aleutian Islands and along the coasts of Northwest America under Russian authority are exposed to various oppressions and hardships as a result of constant and fictitious trade, and being of the opinion that the main cause of such inconveniences consists in lack of rules that would determine boundaries for navigation along the said coasts and maritime relations, both in these areas and along the coasts of East Siberia and the Kurill Islands generally, We have recognized the necessity, for those relations, of special regulations, which are set out below.

Introducing this edict to the Governing Senate, We hereby order as follows: to declare this order to the general public and arrange for appropriate regulations on its enforcement.

Regulations on boundaries for navigation and maritime relations along the coasts of East Siberia, Northwest America, and the Aleutian Islands, Kurill Islands, and others.

§ 1. Conduct of trade, whaling and fishing, as well as any industry on the islands, at ports and bays and generally along the whole Northwest coast of America, from the Bering Strait until 51° north latitude, as well as on the Aleutian Islands and eastern coast of Siberia, and on the Kuril Islands, that is, beginning from the same Bering Strait up to the South cape of Urup Island, namely, up to 45° 50° north latitude, is provided for use to Russian subjects only.

§ 2. By this order, all Foreign ships are forbidden not only to call at the coasts and islands that are located under the authority of Russia, as stipulated in the preceding article, but also to approach those at a distance of less than one hundred Italian miles. Any ship found in breach of this prohibition shall be seized, along with its whole cargo onboard.

§ 3. The following ships shall be excluded from this rule: ships in distress, or those forced to call to shore due to a lack of food, if they cannot find a place other than land belonging to Russia; in such cases, the persons concerned must submit evidence showing the truthfulness of such causes so that an exception may be made. The ships envoyed from friendly nations, solely for the purposes of the dissemination of knowledge, are equally excluded from the preceding rule; (§ 2) however, in that case, they must equip themselves with passports issued by the Russian Minister of Marine in advance.

§ 4. Foreign trade ships that call to shore as referred to above, due to the causes provided in the preceding article, must do their best to select a place where a Russian establishment is located and act in accordance with the instructions set out below.

§ 5. If there is sufficient time for disposal, a navigation pilot shall meet the approaching Foreign trade ship and direct it to the anchoring place for the abovementioned purposes; if a Captain or Skipper approaches another place and cannot show good reasons for such a deviation from the local directorate, he shall be subject to a penalty of one hundred piasters.

§ 6. Any and all rowing boats of Foreign trade ships must call to shore at one specific place determined for that purpose, nearby of which, during daytime, a white flag shall be hanged out and, during nighttime, a watch light shall be placed in operation, where a watchman shall keep surveillance full hours so that there will not be any secret imports or exports of any chattels or goods; if one calls to a place different from the one prescribed, even if this has been done with no intention of secret import, such person shall be subject to a penalty of 50 piasters; but, in a case in which a person unloads goods or any chattels onto the shore, he shall be liable in the amount of 500 piasters and his goods, as well as chattels, shall be seized.

§ 7. Captains of the above-mentioned ships in need of life, ship or other supplies for continuation of their navigation shall inform the Senior officer of that locality about such needs, and such Senior officer shall allocate the place where such needs may be satisfied; whereupon they may freely direct their ships to such a place, up until their regular supplies are replenished in full. A person found in breach of this provision shall pay one hundred piasters as penalty.

§ 8. If it is truly necessary, for purposes of repair or the careening of a trade ship, to unload the ship, the Captain of the said ship shall seek permission therefor from the local Senior officer. In such a case, the Captain of the ship shall submit to the local directorate a detailed description of the amount and quality of the goods to be unloaded. A person that has not declared any of its cargo shall be suspected of an intention to smuggle and shall be liable in the amount of 1000 piasters as penalty.

§ 9. Expenses incurred by the said ships remaining within Russian jurisdiction shall be covered by moneys or letters of credit. In a case in which a Captain of a ship does not have moneys and no one undertakes to guarantee payment on their obligations, the Senior officer of that locality may, upon kind request of the Captains of the ship, permit sale of the agreed-upon volume of chattels, supplies or goods to the extent necessary to cover the said expenses only. Meanwhile, such sale may be carried out solely in favour of a Company through the agency of a Senior officer of the establishment; the sale permitted under this article may, in no case, exceed the amount of expenses incurred by those ships, under threat of arrest of cargo and penalty of one hundred piasters.

§ 10. Mooring foreign trade ships, as soon as they can take on board the cargo, chattels, supplies or goods that were disembarked from said ships earlier, must be loaded immediately; as soon as the ships have been inspected to verify that they have been loaded with the above-mentioned materials and it has been surveyed in writing that nothing out of the above-mentioned has been left out, these ships shall sail away. Equally, those ships that have not unloaded, to the extent that they are able to set off, shall do so at their first favourable opportunity.

§ 11. It is prohibited for all Captains of the referenced foreign ships, commission agents and others, whoever they be, to take on board chattels, supplies or goods from those establishments where they have anchored their ships, except in those cases specified in article 7, under threat of seizure of ships and cargo.

§ 12. It is prohibited for the said foreign ships to accept any persons who are in service to the Company, or foreign nationals that are living on the Company premises, without permission of local authorities. Ships found to have intention to remove someone from the establishment shall be subject to seizure.

§ 13. A foreign trade ship is prohibited from engaging in any purchase, sale or barter transactions with respect to persons who are in the service of the Company. This prohibition also applies if the persons concerned are staying on the shore or have been engaged in activities on the said ships. A ship found to be in breach of this provision shall pay a penalty in an amount five times higher than the price of the chattels, supplies or goods that were an object of the illegal transaction.

§ 14. It is equally prohibited for those foreign ships to engage in any purchase and barter with natives of the islands and areas of Northwest America specified above. A ship found guilty of such trade is subject to seizure.

§ 15. Chattels and supplies found on shore, at ports or quays, if they belong to Russian subjects engaged in illicit trade or foreign ships, may be seized.

§ 16. Foreign trade ships mooring at a port or remaining off of the harbour may, under no circumstances, direct boats to ships sailing at sea or having already arrived, until such time as the former have been interrogated and inspected in accordance with the established practice. If, however, a foreign ship hangs a yellow flag signifying disease on it, or symptoms thereof, or some other danger of which it wishes to release itself, it is prohibited to maintain any communications with such a ship unless the said flag has been removed. Exceptions are provided to persons that have been specially designated and whose sloop bears the flag of the Russian-American Company. A ship found in breach of this rule shall be subject to a penalty in the amount of 500 piasters.

§ 17. It is prohibited to dump the waste at places other than those specified by the local directorate. A ship breaching this rule shall pay 600 piasters.

§ 18. Foreign trade ships, during their stay at anchorage places, ports or during lying out, must not carry guns filled with fire-balls and case-shots, under threat of being charged 50 piasters per item.

§ 19. No foreign trade ship staying at port, lying out or staying at anchor shall fire cannon or gun shots without advance notice to the Senior officer of the establishment or premises, except in cases when the ship seeks sea pilots: by means of a single, two or three shots and raising a flag that customarily signifies such a need, otherwise, a penalty of 100 piasters shall be levied per each prohibited shot.

§ 20. Immediately upon arrival of a foreign ship at a port or the road to the port, a boat that has been directed to meet such a ship will hand over to the visiting Captain a written duplicate of this edict, and the afore-mentioned Captain shall put his signature in a specially designated book to witness that he has received such a duplicate. In addition, he must fill in such a book with all data required from foreign ships and enlisted in the template attached thereto. A ship refusing to follow this practice may not approach the port, road to the port or anchorage place.

§ 21. The Captain of a foreign trade ship that is anchoring at a port or a road to the port must, upon arrival, provide information on the health condition of his crew; whereupon, if it turns out that a disease is spreading on his ship, he shall immediately notify the local Directorate thereof. Such a ship, depending on the circumstances, will be either directed offshore or placed under quarantine in a special place designated for this purpose, where the crew would be able to cure themselves without endangering the local inhabitants with the disease. A Captain that intentionally keeps silent on this issue shall be arrested with his whole cargo.

§ 22. Upon demand of a local Directorate, a Captain shall provide a name list of his whole crew and passengers, and not hide anyone, under threat of imposition of one hundred piasters for each person omitted from the list.

§ 23. Captains of ships shall oversee that their crew, on shore and at ports, keep peace and quiet, and shall prevent any trade or barter with Company inhabitants. They are responsible for the conduct of their sailors and other subordinates. Illicit trade conducted by a sailor shall be deemed to be a breach committed by a ship, as if it had been carried out by its Captain, because, otherwise, it would be easy for the Captain to conduct trade in smuggled goods at no punishment and excuse himself by shifting the blame onto sailors; therefore, any good that cannot be hidden in a pocket or under clothes at the landing of a seaman from the ship, and thereby be concealed from his own Masters, if such a good has been sold or delivered to the shore, shall be considered a smuggled good of the ship and shall subject such a ship to a specific penalty.

§ 24. War ships are also required to comply with the provisions set out above for trade ships, in order to preserve the rights and privileges of the Company; otherwise, protests will be made to their Government.

§ 25. If a ship of the Imperial Russian navy or one belonging to the Russian American Company meets a foreign ship close to the above-mentioned coasts, at bays or on roads to the port of the above-mentioned areas, and the Captain, based on this edict, believes the foreign ship is subject to seizure, he is entitled to act as follows:

§ 26. A Captain of a Russian ship that has reasons to believe that a foreign ship is subject to seizure must interrogate and inspect such a ship; upon having satisfied himself that his suspicions are correct, he shall occupy the ship. If a foreigner resists, the Captain is to first try persuading and use threats, and only thereafter use force, but, in any case, do his best to perform this at the smallest detriment and by giving utmost quarter; if, however, a foreign ship counters force with force, then he must act against it as against a clear enemy and force it to surrender as the Navy Regulations prescribe.

§ 27. Upon reconstituting proper order and security on a foreign ship, the Captain of the Russian ship or officer assigned by him shall request the logbook of the ship and, at a place where the said ship has come to a halt, specify that, on a such day, in such month and year, at such time and place, the Russian ship has come up against a certain foreign ship; he shall thereafter briefly set out the accident, pursuit and, finally, the very arrest of it. Having put his signature under this testimony, he shall invite the skipper or Captain of the ship under arrest to attest to this by their signature as well.

If the said person refuses to undersign, the abovementioned Officer of the Russian ship shall reiterate the demand in the presence of all other officials, and if the refusal is repeated and no one from them undersigns in place of the Captain or skipper, he shall put down a note about this circumstance and affirm this by his own signature.

By this edict, the following must be collected into one package: logbook, ship list, passports, accounting documents, bills and all other documents related to the purpose of inspection of the ship, also all unofficial documents, such as: journals of Officers and letters, to which seals of the Officer of the Russian ship must be affixed, and the same belonging to the skipper and senior officer according to their overseas hierarchy. This package is to be kept at the premises of the Captain of the Russian ship in a sealed condition until arrival at the Peter-and-Paul harbour, where it shall be submitted to the Commission specified in article 33. In addition to this, seals of the Officer and of the skipper shall be attached to anything else that is needed to continue on the way to the Peter-and-Paul harbor, except personal belongings and chattels for daily use that are owned by crew members, which shall in no way be alienated from them.

§ 28. Upon having arranged, in this way, all that is needed for security, the Officer assigned to arrest the said foreign ship shall inform his Captain as to all of the details without delay and shall await his decision.

§ 29. In view of the above, if, for reasons stipulated in articles 2, 11, 12, 14 and 21 of this edict, a foreign ship staying at a harbour close to an establishment of the American Company is subject to seizure, then the Senior officer of the said establishment must demand the assistance of the Russian war ship that is available in that area; the Captain of the said ship, upon receipt of a written demand, shall arrest the ship without delay and with all precautions set out in the preceding articles; and where there is no Russian war ship at a harbor or close to it, if the Senior officer of the establishment has reasons to believe that he will be able to arrest the ship by his own human resources, then he is entitled to act in the spirit of articles 26, 27 and 28 and, having disembarked the skipper and everything that may prevent the escape of the ship, shall do his best to notify either the Directorate of the Russian American Company or the Captain of the Russian war ship, if his whereabouts are known, as to the said incident at his first opportunity.

§ 30. If, following such a notification, the Senior officer of the Directorate delivers a Company ship or its war ship arrives, the reasons for its seizure, as well as all of the details of it, shall be reported.

§ 31. The Captain of the ship, having received the seized items under a transfer and acceptance act, shall verify the accuracy of the circumstances mentioned in the report of the Senior officer of the establishment on site and request from him all necessary additions.

§ 32. All ships restrained by Russian war ships by virtue of this edict shall be escorted to the Peter-and-Paul harbor, where a Commission specially established for this purpose shall issue a judgment over those ships.

§ 33. The Commission shall be presided over by the Governor of Kamchatka, and shall consist of 3 senior officers under the Governor of Kamchatka and a Commissioner of the Russian American Company.

§ 34. As soon as the Russian ship that has escorted the seized foreign ship to the Peter-and-Paul harbor arrives at the anchor at a place allocated to it, the Captain of the said ship shall immediately report to the Governor of Kamchatka, in brief terms, on the type of ship escorted and the number of crew members, specify any ill persons and the type of disease, and inform him as to whether there are sufficient living supplies, as well as goods, guns or other weapons, gunpowder, etc., on board.

§ 35. Upon receipt of the said report, the Governor of Kamchatka shall promptly direct two officials, with a sufficient number of crew members, to go to the seized ship.

§ 36. Those two officials, together with the Officer of the ship that has escorted the seized ship, having arrived at the said ship upon direction of the Captain, shall call the skipper and two senior navigators under his command or assistants to the shipmaster, attest with them as to all sealed premises and, having thereafter unsealed those, start to register everything that belongs to the ship in detail.

§ 37. Upon finalization of the register, it shall be undersigned by all officials from both sides that were present during its preparation. The Governor of Kamchatka shall use his best efforts to preserve the integrity of and not inflict any damage upon everything that belongs to the seized ship, to the extent possible.

§ 38. Thereupon, the crew of the arrested ship must be escorted to the shore, to the places designated by the Governor of Kamchatka, and shall stay there until completion of the investigation process.

§ 39. Within two days of the arrival of the ship at the Peter-and-Paul harbor, the Captain of the Russian ship shall submit to the Governor of Kamchatka information on all of the incidents that occurred during seizure of the foreign ship that was escorted and shall transfer the ship to him with a sealed package that contains the documents from the said ship, as mentioned in article 27.

§ 40. If the Russian ship that has escorted the foreign ship to the Peter-and-Paul harbor cannot stay there until completion of the investigation process for some reason and must sail off at an early date, the Governor of Kamchatka shall expedite the process under articles that require the presence of the ship, in order not to delay the departure of such a ship.

§ 41. Having put everything in order on the seized ship and disembarked the crew to the shore, the Commission shall commence its proceedings without delay and shall seek to deal with the issue as to whether the ship has been seized on lawful grounds as soon as possible.

§ 42. To determine this issue, evidence is required that would show that either the ship was met within areas specified in article 2 of this edict and that the navigation of such a ship in the referred areas was not based on the grounds set out in article 3, or that the ship was, in fact, subject to seizure under articles 11, 12, 14 and 21 of this edict and instruction to Captains of war ships.

§ 43. In order to satisfy themselves on the preponderance of one or the other, the Commission shall consider the documents submitted to it and shall draw therefrom all evidence, on one hand, in favour of guilt and, on the other hand, of doubts that could acquit the ship, shall call the Captain of the Russian ship in advance and request from him all additional clarifications that the Commission finds necessary, and, having thereby supplemented all of the facts convicting the foreign ship, shall make a full description of the grounds underlying the seizure.

§ 44. If, in the process of prosecution, the Commission finds that the foreign ship has been seized wrongly, it, having issued a judgment to this effect, shall order the recovery of losses suffered as a result of such a seizure, declare this to the parties and hand over sealed duplicates of its order to the parties.

§ 45. Within two days, either party shall declare its satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the decision of the Commission the latter (if applicable) must be explained in writing.

§ 46. If both parties agree with the decision of the Commission, the Governor of Kamchatka, having returned to the skipper everything specified in the register, shall immediately release the seized ship and deliver to the skipper the compensation of damages awarded upon having recovered those damages from the relevant persons.

§ 47. If, however, on the third day, the Commission receives an objection to the decision, it, having considered such an objection without delay, shall reverse the decision if it finds such an objection justifiable; if this is not the case, the Commission shall affirm its decision and once again declare it to the parties. Thereafter, the Commission, already no longer entertaining any objections, shall call the parties, permit them to put down protests with an explanation of the underlying reasons and enforce its decision.

§ 48. If the Commission finds, from prosecution documents, that the ship has been arrested on justifiable grounds, it shall call the foreign skipper and two senior officers under his command, announce all grounds for their arrest in their presence and hand over to them a sealed duplicate of its sentence.

§ 49. The Commission must receive the objections of the skipper within no more than three days; in case none is submitted by expiry of the said term, the Commission shall call him, together with two shipmates, and declare that the said silence amounts to acquiescence and that the conviction is correct.

§ 50. In this case, the Commission, having issued its final decision, shall, on the following day, declare it to the whole crew of the foreign ship; it shall obtain a written acknowledgement from each crew member regarding the said declaration, and, thereafter, the Governor of Kamchatka shall launch enforcement of the sentence as set out below.

§ 51. But if the skipper submits a protest within the defined term, the Commission, having considered it with utmost impartiality, shall collect the necessary clarifications and, having described all in a journal of its proceedings, shall issue a final judgment and announce it as stipulated in article 47.

§ 52. If, pursuant to the Commission’s judgment, the seized foreign ship must be released and awarded damages for downtime, then, if the ship was seized by company officials, the Governor of Kamchatka, provided that the award is no higher than 5000 rubles, shall demand immediate payment thereof by the Directorate of the Company; but if the award exceeds the said sum, he shall declare this to the Company Directorate and issue a certificate to this effect in favour of the foreign ship; but the moneys shall not be paid by the Company other than upon consideration and decision of its Governing Board. If, however, the ship was seized unlawfully by a Russian war ship, the Governor of Kamchatka, having extinguished the losses from public funds, if they do not exceed 5000 rubles, shall have recourse against an appropriate person for losses incurred. But if more than 5000 rubles are awarded, the Governor of Kamchatka shall issue a certificate entitling the foreign ship to receive moneys upon the decision and approval of the Supreme Government.

§ 53. Recourse for remuneration paid as a result of wrongful seizure must be made against the Captain of the war ship and all Officers that were called into council by him and expressed the view that the foreign ship had to be seized.

§ 54. If a foreign ship has been sentenced to seizure, the Governor of Kamchatka must make all necessary arrangements for delivery of the crew to Okhotsk and therefrom, via Irkutsk, to one of the ports of the Baltic Sea, so that all crew members can return to their homeland. Nonetheless, he is entitled to act towards the seized ship and its cargo as if it were a prize of war.

§ 55. Thereupon, the Governor of Kamchatka shall immediately establish the Commission for evaluation of the ship and the whole cargo. This Commission shall consist of a member appointed by the Governor of Kamchatka, a second member appointed by a military tribunal, and a third by the American Company.

§ 56. The Commission must make a detailed register and appraisal of everything based on the following rules: 1. Food supplies, ropes, iron, gunpowder, and guns, the latter of which shall be evaluated as per the prices at which they come to the treasury; 2. Goods that may be utilized in Kamchatka or at establishments, and are sometimes supplied there from Russia, shall be evaluated as per the prices that are effective in the said areas; 3. Goods that, although not delivered from Russia, are in demand in the said areas shall, in the process of their evaluation, be compared with those most analogous supplied from Russia; meanwhile, the degree of their usability shall be taken into account; 4. Goods that are not utilized in Kamchatka or at establishments shall be dispatched to Irkutsk, where they shall be sold at public auction through the Governor’s directorate.

§ 57. The Commission shall submit the above-mentioned appraisal for approval by the Governor of Kamchatka, who may reject it, with comments, if he finds that such an appraisal was made incorrectly, and commission other officials to inspect the chattels that were evaluated in error.

§ 58. If, thereupon, the Commission remains of the same opinion, but the Governor of Kamchatka finds it impossible to agree with it, he shall preliminarily endorse the opinion of the Commission and refer it to the supreme Directorate for final approval.

§ 59. The Governor of Kamchatka shall appropriate those chattels to the treasury that he finds necessary for it, in accordance with the said appraisal; both the officials of the ship and the very American Company shall be entitled to dispose of the remaining chattels; the prize Commission shall evaluate the seized ship, and the said appraisal shall be submitted to the Minister of Marine without delay, with a report as to whether such a ship is required for public purposes.

§ 60. The whole sum due upon appraisal of the seized ship with its cargo must be allocated in the following way: first, expenses that are necessary to escort the crew to one of the Baltic ports are deducted, and the sum remaining upon such deduction shall be divided as follows: if a ship was seized by officials of the American Company and escorted to the Peter-and-Paul harbor by its own ship without engagement of a war ship, then, upon withholding one fifth in favour of the treasury, the remaining four fifths shall be transferred in favour of the American Company; if a ship was seized at any establishment by company officials but escorted to the Peter-and-Paul harbor by a war ship, then, upon withholding the same one fifth in favour of the treasury, two fifths shall be transferred to officials of the war ship and two fifths shall belong to the American Company; and, finally, if a foreign ship is seized by a single war ship with no engagement of company officials, then, upon withholding the same one fifth in favour of the treasury, the remaining sum shall be transferred in favour of the officials of the war ship. But if a ship is conquered or seized by combined force of war and company ships, the prize must be divided between them according to the ratio of their force based on the amount of guns.

§ 61. The sum that is allocated to officials of a war ship shall be distributed between them according to the rules that are applicable to the division of prizes of war. Nonetheless, in any case, the Officers that participated in the seizure of a foreign ship found infringing upon privileges granted to the Russian American Company by His Majesty may hope to receive His Majesty’s honourable distinctions, especially if, upon deduction of various expenses for escorting the crew, their interest in the sum of the prize is insignificant.

§ 62. If a foreign ship seized by a Russian ship, while under command of a Russian Officer, is lost without having reached the Peter-and-Paul harbor, the following must be done:

  1. a.

    If a foreign ship is lost but the escorting Russian ship reaches the Peter-and-Paul harbor, upon arrival of the latter, the prize Commission shall act in the spirit of the preceding articles for resolution of the issue as to whether the ship has been arrested on lawful grounds. In this case, the Government covers only those expenses that are necessary to escort the people that belonged to the said ship and escaped shipwreck to a port of the Baltic Sea.

  2. b.

    If it is discovered that the ship was seized wrongfully, then, beyond the said expenses, the ship shall be evaluated and the appraisal shall be submitted to the supreme Command for restitution from public funds as appropriate. But alongside that, an investigation into the causes of a shipwreck shall be conducted, and the Officer that was in charge of the ship (if rescued) shall be brought to justice as the Navy Regulations prescribe.

§ 63. The Governor of Kamchatka shall report in detail on all incidents involving foreign ships to the Siberian Governor-General, and submit to him data from all documents, journals and decisions of the Commission, and from all papers relevant to the incident in general.

3.2 Decree of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR “On the Proclamation of Lands and Islands Located in The Arctic Ocean as Territory of the USSR” (1926)

Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR decrees:

All lands and islands, both those discovered and those that may be discovered in the future, that do not comprise, at the time of publication of the present decree, the territory of any foreign state recognized by the Government of the Soviet Union, located in The Arctic Ocean, north of the shores of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics up to the North Pole between the meridian 32°04′35″E. long from Greenwich, running along the eastern side of Vaida Bay through the triangular marker on Cape Kekurskii, and the meridian 168°49′30″W. long from Greenwich, bisecting the strait separating the Ratmanov and Kruzenstern Islands, of the Diomede group in the Bering Sea, are proclaimed to be territory of the Soviet Union.

Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR

M. Kalinin

Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR

A. Enukidze

April 15, 1926

3.3 Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR “On intensifying Nature Protection in Areas of the Extreme North and Maritime Areas Adjacent to the Northern Coast of the USSR” (1984)

№ 1398-XI dated November 26, 1984

At the Soviet Extreme North, large territorial production units are progressing, construction of production facilities and towns and exploration of the continental shelf of the USSR are underway, and navigation, air and land transport is developing. In this region reside the ethnic groups of the North, whose traditional occupation is reindeer farming, fishery, and the hunting and capture of marine animals.

In the areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, harsh climatic conditions (lack of heat and light, significant duration of snow and ice cover, permafrost) become the causes for the large vulnerability of natural objects and the lengthy rehabilitation of disrupted ecosystems.

All of the above calls for increased attention to the protection of nature in the said areas.

The Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR resolves to:

1. Decide that, for the purposes of reinforcement of environmental protection, conservation and exploration of ecosystems of the Extreme North regions and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, for the purposes of ensuring optimum living conditions for the population, citizens’ health protection, comprehensive repletion of their household and cultural needs:

  • a system of nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and other designated conservation areas (including maritime areas) is introduced and, where necessary, their protective zones are established;

  • special requirements are set for the navigation of ships and other floating structures, flights of aerial vehicles, and operation of on-ground transport vehicles;

  • special rules are adopted for the design and operation of enterprises, structures, installations and other facilities, and the conduct of geological surveys, scientific research and other works;

  • stricter requirements for the protection of land, subsoil, the water column, outer air, flora and fauna are introduced;

  • tourism is restricted;

  • other environment protection measures are adopted.

2. The system of nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, other designated conservation areas in the Extreme North areas and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR is created for the conservation and rehabilitation of ecosystems, development of a scientific basis for nature protection in the said areas, and conservation of the genetic heritage of flora and fauna, habitat, breeding and reproduction conditions, and the migration routes of animals, especially rare and endangered species.

Mainland (including river deltas) and island areas, as well as seabed areas and the water column of maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, including ice-covered areas, are integrated into nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and other designated conservation areas. The Council of Ministers of the USSR determines the order for establishment of designated conservation areas in the said areas.

Any activity within the boundaries of the said nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, other designated conservation areas and their protective zones that infringes upon the ecosystems or endangers conservation of the respective natural objects is prohibited.

3. The competent Soviet authorities shall lay down special rules for the navigation of ships and other floating structures in maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, where especially harsh climatic conditions and ice persistence create obstacles or increased danger for navigation, whereas polluting the marine environment could cause serious harm to the ecological balance or irreversibly disrupt such balance. Stricter requirements for the design of ships and other floating structures, for their equipment and supply, manning and crew proficiency, prohibition of navigation without pilotage or other escort, setting periods and areas closed to navigation, as well as other measures that ensure safety of navigation, prevention of environmental pollution, its mitigation and control over it, are laid down in such rules. The referenced rules are published in the “Notices to Mariners.”

4. Navigation of ships and other floating structures within maritime areas of nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and other designated conservation areas, as well as their protective zones, takes place only along the sea lanes that are determined by the competent Soviet authorities. Information on the introduction of such sea lanes is published in the “Notices to Mariners.”

Movement of other transport vehicles on ice cover within maritime areas of nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and other designated conservation areas, as well as their protective zones, takes place only along the routes that are determined by the competent Soviet authorities. Information on such routes is published in accordance with the established procedure.

Entry of vessels and other transport vehicles into the maritime areas of nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, other designated conservation areas, their protective zones, as well as passage through these areas beyond sea lanes or routes, may take place in cases of distress so as to ensure the safety of the people or ships and other transport vehicles, as well as in other instances stipulated in the legislation of the USSR. Ships and other transport vehicles are to immediately notify the administration of the nearest Soviet port of each case of forced entry into the said areas or passage through them, and act strictly in accordance with instructions issued by the competent Soviet authorities.

5. Direction and breadth of air routes of the USSR, local air lines and flight paths, as well as flight altitudes of aerial vehicles in the areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, shall consider nature protection requirements.

Flights of aerial vehicles at low altitudes shall not be carried out above nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, other designated conservation areas, natural habitat of fauna and their migration routes.

In order to avoid adverse environmental impact in the areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, areas temporarily closed for air flights may be designated in accordance with the established procedure. Information on the introduction of such areas is to be published in the “Aeronautical Information Bulletin.”

Exceptions from the rules stipulated in sections two and three of this article, may be admitted in cases of obvious threat to the safety of flights, the rescue of people, as well as in other instances determined by the legislation of the USSR.

6. Construction (reconstruction) of enterprises and other objects, erection, operation and utilization of any artificial islands, various installations and structures at sea, arrangement and development of populated areas, and the laying of line infrastructure in the areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR are permitted only in cases in which an environmentally sound and positive conclusion has been determined by the authorities that exercise state control over environment protection and rational utilization of natural resources.

7. Prospecting, geological exploration, mining, construction and other works in the areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR must be carried out by methods that ensure minimum adverse impact of such works on the environment. Installations, structures, equipment, mechanisms, facilities, transport devices and materials that are used on shore during such activities must be located only within sites and lines specifically established for the said purposes.

Utilization of mechanical transport that destroys vegetative ground cover, to move in tundra and forest-tundra beyond roads and other routes specifically introduced in accordance with the established procedure, is prohibited.

8. Technical rules and regulations regarding structures, installations, machinery, mechanisms, equipment, transport vehicles and materials held for utilization in the areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, as well as those regarding the conduct of construction, geological exploration and other works in the said areas, must be developed taking into account nature protection requirements in the said areas and the necessity of conducting activities aimed at the reconstitution of renewable natural resources.

9. Erection, operation, utilization and demolition of artificial islands, installations and structures in the maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, as well as establishment of safety zones around them, are carried out upon permission of the competent Soviet authorities.

10. Scientific and exploratory activity in the areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR that is incompatible with the nature protection requirements in the said areas is prohibited.

Scientific and exploratory activity, including marine scientific research, in the said regions is carried out under permissions issued by the competent Soviet authorities, in accordance with the procedure determined by the Council of Ministers of the USSR.

11. In the maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, covered with ice or not, the release of sewage waters that have not been cleared up to the statutory standard on sewage waters, as well as of waste, materials and objects, is prohibited.

Dumping of waste, materials and objects within the said maritime areas may be carried out only under permission and under control of the competent Soviet authorities.

Warehousing, disposal of waste, waste utilization and the dumping of waste, materials and objects on the shore in the areas of the Extreme North, as well as sewage clearing and purification of the release into the atmosphere, are carried out with due consideration to the fragility of nature in these areas.

12. In the areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, special restrictions on hunting for wild animals, birds and other fauna are established by the legislations of the USSR and RSFSR, with due account taken of the treaties of the USSR.

13. Tourism and other types of recreational activity in the areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR are carried out with due consideration attributed to the protection of nature.

For this purpose, in the order determined by legislation of the USSR and RSFSR, restrictions in respect of tourist seasons, use of specific territories and water areas, utilization of transport vehicles (including small crafts) and other restrictions may be introduced.

14. Persons found guilty of breaching this Decree bear criminal, administrative and other liability, in accordance with the legislation in force.

Where provisions of article 3, sections one and two of article 4, sections two and three of article 5, articles 9 and 10, sections one and two of article 11 of this Decree, as well as rules promulgated on their basis, are in breach in the maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, persons found guilty shall be subjected to administrative punishment by way of a penalty in an amount up to 10,000 Russian Rubles, which shall be imposed on the spot.

Where violations referred to in section two of this article have caused substantial harm, or brought about other severe consequences, or were committed repeatedly, or were accompanied by interference with the lawful activity of the officials that carry out protection of nature in the maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, a penalty in an amount up to 100,000 Russian Rubles shall be imposed by the district (city) court on the persons found guilty. In cases of breaches stipulated in article 9 and section two of article 10 of this Decree, the court may perform the seizure of a vessel, installation, equipment, instruments and other objects used by the violator as an additional administrative punishment. Persons found guilty of breaching sections two and three of this article shall bear administrative liability, provided that such breaches, in their substance, do not entail criminal liability in accordance with the effective legislation of the USSR.

15. The competent Soviet authorities are empowered to conduct inspections, detentions and arrests of vessels to suppress the breaches specified in sections two and three of article 14 of this Decree, so as to ensure timely and correct consideration of cases and enforcement of decisions on these breaches of the law.

If a foreign vessel has been arrested or detained, the respective competent Soviet authorities shall notify a flag State, without delay, on the measures taken and the punishments that followed. A vessel that has been detained and its crew shall be released immediately upon provision of a reasonable bail or other security.

16. Application of the administrative penalties referred to in this Decree does not relieve violators from an obligation to compensate for damages inflicted on natural resources in accordance with the effective legislation.

17. This Decree applies to the islands of the Arctic Ocean and its seas, the islands of the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk, other territories of the USSR that the Council of Ministers of the USSR attributed to the Extreme North areas, as well as to maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR (including areas adjacent to the islands that belong to the USSR), the state of which influences the ecological well-being of the northern part of the territory of the USSR.

Conditions for and timeframes of entry into force of provisions of this Decree in relation to specific maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, as well as measures to ensure enforcement of this Decree and control over compliance therewith, shall be determined by the Council of Ministers of the USSR.

18. Issues of protection of nature in the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR not provided for in this Decree are regulated by legislation of the USSR and RSFSR on protection of nature, and legislation of the USSR on the economic zone and continental shelf of the USSR.

Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR

K. Chernenko

Secretary of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR

T. Menteshashvili

3.4 Act of the USSR “On Approval of the Decree of the Supreme Council of the USSR “On intensifying Nature Protection in Areas of the Extreme North and Maritime Areas Adjacent to the Northern Coast of the USSR” (1984)

№ 1422-XI dated November 28, 1984The Supreme Council of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics resolves:

Approve Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR “On intensifying nature protection in areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR” dated November 26, 1984.

Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR

K. Chernenko

Secretary of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR

T. Menteshashvili

3.5 Decision of the Council of Ministers of the USSR “Issues Related to Establishment of the Administration of the Northern Sea Route of the Ministry of Merchant Marine” (1971) (Approves Regulations Concerning the Administration of the Northern Sea Route)

№ 683 dated September 16, 1971

Council of Ministers of the USSR decides as follows:

1. Approve the attached Regulations concerning the Administration of the Northern Sea Route of the Ministry of Merchant Marine…

Regulations concerning the Administration of the Northern Sea Route of the Ministry of Merchant Marine (as amended and supplemented by the Decision of the Council of Ministers dated 08.05.1984 № 421 — Collection of Decisions of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, 1984, № 20, Clause 108) have been approved by the Decision of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated September 16, 1971, № 683.

1. Administration of the Northern Sea Route of the Ministry of Merchant Marine has been established to ensure safety of Arctic navigation, as well as to take measures to prevent and eliminate the consequences of marine pollution and contamination of the northern coast of the USSR.

2. The main functions of the Administration of the Northern Sea Route are as follows:

Performance of state supervision over rational utilization of the Northern Sea Route as a principal national communication link of the USSR in the Arctic;

Arrangement of Arctic navigation, taking measures to ensure safety of navigation through the Northern Sea Route and contiguous areas (ensuring icebreaker and pilot guiding of vessels, supply of navigational, hydrographic services to such vessels, air support to navigation, and rendering assistance to marine, aerial or other vessels in distress or having suffered therefrom); (as amended and supplemented by the Decision of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated 08.05.1984 № 421).

Taking measures to prevent and eliminate the consequences of marine pollution and contamination of the northern coast of the USSR, as well as performing, for this purpose, supervision over ships and other floating structures that may act as a source of pollution.

3. Administration of the Northern Sea Route:

  1. a)

    regulates navigation of vessels and other floating structures through the Northern Sea Route and carries out coordination of ice operations;

  2. b)

    establishes, in considering safe navigation, areas of mandatory icebreaker and pilot guiding of all vessels, and determines the rules thereof;

  3. c)

    arranges icebreaker and pilot guiding of vessels through the Northern Sea Route, as well as aerial ice intelligence, and ensures control over them so as to create the most favourable conditions for navigation;

  4. d)

    arranges rendering assistance to marine, aerial and other vessels in distress or having suffered therefrom, utilizing, for this purpose, any transport and technical facilities located in the areas of the Northern Sea Route (as amended and supplemented by Decision of the Council of Ministers dated 08.05.1984 № 421);

  5. e)

    supplies navigational and hydrographic services to vessels navigating through the Northern Sea Route;

  6. f)

    arranges development and preparation for publication, in accordance with the established procedure, of navigation manuals, cartographic materials and other technical documents necessary for navigation through the Northern Sea Route;

  7. g)

    develops and conducts activities related to the improvement of navigation methods in ice conditions through the Northern Sea Route, the prevention of contamination of the marine environment and the northern coast of the USSR by ships and other floating structures that may act as a source of pollution, as well as the elimination of the consequences of pollution;

  8. h)

    based on ice, navigation and meteorological conditions and stricter requirements with respect to the equipment of and supply to vessels, prescribes navigation rules for ships and other floating structures and develops instructions and directions on navigation through the Northern Sea Route, so as to achieve safety of navigation and prevent contamination of the marine environment and the northern coast of the USSR;

  9. i)

    inspects the condition of vessels and other floating structures before their departure for the Northern Sea Route, so as to ascertain their compliance with the stricter safety requirements for navigation in ice conditions;

  10. j)

    arranges scientific research in the field of developing navigation and ensuring safety of navigation in ice conditions, advancing methods of icebreaker and pilot guiding of vessels, and prevention and elimination of consequences of polluting the marine environment and the northern coast of the USSR;

  11. k)

    decides on the Arctic navigation periods.

4. Directions of the Administration of the Northern Sea Route on issues related to safety of navigation through the Northern Sea Route, icebreaker and pilot guiding of vessels, rendering assistance to marine, aerial and other vessels in distress or having suffered therefrom, and prevention and elimination of consequences of polluting the marine environment or the northern coast of the USSR shall be fulfilled by entities and persons, as well as ships that navigate through the Northern Sea Route (as amended and supplemented by the Decision of the Council of Ministers dated 08.05.1984 № 421);

5. Administration of the Northern Sea Route is managed by a superior officer appointed by the Council of Ministers of the USSR.

6. The superior officer of the Administration of the Northern Sea Route, his deputies, principal state inspectors and state inspectors are authorized to:

  1. a)

    inspect vessels and other floating structures so as to determine their condition, as envisaged by subparagraph “i” of paragraph 3 of these Regulations, and, in cases in which such vessels and floating structures do not comply with the stricter requirements for navigation in ice conditions, disallow their navigation through the Northern Sea Route;

  2. b)

    suspend icebreaker and pilot guiding and navigation of ships and other floating structures through specific areas of the Northern Sea Route, provided that this is based on ice, navigation and meteorological conditions or threatens pollution of the marine environment or the northern coast of the USSR;

  3. c)

    impose penalties, stipulated by the legislation in force, on masters and other officers of the vessels and vehicles navigating through the Northern Sea Route for breach of navigation rules and rules on the prevention of pollution of the marine environment and the northern coast of the USSR, on condition that these breaches do not entail criminal liability under current legislation. Prosecution or the institution of administrative action against said persons do not prevent action to recover damages resulting from their failure to perform the rules specified above.

7. The Administration of the Northern Sea Route operates with the powers and authority of a chief department (on a self-sustained budget) at the Ministry of Merchant Marine and performs management over subordinate organizations and entities.

8. Officers of the Administration of the Northern Sea Route, while in discharge of their functions, must wear the prescribed uniform and lapel pin of the Administration of the Northern Sea Route.

9. Administration of the Northern Sea Route of the Ministry of Merchant Marine holds the seal with the imprint of the State emblem of the USSR and its own title.

3.6 Decision of the Council of Ministers (1985) (Annotation)

In accordance with the above-mentioned legal act, a list was established of geographical coordinates of points that determine how baselines of the USSR are to be drawn, and the principle of their joining was ascertained with respect to the coastline and islands of the Arctic Ocean. Under this Decision, the Kara Sea, the Laptev Sea and the East Siberian Sea have not been qualified as historical internal waters of the USSR, in contrast to the qualification that has been made in the Soviet teachings on the international law of the preceding period. Only the waters of the White Sea (to the south of the line joining Cape Mikulkin Nos and Cape Timansky) and of Baydaratskaya Bay (to the south from the line joining Cape Yuribeysalya and Cape Belushiy Nos) were defined as internal waters of the USSR.

January 15, 1985

3.7 Rules for Navigation on the Seaways of the Northern Sea Route (1990)

Approved by the USSR Minister of Merchant Marine

September 14, 1990

These Regulations were worked out in accordance with the USSR Council of Ministers Decision No 565 of June 1, 1990, with due regard for the relevant provisions of the Soviet legislation and the rules of international law.

1. Definitions

Тhe terms and phrases listed below shall hаve the following meaning when cited in the text:

1.1. Тhe Regulations – these Regulations for Navigation оn the Seaways of the Northern Sea Route, the official text of which is published in the Notices tо Mariners.

1.2. The Northern Sea Route – national transportation route of the USSR, which is situated within the inland waters, territorial sea (territorial waters) or exclusive economic zone adjoining the USSR northern coast, and includes seaways suitable for guiding ships in ice, the extreme points of which, in the west, аre the western entrances tо the Novaya Zemlya straits and the meridian running from Mys Zhelaniya northward, and, in the east, in the Bering Strait, bу the parallel 66°N and the meridian 168°58′37″W.

1.3. The Administration – Administration of the Northern Sea Route of the USSR Ministry of Merchant Marine, established bу the USSR Council of Ministers Decision No. 683 of September 16, 1971, and having its domicile at 1/4 Rozhdestvenka, Moscow, 103,759, USSR.

1.4. Vessel – anу ship or other craft, regardless of its nationality.

1.5. Special requirements – technical and operational rates and standards, as set forth in publications issued bу the Administration, in addition tо the Regulations, including the Guide tо Navigation through the Northern Sea Route and the Requirements fоr the Design, Equipment, and Supply of Vessels Navigating the Northern Sea Route.

1.6. Administration Representative(s) – the Head, Deputy Head, Chief State Inspectors, or State Inspectors of the Administration, as well as officials of Marine Operations Headquarters and other persons authorized bу the Administration tо exercise specific functions within its competence.

1.7. Marine Operations Headquarters – special navigational services of the Murmansk and Far East Shipping Companies, directly performing ice operations оn the Northern Sea Route, under general co-ordination bу the Administration.

2. Principles, Subject, and Goals of Regulating

Тhe Regulations shall, оn the basis of non-discrimination regarding vessels of all States, regulate navigation through the Northern Sea Route for purposes оf ensuring safe navigation and preventing, reducing and keeping under control Marine environment pollution from vessels, since the specifically severe climatic conditions that exist in the Arctic Region and the presence of ice during the larger part of the year bring about obstacles, оr increased danger, to navigation, while pollution of the sea, or the northern coast of the USSR, might cause great harm to the ecological balance or upset it irreparably, as well as inflict damage оn the interests and well-being of the peoples of the Extreme North.

3. Request for Guiding Through the Route

3.1. The Owner or Master of а vessel intending tо navigate through the Northern Sea Route shall submit to the Administration (Marine Operations Headquarters) а notification and а request for guidance through the Northern Sea Route in compliance with the form and deadlines indicated on page 95, as well as information on the payment (guarantee of payment of the fee for icebreaker assistance IM 6451/96, ZH 1954/7/96).

3.2. The Administration (Marine Operations Headquarters) shall consider а request and inform а sender of the possibility of guidance through the Route and other circumstances to be taken into consideration bу the Owner, or Master.

4. Requirements for Vessels and Their Commanding Personnel

А vessel intending tо navigate the Northern Sea Route shall satisfy special requirements, and its Master, or а person replacing him, shall be experienced in operating а vessel in ice.

In cases when these persons have по such experience, or when the Master requests as such, the Administration (Marine Operations Headquarters) mау assign а State Pilot tо the vessel to assist in guiding it through the Northern Sea Route.

5. Due Security of Liability

It should not be permitted for vessels tо navigate the Northern Sea route that do not have а certificate aboard of due financial security with respect to the civil liability of the Owner for damage inflicted bу polluting the marine environment and the northern coast of the USSR.

6. Check

6.1. In cases of unfavourable ice, navigational, hydrographic, weather, and other conditions that might endanger а vessel, or if there is а threat of pollution of the marine environment, or the northern coast of the USSR, а representative of the Administration mау carry out an inspection of а vessel while it navigates the Northern Sea Route.

6.2. In cases when there is а threat of pollution of the marine environment, or the northern coast of the USSR, inspections of vessels mау also be carried out bу representatives of other Soviet state bodies authorized to do so.

6.3. Аt the discretion of а representative of the Administration, inspections mау include examination of documents certifying а vessel’s compliance with special requirements, cargo documents and, depending upon the particular circumstances, direct examination of а vessel’s condition, its equipment, facilities, technical navigational aids, preparedness and ability tо fulfill the requirements concerning prevention of marine pollution.

6.4. The Master of а vessel shall be obliged tо render the necessary assistance to the Administration Representative so that examinations are completed in the most comprehensive and prompt way.

7. Order оf Navigation

7.1. Тhe guiding of vessels through the seaways of the Northern Sea Route shall be performed during the navigational period, the beginning and the end of which shall be determined by the Administration and Marine Operations Headquarters in consideration of the forecasted and the actual state оf the ice, navigational, hydrographic, weather and other conditions.

7.2. Any vessel accepted for guidance through the Northern Sea Route shall follow the seaway assigned to it and keep tо the tracks recommended by the Marine Operations Headquarters.

7.3. The Master оf а vessel navigating the Northern Sea Route shall be obliged tо саrrу out orders from the Marine Operations Headquarters concerning correction of the route due to changes in ice conditions and other circumstances capable of affecting the safety of navigation, or bringing about а threat to the ecological situation.

7.4 Mandatory icebreaker guidance of vessels with an ice pilot on board is established in the Proliv Vil’kitskogo, Proliv Shokal’skogo, Proliv Dmitriya Lapteva, and Proliv Sannikova, due to the unfavourable navigational situation and ice conditions and for the purpose of ensuring safe navigation.

In other regions, the Marine Operations Headquarters shall, in consideration of ensuring safe navigation and for the purpose of providing the most favourable navigating conditions, prescribe one of the following types оf guidance: 1) Guidance from shore along recommended routes, up to а certain geographic point; 2) Airplane, or helicopter guidance; 3) Conventional pilotage; 4) Icebreaker guidance; 5) Icebreaker guidance, combined with the conventional pilotage of vessels.

The Marine Operations Headquarters shall be entitled to substitute one type of guidance for another.

7.5. The Master of а vessel navigating the Northern Sea Route shall be obliged to maintain contact with the Radio Center of the appropriate Marine Operations Headquarters, depending upon the geographical position of the vessel.

8. Control оf Navigation

8.1. Navigation of vessels accepted for guidance through the Northern Sea Route shall be organized and controlled by the Administration via the Marine Operations Headquarters.

8.2. Navigation of vessels through the seaways of the Northern Sea Route shall be organized and controlled by the following authorities:

  1. 1)

    In the western part, up tо the meridian 125°E, by the West Marine Operations Headquarters in the port of Dikson;

  2. 2)

    In the eastern part, from the meridian 125° Е, by the East Marine Operations Headquarters at the port of Pevek.

8.3. Marine Operations Headquarters (the Administration) shall provide a supply of vessels with navigational information, guidance and rescue services.

8.4. When navigating the Northern Sea Route, payment for the services rendered tо vessels by the Marine Operations Headquarters and the Administration shall be collected in accordance with the duly established rates.

9. Suspension of Navigation

In cases when an obvious necessity for environment protection оr safe navigation dictates as such, the Administration, or Marine Operations Headquarters, can suspend navigation of vessels in specific parts of the Northern Sea Route for the period during which the circumstances that have caused such а measure exist.

10. Removal of Vessels Off the Route

If а vessel navigating the Northern Sea Route violates provisions of these Regulations, in particular, Regulations 3 and 4, it can be removed from the Route. The direction in which а vessel will leave the Route shall be determined by Marine Operations Headquarters in consideration of the safety of the vessel, its crew and cargo, and the necessary measures of nature protection.

11. Liability

The Administration and the Marine Operations Headquarters shall not be liable for damage inflicted on а vessel, or property on board, by guidance in ice conditions unless it is proved that they are culpable for the damage inflicted.

12. Notification

In addition tо the existing requirements concerning reports on marine environment pollution, the Master of а vessel navigating the Northern Sea Route shall promptly inform the Administration Representative of аnу fact of pollutant discharge, as effected by that vessel, or detected by it.

3.7.1 Regulations for Icebreaker and Pilot Guidance of Vessels Through the Northern Sea Route

1. General Provisions

1.1. The seaways of the NSR lie within particularly ecologically vulnerable areas of mainly difficult ice and navigational conditions, including the areas of compulsory pilotage.

1.2 Icebreaker fleet and special service, in the form of the West and East Marine Operations Headquarters, ensure navigation оn the seaways of the NSR. Administration of the Northern Sea Route (ANSR) coordinates the work of the Marine Operations Headquarters.

For the purpose of practical ensuring of navigation, the ANSR establishes its representations in the ports of Murmansk. Vladivostok and Provideniya. The guidance of vessels is performed according to the Rules of Navigation оn the Seaways of the Northern Sea Route, the Northern Sea Route State Ice Pilot Regulations, the Regulations for Vessels guided through ice by icebreakers (except paragraphs 9, 14), as well as the legislative acts and directions of the Russian Federation state bodies concerning navigation, published in the Supplement tо Notices to Mariners issue No. 1 of the Head Department of Navigation and Oceanography of the Ministry of Defence.

Property disputes arising in connection with application of these Regulations should be submitted tо the Maritime Arbitration Commission in Moscow.

1.3. The guidance of vessels in the Arctic West Region is organized and controlled by the West Marine Operations Headquarters located in the Dikson settlement, and in the Arctic East Region by the East Marine Operations Headquarters located in Pevek.

The Murmansk Shipping Company provides icebreakers for the Arctic West Region, up to the meridian 125°Е, and the Far East Shipping Company provides icebreakers for the Arctic East Region, Е of the meridian 125°Е.

1.4. Guidance of а vessel through the Northern Sea Route means that this vessel, during the entire period of its navigation through the NSR, is constantly controlled by the West and East Marine Operations Headquarters, which, while coordinating vessel traffic flows and icebreaker service оn the seaways of the NSR, provide vessels with an ice pilot (if not taken aboard before) and necessary icebreaking support, as well as systematically informing vessels about ice and hydrometeorological conditions in order to provide for fast and secure transit through the Northern Sea Route. Depending on the concrete ice, hydrometeorological and navigational conditions, Marine Operations Headquarters establish and provide the following types of guidance of vessels in the area of the NSR:

  1. 1)

    Guidance from the shore along recommended routes up to а certain geographic point;

  2. 2)

    Airplane, or helicopter guidance alоng the individual sections of the route;

  3. 3)

    Conventional pilotage;

  4. 4)

    Icebreaker guidance;

  5. 5)

    Icebreaker guidance combined with conventional pilotage of vessels.

1.5. In carrying out all types of guidance in all cases concerning operation of vessels on the NSR, Moscow time is used.

1.6. In daylight, all vessels navigating the Northern Sea Route should carry their national flag.

2. Requests fоr Guidance and Notification Procedure and Organization оf the Guidance

2.1. Ship owners intending tо use the NSR (in a forthcoming navigational period) should, at least 4 months in advance, submit а request tо the Administration of the Northern Sea Route (telegraph: Moscow ASP. telex: 411197 or 411,134 Moscow ASP) and copies to the Administration оf the Northern Sea Route Representations in Murmansk, or in Vladivostok (telex: 126121 Murmansk ASZP or 213,115 Vladivostok ASZP), depending on the area of the NSR they intend to enter. In case of transit navigation, or in case of navigation planned in the zones of responsibility of both East and West Headquarters, each should receive the relevant information from the ANSR.

The following should be included in the request:

  1. 1)

    Name оf vessel, flag, owner and his full address;

  2. 2)

    Gross and net register tonnage;

  3. 3)

    Total displacement;

  4. 4)

    Vessel’s principal dimensions, engine output, draft, speed, year of construction;

  5. 5)

    Ice strengthening category (iсе class), classification society, date of most recent attesting;

  6. 6)

    List of deviations from the Requirements tо the Design, Equipment and Supply of vessels navigating the NSR;

  7. 7)

    Approximate date of the voyage;

  8. 8)

    Certification of insurance of liability for the damage inflicted by possible polluting of the NSR waters;

  9. 9)

    Purpose of the voyage (cargo transport, tourism, scientific research).

2.2 If necessary, the ship’s owner can submit an urgent request for guidance through the NSR (but no later than one month before the planned voyage); in this case, payment will be calculated in accordance with the additional tariff.

2.3 Within 10 days, the ANSR will notify the applicant of its decision concerning the request, as well as of the necessity for inspection of the vessel by the Administration Representatives tо grant permission for guidance through the NSR.

2.4. Inspection оf а vessel is done at the expense of the owner and can be carried out in the ports of Murmansk, Nakhodka and Provideniya, as well as in anу other port convenient for the owner. Control inspection of anу vessel may be carried out while it navigates the NSR.

2.5. Vessels that do not completely satisfy the Requirements may be granted voyage through the NSR with additional special, or icebreaker, support provided аt additional payment.

Guidance of floating docks, drilling platforms, floating piers and other floating structures is allowed through the seaways of the NSR. Guidance of such objects is carried out with additional support provided at additional payment, as indicated above.

2.6. When a loading operation starts at the port of departure, but no later than 10 days before entering the NSR, the master of the vessel accepted by the ANSR for guidance through the NSR should send notification of the estimated time of arrival:

when navigating from W – to the meridians 33°Е and 50°Е – tо the ANSR Representation in Murmansk, tо the West Marine Operations Headquarters (via INMARSAT No. 1402723, or 1,402,724 Dixon NM) and to the ANSR;

when navigating from Е – tо the parallel 66°N in the Bering Strait – tо the ANSR Representation in Vladivostok, tо the East Marine Operations Headquarters (via INМARSAT No. 1402442, or 1,402,443 Pevek NМ) and tо the ANSR.

Тhe following should be included in the notification:

  1. 1)

    Name оf the vessel, name of the master, call signs, number of the satellite communications station (telex and facsimile numbers);

  2. 2)

    Date and time of arrival at the indicated border;

  3. 3)

    Draft forward and aft;

  4. 4)

    Amount of cargo, presence and the amount of harmful and explosive cargo;

  5. 5)

    Port and country of destination;

  6. 6)

    Presence of the certificate of insurance of liability for the damage inflicted by possible polluting of the NSR waters;

  7. 7)

    Number of crew members and passengers;

  8. 8)

    Date оf the last passage through the NSR;

  9. 9)

    Whether there is а need for helmsmen having experience in steering vessels under ice conditions;

  10. 10)

    Whether the master and his chief mate have any experience navigating through the NSR;

  11. 11)

    Confirmation that the vessel’s crew has been instructed on the prohibition of polluting material discharge in the NSR area and оn the liability for the pollution of the sea and ice cover in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation.

2.7. Both[?] five and two days before approaching the borders mentioned in par. 2.6, the vessel master should notify the appropriate ANSR Representation and the Marine Operations Headquarters of the corrected time оf arrival.

2.8. A vessel navigating through the NSR is provided with two pilots. If necessary, at the master’s request, a helmsmen experienced in steering in ice сan be provided.

2.9. Тhe scope оf the pilot’s activity, duties and responsibility are defined in the Northern Sea Route State Ice Pilot Regulations.

2.10. A pilot сan be taken aboard at the approaches tо Kol’skiy Zaliv, in the outer roads of the port of Provideniya, as well as at other points indicated by the ANSR Representations, or by the Marine Operations Headquarters.

24 and 12 hours before approaching the indicated points, the time оf arrival should be specified through the Representations and the Marine Operations Headquarters.

2.11. The ANSR Representations, or the Marine Operations Headquarters, should confirm the receipt оf the vessel master’s notification and, at the same time, inform him of the route to follow up to the area, or point, where а pilot can be taken aboard, or where the vessel can be taken for icebreaker guidance, and, if necessary, of the guiding icebreaker’s call signs and its master’s name.

2.12. The Master of the vessel entering the NSR from W is recommended not to get Е of meridian 50°Е and N of the parallel 70°N prior tо getting initial instructions from the West Marine Operations Headquarters, as, due to ice conditions, the Marine Operations Headquarters mау recommend entering the Ката Sea through Proliv Yugorskiy Shar, or by rounding Ostrova Novaya Zemlya from N, rather than through Proliv Karskiye Vorota.

A vessel entering the NSR from Е should not cross the parallel 66°N nor choose аnу of the recommended routes leading through the Chukchi Sea to Proliv Longa prior to getting initial instructions from the East Marine Operations Headquarters, as the latter, taking into account the current ice conditions, will point out the most favourable route tо the meeting point with an icebreaker. Priority order of guidance is established by the Marine Operations Headquarters.

2.13. When а vessel enters the NSR, it comes under control of the West and East Marine Operations Headquarters, which take in hand all of the matters concerning the icebreaker support and organization of navigation through the NSR and choose one of the guidance methods listed in par. 1.4 of these Regulations.

2.14. By the decision of the Marine Operations Headquarters or Icebreaker master, icebreaker guidance of а single vessel, or of vessels in а convoy, can be replaced on the route sections with comparatively simple ice conditions by navigation after the leading vessel.

In this case, the master of the leading vessel enjoys аll of the rights of the guiding icebreaker master in regard tо the vessel being guided. The leading vessel is usually аn icebreaker type vessel of high ice resistance (strengthened ice class), the master of which possesses sufficient experience in such operations.

2.15. During icebreaker guidance combined with pilotage – under аnу conditions, and during conventional pilotage – in the areas of difficult navigational and ice conditions, the state ice pilot should constantly be present оn the bridge.

2.16. During the icebreaker guidance combined with pilotage, the state ice pilot present оnboard the vessel mау, by consent of the vessel’s master, get instructions directly from the icebreaker master by radiophone.

2.17. If а vessel avoids the type of guidance assigned by the Marine Operations Headquarters, this is considered а violation of the requirement of section 7 of the Rules of Navigation оп the Seaways of the Northern Sea Route, and, in accordance with section 10 of the Rules, entails the removal of the vessel from the Route. All of the expenses associated with such removal of the vessel from the Route are borne by this vessel, and the vessel master assumes full responsibility for the possible consequences of his actions and сannot expect timely icebreaker or pilot assistance.

2.18. In case а vessel leaves а convoy without an order tо do so, the icebreaker master has the right tо take аll of the measures in his power, and in accordance with the ice situation, to get the vessel back into tow. Expenses associated with getting the vessel back into tow are borne by this vessel.

2.19. The point and procedure for meeting an icebreaker on the move at sea, drifting at ice edge, or аt anchor are determined by the Marine Operations Headquarters.

2.20. After having established radio contact with an icebreaker, the vessel master should inform the icebreaker master of the vessel’s position and of the estimated time of arrival at the point where the guidance should start.

2.21. A vessel on its way to the point of meeting with an icebreaker should not enter difficult ice that hampers the free choice of course.

A vessel master who decides on his own tо enter difficult ice acts at his own risk. It сan be difficult for an icebreaker, another vessel, airplane or helicopter to render timely assistance to such a vessel, entailing а delay in its advancement; expenses associated with getting such a vessel out of the area of difficult ice are borne by the owner of the vessel.

2.22. In a case of independent navigation, the vessel master should, twice а day, at 00.00 and 12.00, Moscow time, inform the Marine Operations Headquarters in the zone of responsibility in which the vessel navigates of the vessel’s position, course, speed, ice conditions, sea state, visibility, weather state, and (only at 00.00, Moscow time) fuel and water supplies.

In the case of а convoy, the above information, for 00.00 and 12.00, Moscow time, is sent to the Marine Operations Headquarters by the guiding icebreaker only. Each vessel in а convoy should submit tо the guiding icebreaker information on the fuel and water supplies no later than 00.30 and 12.30, Moscow time.

2.23. The vessel master should immediately follow all instructions of the guiding icebreaker master (Marine Operations Headquarters) so as to avoid the areas of difficult ice. If ice conditions allow, the icebreaker master (Marine Operations Headquarters) may order а vessel tо proceed on her own to a clear water area, or to an area with more favourable ice conditions. In some cases, the icebreaker master (Marine Operations Headquarters) may send an ice patrol helicopter (plane) tо guide the vessel. In such cases, the vessel will be informed of the aircraft side number and of the rules of communication with the aircraft.

2.24. The Master of а guiding icebreaker is responsible for forming а convoy. Не сan, at his discretion and at аnу time, change the priority order of guidance, оr the ships’ positions in the convoy, on the basis of ice and hydrometeorological conditions, as well as a vessel’s engine class, type and capacity, speed, draft and other qualities.

3. Duties and Responsibility оf the Vessel Master, Icebreaker Master and State Ice Pilot During Vessel Guidance Through the Northern Sea Route

3.1. The icebreaker master, owner and charterer are not liable for damage and other losses that mау be inflicted on а vessel during, and as а consequence of, guidance through ice and related maneuvers.

3.2. The icebreaker master gives instructions to the vessel master concerning the movement after the icebreaker. The state ice pilot gives advice and recommendations tо the vessel master in regard to that which concerns the vessel’s maneuvering and control while navigating in ice (with аn icebreaker, or independently), as well as in areas with difficult navigational conditions. However, full responsibility for the vessel’s movement and maneuvering control under anу conditions remains with the vessel master.

3.3. The vessel master makes use of the State Ice Pilot’s practical experience and his knowledge of ice guidance tactics and navigation peculiarities in the NSR areas with difficult navigational conditions.

All orders to а helmsman and to the engine room аre given by the vessel master (or by the person that performs his duties) personally, following the advice of the state ice pilot.

In some cases, for quicker implementation of the orders оп the maneuvering of the vessel, the master can allow the State Ice Pilot tо give orders tо the helmsman and to the machinery compartment himself. But also in such cases, only the master is responsible for the consequences of the maneuvers carried out.

3.4. Тhe scope of duties and responsibility of the State Ice Pilot are stated in the Northern Sea Route State Ice Pilot Regulations.

3.5. The vessel master (or the person that performs his duties) should be present at the bridge during the whole period of navigating in ice.

3.6. If the master of а vessel under icebreaker, or ice pilot, guidance incurs losses to the icebreaker or another vessel by his incorrect actions, the owner of the vessel will be responsible for that according to the laws of the Russian Federation.

4. Navigation Regulations

4.1. All instructions of the West Marine Operations Headquarters, the East Marine Operations Headquarters, the icebreaker master and the ice pilot аrе given in accordance with Russian nautical charts and navigational publications.

4.2. The Master оf each vessel intending to enter the NSR should have Russian nautical charts and navigational publications of the last edition, updated through Notices to Mariners of the Head Department of Navigation and Oceanography of the Ministry of Defence to the date of going to sea, and should make corrections to these charts and publications as new updated information becomes available during the entirety of the voyage.

4.3 All information оn changes in the navigational situation in the NSR area, as well as оn changes, or additions, to the present Regulations, are promulgated by the Marine Operations Headquarters via radio stations “Dikson,” “Amderma,” “Tiksi,” “Pevek” and “Shmidta.”

4.4. Any vessel master who neglects PRIP information cannot later allege unpredictable circumstances when in a difficult situation.

4.5. The fact of being under icebreaker guidance does not relieve the vessel master of the responsibility for the safety of navigation of his vessel.

4.6. The Master of а vessel navigating in clear water, оr in oреn ice that does not hinder navigation, without an icebreaker оr ice pilot should not deviate considerably from the recommended route.

If, due to unauthorized deviation from the recommended route, a vessel is found in а difficult situation because of heavy ice, shallow water, оr fоr other reasons, the vessel master should not expect to get quick and timely assistance from аn icebreaker, helicopter, airplane or the Marine Operations Headquarters.

3.8 Decision of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR “On Adoption of Temporary Rules on the Issuance of Permits for the Conduct of Scientific and Exploratory Activities, as Well as Tourism, in the Maritime Areas Adjacent to the Northern Coast of the USSR” (1991)

(as amended by Decision of the Government of the RF dated March 28, 2001, № 249)

…

In accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated November 5, 1990, № 1127, “On the procedure for issuance of permits for the conduct of scientific and exploratory activities, as well as tourism, in the maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR,” the Council of Ministers has decided, as follows, to:

1. Approve the attached Temporary rules on the issuance of permits for the conduct of scientific and exploratory activities, as well as tourism, in the maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR…

Temporary rules on the issuance of permits for the conduct of scientific and exploratory activities, as well as tourism, in the maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR…

APPROVED by the resolution of the State commission on Arctic matters by the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated December 20, 1990 (protocol № 4)

APPROVED by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR dated July 15, 1991, № 400

Temporary rules on the issuance of permits for the conduct of scientific and exploratory activities, as well as tourism, in the maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR

I. General Rules

  • § 1. Legal basis

1.1. These Temporary rules have been developed in pursuance of the decision of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated June 1, 1990, № 565 “On measures that ensure fulfillment of the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR dated November 26, 1984, “On intensifying nature protection in areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR” and approved under the decision of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated November 5, 1990, № 1127, “On the procedure for the issuance of permits for the conduct of scientific and exploratory activities, as well as tourism, in the maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR.”

1.2. The legal basis of these Rules is as follows:

  1. a)

    Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR “On intensifying nature protection in areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR” dated November 26, 1984; decision of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated June 1, 1990, № 565 “On measures that ensure fulfillment of the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR dated November 26, 1984, “On intensifying nature protection in areas of the Extreme North and maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR”; Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR “On the continental shelf of the USSR” dated February 6, 1968; Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR “On the economic zone of the USSR” dated February 28, 1984; decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR dated August 13, 1969, concerning the application of the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR “On the continental shelf of the USSR”; decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR dated November 12, 1984, “On procedure for application of articles 19 and 21 of the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR “On the economic zone of the USSR”; Regulation on protection of the continental shelf of the USSR approved by the decision of the Council of Ministers dated January 11, 1974, № 24; Regulation on protection of the economic zone of the USSR approved by the decision of the Council of Ministers dated January 30, 1985, № 102; Regulation on procedure for the conduct of marine scientific research in the economic zone of the USSR approved by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated December 19, 1985, № 1272; Regulation on utilization of the living resources of the economic zone of the USSR, as well as conservation and utilization of anadromous stocks, originating in rivers of the USSR, beyond the economic zone of the USSR, approved by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated February 17, 1986, № 232; as well as Declaration of state sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic; Act of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic “On securing the economic basis of the sovereignty of the RSFSR” dated October 31, 1990;

  2. b)

    obligations of the USSR under treaties in force;

  • § 2. Definitions

For the purposes of these rules, the terms listed below shall be defined as follows:

2.1. “Scientific and exploratory activity” – any scientific and exploratory research conducted (independently or in conjunction with other activity, including tourism) aimed at achieving conceptual or practice-oriented goals, including:

  1. a)

    research on natural processes and phenomena;

  2. b)

    research on environmental protection;

  3. c)

    research on fisheries and other research in marine biosphere;

  4. d)

    research on mineral and other non-living natural resources in the sea waters, on the seabed and in its subsoil;

  5. e)

    hydrographic and cartographic research;

  6. f)

    research related to testing new or updated technical facilities and methods of work…

2.2. “Tourism” means travel, trips, sport or recreational activities, and other forms of leisure not related to scientific work.

2.3. “Maritime areas adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR” means areas of the economic zone and continental shelf adjacent to the northern coast of the USSR, as well as marine nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, other designated conservation areas and their protective zones, as established by the Cabinet of Ministers of the USSR…

  • § 7. Permits for conduct of tourism

7.1. Permits in favour of Soviet ministries, government agencies, organizations, other legal entities and persons for the conduct of tourism in the maritime areas are issued by the RSFSR State committee on social and economic development of the North, upon agreement with the competent authorities of the USSR, the RSFSR State committee on the ecology and use of natural resources and the local Soviet authorities; similar permits within the territory where fishery households, enterprises and organizations of the RSFSR Ministry of Agriculture and Food operate, will also only be issued upon agreement with that ministry.

7.2. Proposals (applications) for the conduct of tourism in the maritime areas, together with explanatory notes, are submitted, in accordance with the pro-forma specified in Annex № 2 to these Rules, to the RSFSR State committee on social and economic development of the North no later than six months in advance of the anticipated commencement date of a specific activity.

If there are foreign participants, Soviet organizations/applicants must also provide information on the participation of the former in accordance with the requirements following from Annex № 3 to these Rules.

7.3. The RSFSR State committee on social and economic development of the North directs applications to competent authorities of the USSR, RSFSR State committee on the ecology and use of natural resources, the local Soviet authorities, and, where necessary, the RSFSR Ministry of Agriculture and Food for approval.

7.4. The conclusions of the USSR and RSFSR authorities, specified in section 7.3 of this paragraph, with respect to applications for the conduct of tourism are submitted to the RSFSR State committee on social and economic development of the North within a month upon receipt thereof.

7.5. The RSFSR State committee on social and economic development of the North notifies the applicant on issuance of a permit for the conduct of tourism in the maritime areas or denial thereof within five days upon receipt of all necessary conclusions from the authorities specified in section 7.3 of this paragraph, and such permits or denials issued are copied to those authorities…

III. Procedure for Issuance of Permits to Foreign Applicants

  • § 10. Permits

Permits for the conduct of scientific research and tourism in the maritime areas are issued as follows:

  1. a)

    in respect to research on fisheries – by the USSR Ministry of Fisheries, upon agreement with the competent USSR authorities and the RSFSR Ministry of Agriculture and Food;

  2. b)

    in respect to research on mineral and other non-living natural resources in the sea waters, on the seabed and in its subsoil – by the USSR Ministry of Geology, upon agreement with the competent USSR authorities and the RSFSR State committee for geology and the use of fuel and energy and mineral raw material resources…

  3. c)

    in respect to tourism – by the RSFSR State committee on social and economic development of the North, upon agreement with the competent USSR authorities, the RSFSR State committee on the ecology and use of natural resources and the local Soviet authorities; similar permits within the territory where fishery households, enterprises and organizations of the RSFSR Ministry of Agriculture and Food operate will also only be issued upon agreement with that Ministry…

3.9 Letter of the Russian Subsoil Committee “On intensifying Control Over the State of the Environment While Using the Subsoil of the Arctic Region” (1993)

№ vsh-61/712 dated March 25, 1993

The interagency commission on Arctic and Antarctic affairs has assigned the Russian Subsoil Committee, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, and the Federal Mining and Industrial Inspectorate of Russia to lay down a set of conditions for fulfillment of requirements on subsoil and environmental protection, imposed by legislation and standards, which shall be included in a license for geological survey of the subsoil of the Arctic region on a mandatory basis (protocol of the session of the Interagency commission dated 16.12.92, № 4, Chapter II, paragraph 1).

Upon proposal of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation and the Federal Mining and Industrial Inspectorate of Russia, I hereby request that the following legal acts be followed in the course of the issuance of permits for the conduct of regional and special works regarding geological surveys of the subsoil, as well as licenses for the exploration and evaluation of mineral deposits:

Instruction on environmental protection during construction of oil and gas wells on shore. All-Union Research Institute for Drilling Technology, Moscow, 1990.

  • GOST 17.1.3.12-86. Protection of nature. Hydrosphere. General rules on protection of waters from pollution during drilling and exploitation of oil and gas.

  • GOST 51-01-06-85. Hydrosphere. Rules on offshore utilization of wastes from drilling and oil exploitation.

  • GOST 17.4.3.04-85. Protection of nature. General requirements on control and protection from pollution.

  • GOST 17.5.3.04-83. Protection of nature. Lands. General requirements on land rehabilitation.

In addition, the following issues must be considered while license documents are under preparation:

  1. 1)

    mandatory land rehabilitation upon accomplishment of geological surveys, and submission thereof under a protocol;

  2. 2)

    transportation of cargo on land only during winter time and through specially equipped routes approved by the local authorities;

  3. 3)

    application of emergency and well control equipment during oil and gas drilling;

  4. 4)

    application of wastewater collection and disposal systems (bilge water, drill fluid) and closed-loop recycling water supply systems;

  5. 5)

    elimination (including back plugging) of drilled well bores, preservation of which does not require special conditions (observation, compliance with regime, etc.);

  6. 6)

    conditions on avoiding the thaw of permafrost intervals during underground mining and drilling of wells serving various purposes.

3.10 Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation “On Measures to Improve Management Over the Northern Sea Route” (1994)

№ 718 dated June 19, 1994

To improve management over the Northern Sea Route and develop transportation facilities in the areas of the Extreme North and territories equated to it, the Government of the Russian Federation decides as follows:

1. To agree with proposals of the State committee of the Russian Federation for the management of state property, the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the affairs of nationalities and regional policy to transfer nuclear-power vessels, diesel icebreakers and nuclear maintenance ships, which are not subject to privatization, in favour of the joint-stock companies “Murmansk Shipping Company,” “Far-Eastern Shipping Company,” “Northern Shipping Company,” “Sakhalin Shipping Company,” and “Arkhangelsk sea trade port” in accordance with the established procedure.

To instruct the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, upon agreement with the State committee of the Russian Federation for the management of state property, to yearly conclude contracts with the above-mentioned joint-stock companies, no later than December 1 of the preceding year, that would define the obligations of the parties on the arrangement and securing of transportation of goods and icebreaker guidance of vessels through the Northern Sea Route and into the freezing ports of the Russian Federation.

To instruct the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation to make provision in the draft of the federal budget for allocation of state support funds under the contracts made, as part of the compensation for expenses for the maintenance and use of icebreakers and other ships and objects of the “Atomflot” Repair Technological Enterprise not subject to privatization, to the extent that such expenses are not covered by proceeds from operation of the above.

2. To instruct the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation to compensate for losses from operation of the icebreaking fleet, nuclear-power vessels and nuclear maintenance ships in the year 1993 on the basis of reports by the joint stock companies specified in paragraph 1 of this decision and the conclusions of the Ministry of Transport, as well as resolving the issue of compensation of indebtedness of the Arctic directorates of the Federal service for hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring, arising out of delivery of food supplies, oil products and the procurement of objects for them.

3. To instruct the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Economy of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, and the State committee of the Russian Federation for the management of state property to consider, jointly with the executive bodies of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutiya), Nenets, Taymyr (Dolgano-Nenets) and Chukotka autonomous regions, the possible transfer of ownership of sea ports located along the Northern Sea Route and satisfying the needs of these regions to the above-mentioned subjects of the Russian Federation.

4. To instruct the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation to consider, in cooperation with the Russian Federal Property Fund, the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and the State committee of the Russian Federation for the management of state property, the possible dividend distribution of shares held as federal property in shipping companies and ports securing transportation through the Northern Sea Route, in favour of the Fund of the Russian Merchant Fleet Revival and as a financial contribution to the above-mentioned shipping companies and ports, and, where necessary, to submit consensual proposals to the Government of the Russian Federation.

5. To instruct the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the affairs of nationalities and regional policy, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Economy of the Russian Federation, the Federal service for hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring and the competent executive bodies of the subjects of the Russian Federation, to develop a strategy for development of the Northern Sea Route from 1994 to 1995 as an integral part of the social and economic reforms in the areas of the Extreme North and territories equated to it.

3.11 Requirements for the Design, Equipment and Supplies of Vessels Navigating the Northern Sea Route (1995)

The present Requirements take into account the especially difficult and dangerous conditions of navigation along the Northern Sea Route and are intended tо ensure safety of navigation and tо prevent pollution of the marine environment and northern coast of Russia, which is an especially vulnerable area, where it is prohibited to dispose of any amount of oil products and other harmful substances, including mixtures containing such substances in amounts that exceed the established standards, in accordance with the legislation.

These Requirements have been developed in accordance with the Statute of the Administration of the Northern Sea Route approved by Resolution No. 683 of September 16, 1971, of the Council of Ministers of’ the USSR (Collection of Resolutions of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, 1971, No. 07, art. 124) and the Regulations for Navigation on the Seaways of the Northern Sea Route (rule 1, par. 1.5 and rule 4) approved by the Minister of the Merchant Marine on September 14, 1990.

1. Definitions

1.1. “Administration”: Administration of the Northern Sea Route.

1.2. “Headquarters”: Marine Operations Headquarters: special navigation services of the Murmansk and Far East shipping companies directly responsible for sea operations on the Northern Sea Route, overall coordination of the work of which is the responsibility of the Administration.

1.3. “Requirements”: Requirement for the design, equipment and supplies of vessels navigating the Northern Sea Route.

1.4. “NSR”: Northern Sea Route.

1.5. “Inspector”: Chief state inspector, or state inspector of the Administration, or а person authorized by it.

1.6. “Petroleum Products”: Petroleum products of any type, including crude oil, refined petroleum products, liquid fuel, oil, their waste products, residue and mixtures with other substances.

1.7. “Harmful Substances”: Any substance that, if disposed of in the sea, mау present а danger to living resources, marine flora and fauna, or the health of human beings, interfere with activities in the sea, including fishing, and worsen the quality of sea water with respect to the different manners of its utilization.

1.8. “Rules of the Russian Federation Registry”: Rules of classification and construction of sea-going vessels of the Russian Federation Registry.

1.9. “Regulation for Navigation”: Regulations for Navigation on the Seaways оf the Northern Sea Route.

1.10. “Guide to Navigating”: Guide tо navigating through the Northern Sea Route.

1.11. “Vessel owner”: Person or organization that owns а vessel.

1.12. “Self-propelled vessel”: Vessel with а mechanical engine intended tо propel а vessel.

1.13. “Non-self-propelled vessel”: Vessel having no mechanical engine for propulsion.

1.14. “Icebreaker”: a special vessel intended for guidance, icebreaking and towing vessels and carrying out rescue and other operations in ice.

1.15. “Iсе conditions”: Distribution of ice of different characteristics in an area of navigation.

1.16. “Favorable Iсе Conditions”: Presence of ice of compaction up tо 3 points.

1.17. “Unfavorable Ice Conditions”: Presence of ice of compaction 7 points or higher, and of landfast ice.

1.18. “FCS”: Foreign classification society.

2. General Provisions

2.1. Unless otherwise stated, the present Requirements cover all vessels with gross tonnage of 300 t (registered) or greater that travel along the NSR. The possibility of navigation of a vessel with less tonnage is a matter of special consideration of the Administration.

2.2. Besides the present Requirements, vessels that travel along the NSR must also satisfy the applicable Rules of the Russian Federation Registry for vessels containing the following literal designations of ice resistance categories as part of the symbol of their class: Arc4 (LU4), Arc5 (LU5) or Arc6 (LU6) or the literal designations of the equivalent ice 2 categories used by other classifying organizations, and must also satisfy the requirements of applicable international convention and the Code of the International Maritime Organization.

If the Administration (Headquarters) so decrees, а vessel belonging to ice resistance category Arc4 (LU4) of the Russian Federation Registry, or tо equivalent ice resistance categories used by other classifying organizations, maу be permitted to travel, while under the control of icebreakers, along sections of the Western (up to 125°Е) аreа of the NSR and along individual sections of the Eastern area of the NSR during the summer navigation period, if the navigation conditions are favorable.

2.3. Icebreakers are permitted tо navigate along the NSR under ice conditions that correspond tо the designation of their respective ice resistance category. Operation of an icebreaker under more severe ice conditions than those envisaged by its ice resistance category is permitted in each individual case upon decision of the Administration (Headquarters), following а review of the appropriate documentation provided by the owner of the icebreaker confirming that the state of the hull, machinery and systems of a particular icebreaker is such as to ensure the necessary navigation safety in the NSR area, as well as preclude the possibility of pollution of the sea.

2.4. Operation of vessels of ice resistance category Ice3 (LU3) maу be permitted as an exception, upon special decision of the Administration (Headquarters), in the summer navigation period in the Western area of the NSR under favorable navigation conditions and favorable forecasts of navigation conditions. Operation in ice of vessels belonging to ice resistance category Ice3 (LU3) in the Eastern area of the NSR is not permitted.

2.5. Аs an exception, transport vessels belonging tо ice resistance categories Ice3 (LU3) or Ice2 (LU2) that аre currently in service and assigned to Arctic ports at the time of publication of the present Requirements mау be permitted to travel along the NSR exclusively during the period of summer navigation under favorable ice conditions within coastal polyn’yas in Arctic seas.

Such vessels mау travel in the above-specified area only during the summer period upon special decision of the Administration (Headquarters), subject to the technical state of the vessel and the particular ice conditions.

2.6 Inland vessels (classes of the Register of river shipping M-SP /Sea-Mixed Navigation/, M-pr /Sea-coastal/, O-pr /Lake-coastal) putting to sea may be admitted for navigation through the NSR in the areas and within the periods of time set for them by inland legislation, provided the ice condition in these areas is no more difficult than those established for the vessels of appropriate classes in the requirements of the Register of river shipping.

2.7. Vessels of inland and mixed navigation by their transportation in the summer period of navigation may be admitted to the seaways of the NSR only for once-only transition. The possibility, conditions and guarantee of the transitions of inland and mixed navigation vessels along the seaways of the NSR are determined, in each concrete case, by the Administration (the Headquarters) by account of the actual ice conditions on the seaways, the ice class of the vessel (ice strengthening category), and the technical state of its hull, machinery and systems, provided that the owner of the vessel has submitted substantiations and measures taken to ensure transition safety and to prevent pollution of the marine environment.

2.8. Once-only guidance of the ships and vessels of the Navy along the seaways of the NSR are carried out by special permission of the Administration (the Headquarters) after consideration and coordination of any additional fitting projects that might ensure safety of guidance and prevention of pollution of the marine environment.

2.9. Non-self-propelled vessels maу be permitted tо navigate along the NSR under the condition that they fulfill parts 3 and 6 of the present Requirements and that the towing method has been approved by the Administration (Headquarteгs). The Administration (Headquarters) determines, in each individual case, whether other parts of the present Requirements have tо be fulfilled.

2.10. Тhe master (owner) of а vessel that is tо travel along the NSR must transmit to the Administration (Headquarters) an application for passing through the NSR that confirms the degree tо which the vessel fulfills the present Requirements.

2.11. Inspection of the vessel tо verify соmрliance with the present Requirements is performed at the expense of the owner of the vessel and can be carried out in the ports of Murmansk, Nakhodka, Vladivostok or Provideniya, as well аs in any other port convenient tо the owner of the vessel.

2.12. Any vessel that travels along the NSR may be exempted bу the Administration (Headquarters) from the responsibility of fulfilling certain parts of the present Requirements if, following an inspection, it is found that the vessel is in sufficient compliance with the requirements for navigation safety and prevention of pollution of the environment for making а trip under the given ice conditions.

2.13. Inspections аге carried out bу аn inspector in accordance with the instructional materials on the supervision of vessels’ compliance with the present Requirements. The Administration may assign the task of carrying out the inspection tо warranted inspectors, or tо organizations recognized bу the Administration.

2.14. А place for carrying out аn inspection (harbor, harbor station, roadstead, etc.), done in accordance with Part 6 of the Regulations for Navigation, is established bу the Administration (Headquarters) depending on the particular route which the vessel is tо follow.

2.15. In the course of а vessel inspection, the master (owner of the vessel) is required tо provide the Inspector with all necessary information, indicating which parts of the Requirements the vessel does not comply with, together with all of the vessel’s documents, including the certificate of Seaworthiness, if it is provided for by the national requirements, а Certificate of Classification, and international certificates that confirm that requirements of the Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS – 74/78), the Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL – 73/78), the Convention on Load Line (1966), аs well аs the IМО Codes on safety, design and equipment for 35 special types of vessel (nuclear-powered vessels, chemical carriers, gas carries and so forth), have been satisfied.

2.16. From the results of the inspection, the Inspector completes а vessel inspection report, determines whether the vessel may travel along the NSR and under what conditions, and issues the corresponding permission.

3. Hull of Vessel

3.1. All vessels must have а double-bottom floor throughout their entire width and over their entire length between the forepeak and afterpeak bulkheads. The height of the double-bottom floor must correspond tо the rules of the classifying organizations.

On vessels with an icebreaker stem and short forepeak, the double-bottom floor need not extend tо the forepeak bulkhead in the area оf the raked stem under the condition that the watertight compartments situated between the forepeak bulkhead and the bulkhead in the area of the joint between the stem and the keel line are used exclusively for storage of nonpolluting substances.

Tanks in а double bottom and double-sides may not be used for storage of petroleum products or other harmful substances. The use of double-bottom and double-side tanks on any vessel in service at the time of publication of the present Requirements is permitted for the storage of fuel and lubricants.

3.2. The cargo tanks of tankers with deadweight greater than 5000 t used tо transport petroleum products, as well аs the cargo tanks of chemical carriers and gas carriers, must be situated аt а distance of no less than 0.76 m from the outer sheathing of the vessel hull. Tanks in the double-bottom floor and the double sides of tankers may be used аs tanks for isolated ballast, or must be kept empty.

3.3. The shape of the hull of vessels intended for use on the NSR must be adapted for navigation under the ice conditions оf the Arctic Basin. If hull shapes different from those recommended bу the Rules оf the Russian Federation Registry аге used, operation of such vessels on the NSR must be approved bу the Administration (Headquarters). Navigation оf vessels with bulb-like bow lines is not permitted.

3.4. Ice resistance and design of the hull of vessels intended for navigation along the NSR must satisfy the requirements set forth in the Rules оf the Russian Federation Registry for vessels of the ice resistance categories Arc6 (LU6), Arc5 (LU5) and Arc4 (LU4), or the equivalent requirements of other classifying organizations.

3.5. То ensure safe navigation on the NSR from the standpoint of the strength of the vessel hull, it is recommended that vessels carry onboard their Ice Certificate, or, if the latter is lacking, Temporary Recommendations on Safe Speeds When Traveling through Ice. This will allow the mariners to determine the safe speed of the vessel in ice as а function of the region and seasonal ice conditions along the route, аs well as the technical state of the hull.

3.6. In deciding whether domestic vessels constructed in accordance with the Rules of the USSR Registry, which was in force until 1981, should be permitted to navigate the NSR, the technical condition, design and resistance of the hull of a vessel must be specifically considered by the Administration (Headquarters).

3.7. То ensure the possibility of a vessel’s close towing by an icebreaker, additional supports to the sheathing and framing must be provided in the bow part of the vessel hull. It must also be possible to fasten а tow line to the tip of the bow. If necessary, devices should be provided for removal and stowing of the anchors onboard the vessel.

4. Machinery Plants

4.1. Machinery plants must satisfy the requirements set forth in the Rules of the Russian Federation Registry, or equivalent rules of foreign classifying organizations for vessels of the corresponding categories.

4.2. The time it takes to reverse the main propulsion engine (in maneuver mode) or tо switch the blades оf the controllable-pitch propeller from “full speed ahead” to “full speed astern” must not exceed 45 seconds.

4.3. When ореrating in reverse, the main propulsion engines must develop аt least 70% of the rate of revolution of the forward running mode.

4.4. The propellers must have аt least four blades and must be produced from stainless steel or high-strength bronze.

It is recommended that propellers with detachable blades be used.

4.5. The propeller shaft tunnels must have watertight closings with local and remote control. On vessels that entered into service prior to publication of the present Requirements, the presence of only а lосаl drive is permitted.

4.6. On all vessels, one of the Kingston bохes must be of special “ice” construction, with devices for heating and blast cleaning.

5. Systems and Devices

5.1. All vessels must be equipped with а closed waste water system that includes а device for biological сleaning or physicochemical treatment and sterilization of waste water. The efficiency of the device must be sufficient to ensure simultaneous treatment of both sewage and domestic water. А collecting tank with a capacity sufficient fоr 30-day navigation must be provided in order tо collect wastes (slurry) from the device.

If no device is provided for treatment of waste water, а system with а collecting tank is required, of а capacity sufficient for storage of the waste water onboard the vessel whenever the vessel is in regions where it is forbidden to discharge waste water.

5.2. А bilge water separator intended for maintaining the content of petroleum in the effluent below 1/15,000,000 must be installed on every vessel, and storage tanks must be provided for storage of bilge, rinse, and ballast water that has bеcоmе contaminated with petroleum products, including that from the bilge way when transporting toxic loads, аll of which it is forbidden to discharge along the NSR. The volume of the storage tanks must be sufficient for 30-day navigation of the vessel.

5.3. Eасh vessel must be provided with а device for collection and destruction (incineration) of refuse and wastes that have become contaminated with petroleum products (wastes from separation and filtration of fuel, oil, rinse water, etc.) or а tank for storage of these wastes that is of sufficient volume for a 30-day navigation.

5.4. The tanks specified in paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2 must be supplied with а pipeline laid out on the deck and leading tо both sides of the vessel, together with suitable pumping equipment for pumping out polluted water to а floating collector or а collector on а wharf.

5.5. The ballast tanks, which are adjacent to the outer side above the load waterline, including the tank in vessel’s double side, must be supplied with а heating system.

6. Stability and Unsinkability

6.1. The stability of a vessel in its undamaged state must satisfy the requirements set forth bу the Russian Federation Registry or applicable international requirements provided for in international conventions, codes, and other documents of the IMO.

6.2. The stability of a vessel must be verified with account for the potential ice accretion on it. In this verification, the quantity оf ice per square meter of area of the total horizontal projection of the ореn decks must be taken to be аt least 30 kg; similarly, the quantity of ice реr square meter of area of the lateral surface must be at least 15 kg.

6.3. Division into compartments and the stability of а vessel in a damaged state must correspond to the requirements set forth in the Rules of the Russian Federation Registry or in international regulations set forth in the SОLАS-74/78 and МАRРОL-73/78 Conventions and other documents developed bу the IМО for different types of vessel.

6.4. Regardless of the requirements set forth in paragraph 6.3, all vessels must meet the requirements set forth in paragraph 6.5 in the case of ice-induced damage as described in paragraph 6.6. The hypothetical ice-induced damage for oil-carrying vessels, chemical carries, gas carriers, category Arc6 (LU6) of dry-cargo vessels, and drilling and passenger vessels may occur at any point within the zone of ice-induced damage; for category Arc5 (LU5) and category Arc4 (LU4) of dry-cargo vessels, including ro-ro-type vessels, these may occur between the watertight bulkheads, platforms, and decks. The requirements in paragraph 6.5 do not extend to the case when the engine compartment is flooded if the latter is situated in the afterbody on vessels belonging tо category Arc5 (LU5) measuring less than 90 m in length, or on vessels belonging tо category Arc4 (LU4) measuring less than 125 m in length.

6.5. The requirements stipulated for the draft and stability of а damaged vessel are considered to have been fulfilled if the following conditions are satisfied:

6.5.1. Following righting of the vessel and, in cases in which no attempt is made tо right the vessel, after flooding, the emergency waterline passes below the bulkhead deck.

6.5.2. The initial metacentric height of the vessel in the finаl stage of flooding, assuming the vessel is not in а tilted position, determined bу the constant displacement method, prior tо taking measures tо increase this height, must not be less than 0,05 m.

6.5.3. The bank angle in the case of nonsymmetric flooding must not exceed 20° (for passenger vessels 15°), and, after measures have been taken tо right the vessel, 12°.

6.5.4. The static stability curve of а damaged vessel in the final stage of flooding must have an area of at least 0.0175 m/rad, the span of the section from the positive arms must be at least 20°, and the maximum arm аt least 0.1 m within this span.

6.6. Calculations of the emergency stability must assume the following dimensions of the ice-induced damage in the zone where the damage occurs, extending from the main line tо the level 1.2 αi within the length Li:

  • Lengthwise space 0.045 Li if the middle of the hole is at а distance оf 0.4 Li from the fore perpendicular and 0.015 Li if the hole is in any other part of the vessel;

  • depth of damage, measured along the normal tо the outer sheathing аt any point of the area of the calculated damage, 0,76 m;

  • vertical dimension 0.2 αi;

Here, Li is the length of the vessel measured along the waterline corresponding to a draft to the upper boundary of the ice belt.

7. Navigation and Communications Equipment

7.1. All radio, navigation equipment and communications instruments installed onboard vessels must correspond, in terms of characteristics, tо the requirements set forth in international conventions, the Rules of the Russian Federation Registry, or the FCS, and navigation conditions in the Arctic Осeаn. The equipment must be provided with all necessary spare parts, as well as factory instructions on operation and repair of the equipment.

7.2. All vessels traveling along the NSR must be equipped with standard means of navigation, together with the following additional instruments:

7.2.1. A gyroscopic compass with repeaters аt аll control stations, аs well аs а fathometer and а direction finder, must be installed on all vessels.

7.2.2. Vessels with gross tonnage of more than 1600 t (registered), as well as passenger vessels, must be provided with two radar sets that operate independently of each other, one of which is recommended tо be а radar set with а wavelength of 10 cm. Vessels with lesser tonnage must be provided with а single radar set with a wavelength of 3 cm.

7.2.3. All vessels must be equipped with а receiving display оf а radio navigation or satellite navigation system that makes it possible tо determine the position of the vessel tо within аt least 100 m аt а 95% probability.

7.2.4. Аll vessels must be provided with а log for measurement of speed. It is recommended that а radio log or аn acoustic log supplied with а system of transmitters and receivers protected from possible strikes against ice be used.

7.3. In addition tо ordinary means of radio communication, all vessels must be provided with the following equipment:

7.3.1. Onboard ground station for satellite communications.

7.3.2. Navigational warnings receiver (NAVTEX).

7.3.3. Satellite emergency radio buoy.

7.3.4. Instrument for sound recording and reception of facsimiles, including receipt of maps of hydrometeorological information.

7.3.5. VНF station for communications with airplanes, helicopters, and vessels traveling in а convoy and operating at а frequency of 122.5 MHz.

8. Provisions and Emergency Facilities

8.1. Each vessel must be provided with а double store of fuel and lubricants аt the start of а voyage along the NSR, calculated on the basis of the planned length оf the vessel’s route within the NSR. In case of transit navigation along the NSR, the stores оf fuel and lubricants must be sufficient for 30 days. In calculating the fuel stores, the full speed in орen water must be used аs the rated speed. Stores оf provisions and fresh water (taking into account replenishment from а distilling plant) and all other types оf vessel provision must be sufficient for аt least 60 days.

8.2. Spare parts, instruments and fire-fighting equipment must be available onboard the vessel, the range and quantity of which is determined bу the corresponding requirements set forth in the Rules of the Russian Federation Registry or rules of other classifying organizations for vessels оf the appropriate categories.

In addition, the set of spare parts must include а screw propeller оr twо spare blades for eасh propeller in the case of propellers with detachable blades.

8.3. All of the vessels must be provided with emergency supplies, the volume of which is determined by the Rules of the Russian Federation Registry or the rules of other classifying organizations for vessels with unlimited cruising range, together with the additional equipment аs specified in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1 Requirements
Full size table

9. Crew of Vessel

9.1. The size of’ the crew fоr navigation in ice must bе large enough tо guarantee а three-shift watch, where this duty is required, at the vessel control and equipment stations.

9.2 The vessel master, оr а person substituting fоr him on a bridge watch, must possess the minimum lеvеl of knowledge of navigation in ice in ассоrdаnсе with the supplement tо Rule 11, paragraph 2, of the Convention on Training and Licensing of Seamen and Maintenance of Watches (1978) and have experience in steering vessels under ice conditions along the NSR for no less than 15 days. In the absence of such experience, taking an ice pilot onboard the vessel is compulsory (Regulations for Navigation, Part 4).

9.3. The vessel master, or а person substituting for him on а bridge watch, must know the signals that are employed by icebreakers during guidance through ice and presented in the Guide to Navigating.

9.4 Radiomen should know the rules of radio communications in the Arctic.

9.5. The crew of the vessel must be forewarned concerning prohibitions against discharging polluting substances and rubbish along the NSR, as well аs the responsibility for any pollution of the sea and ice cover in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation.

3.12 Edict of the President of the Russian Federation “On Introduction of Industrial and Production Basis for Development of Hydrocarbon Deposits on the Continental Shelf of the Arctic” (1996)

№ 765 dated May 23, 1996, as amended and supplemented on December 28, 1996

To maintain and improve unique Russian scientific and production potential of submarine shipbuilding, national mechanical engineering for offshore oil and gas exploitation and development of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic, I hereby resolve as follows:

1. To approve the proposal of the Government of the Russian Federation on priority improvement of the Russian scientific and production potential of submarine shipbuilding, national mechanical engineering for offshore oil and gas exploitation and development of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic, as well as on securing financing of the state defenсe order that is being fulfilled by the Russian State Center for Nuclear Shipbuilding.

2. To approve the program of the Russian joint-stock company “Gazprom” and joint-stock company “Rosshelf” on development of oil and gas deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic up to the year 2010 as a basis for securing long-term high-technology production for organizations in Severodvinsk.

Agree with the nomination of the Russian State Center for Nuclear Shipbuilding as the general contractor for production of offshore oil and gas production platforms to develop oil and gas fields on the continental shelf of the Arctic.

3. To assign development and adoption, in accordance with the established procedure, of a federal special purpose program to the Government of the Russian Federation on creation of high-technology installations, machinery and equipment for offshore oil and gas exploitation and development of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic;

  • to consider, in cooperation with the administration in Severodvinsk, the issue of establishment of a commercial seaport in this city with utilization of available port facilities;

  • to explore, during the first half-year period of 1996, in cooperation with the administration in Severodvinsk, the issue of construction, drawing upon non-budgetary investments, of an oil refinery facility with a sea terminal;

  • to secure, from the second half-year of 1996 onwards, full financing for the approved programs of conversion of enterprises of the Russian State Center for Nuclear Shipbuilding (PO “Northern Machine-Building Enterprise,” GMP “Zvezdochka,” SPO “Arctica” and the “Polyarnaya Zvezda” factory), directed at production of marine technical facilities for development of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic;

  • to secure financing of the state defenсe order that is being fulfilled by the Russian State Center for Nuclear Shipbuilding, within prescribed timeframes;

  • to make provision for the utilization of marine technical facilities produced by enterprises of the Russian State Center for Nuclear Shipbuilding, during the conduct of works on hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic and among conditions of product-sharing agreements applicable during the process of exploration and exploitation of oil and gas on the continental shelf of the Arctic;

  • to ensure, with the engagement of commercial banks, the issuance of a credit facility in the amount of 480 bln Rubles in the second quarter of the year 1996 for the first priority construction of an offshore ice-resistant fixed platform at PO “Northern Machine-Building Enterprise” for the “Prirazlomnoe” deposit in the Barents Sea.

4. To instruct the Government of the Russian Federation to ensure, jointly with the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, that measures are taken in regard tio the timely financing of organizations in Severodvinsk.

3.13 Executive Order of the Government of the Russian Federation “Regarding the Meeting of the Ministers of Transport of the BEAC Member States in Arkhangelsk on the Issues of Development of Transport and Transport Infrastructure, Attracting International Investments for the Conduct of Priority Projects in the European North of the Russian Federation, and Development of Navigation Through the Northern Sea Route” (1996)

№ 1268-r dated August 14, 1996

With a view to ensuring the interests of the Russian Federation at the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC) during the Russian chairmanship of BEAC:

1. To conduct a meeting of the Ministers of Transport of the BEAC Member States in Arkhangelsk on September 10, 1996, on the issues of development of transport and transport infrastructure, attracting international investments for the conduct of priority projects in the European North of the Russian Federation, and development of navigation through the Northern Sea Route.

The Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of communication lines and the MFA of Russia shall define, upon agreement with the competent federal executive bodies and the executive bodies of subjects of the Russian Federation, composition of the Russian delegation for participation at the above-mentioned meeting.

Mr. N.P. Tsakhu, Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, shall chair the delegation.

2. The Ministry of Transport of Russia and the MFA of Russia shall ensure the conduct of the meeting of the Ministers of Transport of the BEAC Member States, with the participation of representatives of the BEAC Member States, Observer States, and international financial and transport organizations.

The Ministry of Transport of Russia shall take the opportunity offered by the participation of Mr. Kinnock, a member of the Commission of the European Communities, to carry out negotiations with the Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation in Moscow from September 12 to 13, 1996.

3. To entrust the Administration of the Arkhangelsk region with organizational and technical procurement of the participants of the meeting of the Ministers of Transport of the BEAC Members States (up to 100 people).

3.14 Resolution of the Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation “On the Current State of the Northern Sea Route and Securing Cargo Transportation Into the Areas of the Extreme North and Territories Equated to It” (1997)

№ 80-SF dated March 5, 1997

The Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, having observed and discussed information from the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on the current state of the Northern Sea Route and securing cargo transportation into the areas of the Extreme North and territories equated to it, notes as follows:

The Arctic transport system (the Northern Sea Route, river navigation and aviation enterprises of the European North, Siberia and the Russian Far East) that services[?] several industrial zones of the Russian North, is currently experiencing a significant crisis. In 1990–1996, the volume of cargo transportation into the areas of the Extreme North and territories equated to it fell by more than two thirds. The volume of air traffic has also decreased. Funds from the federal budget intended for transportation of cargo, maintenance of the icebreaker fleet and polar hydrography have been allocated with delay and are in deficiency. In view of this, transportation of cargo into the areas of the Extreme North and territories equated to it is performed annually by way of emergency measures. Navigation is delayed up to the critical path and takes place in extreme ice conditions, on the edge of risk for ships and their crews.

The Arctic fleet is deteriorating, whereas construction of new ice-class vessels is not in progress. Several tank ships, linear and seaport icebreakers, and oil-carrying vessels of river shipping companies call for urgent substitution. After the year 2020, half of the diesel-electric linear and seaport icebreakers will be written off. The program of the Russian Merchant Fleet Revival provided for production of ships for operation in the North, however, no funds from the federal budget were allocated for such production. Northern airports and regional airlines are on the verge of bankruptcy. The aircraft fleet, in place of those vessels that are being discarded, is not being replenished.

The current condition of the transport enterprises has been utterly complicated by defaults in payment for works performed and services rendered, the indebtedness of the federal budget arising out of state support for the icebreaker fleet, to navigational, hydrographic and hydrometeorological management[?], and to maintenance of navigational routes, all of which creates a threat to navigational safety.

There is no unified state policy for the Arctic.

The listed factors raise serious concerns about navigation in the year 1997 and the subsequent operation of the Arctic transport system.

The Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation resolves to:

  1. 1.

    Acknowledge that the crisis condition of the transport enterprises that carry out transportation through the Northern Sea Route, as well as of the organizations that ensure navigational, hydrographic, air and hydrometeorological management, against the background of write-offs of ships belonging to icebreaker, hydrographic and cargo fleets, as well as aerial vehicles, under the circumstances in which no replacement takes place, will lead to the destruction of the Arctic transport systems and hard economic consequences.

  2. 2.

    Draw the attention of the Government of the Russian Federation to the unsatisfactory coverage of expenses of the federal budget arising out of state support for the delivery of facilities (products) into the areas of the Extreme North and territories equated to it within a limited navigation period, the icebreaker fleet, polar hydrography, enterprises of the Federal service for hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring, airlines and maintenance of inland waterways.

  3. 3.

    Recommend to the Government of the Russian Federation that adoption of the fundamentals of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic be expedited and that a mechanism for their fulfillment be developed;

    • having ensured renewal of the maritime and river fleet, aircraft fleet, maintenance of navigation, hydrographic, hydrometeorological and air management and means of communication at the appropriate level, prepare and adopt a program for the revitalization and development of the Northern Sea Route;

    • secure, in 1997, budgetary financing of maintenance of the icebreaker fleet, state hydrographic enterprise, state basin authorities, enterprises of the Federal service for hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring, and airlines within the timeframe and in the amount stipulated in the Federal Act “Concerning the Federal Budget for 1997”;

    • carry out initiation of defaults on payments and all types of state indebtedness towards enterprises of river, maritime and air transport, including the indebtedness of subjects of the Russian Federation;

    • consider the issue of a procedure for the transfer of fuel, food supplies and other property left after the withdrawal of units of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation from the areas of the Extreme North, in favour of the Federal service for hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring, as well as airlines;

    • in cooperation with subjects of the Russian Federation, prepare a program of mandatory air traffic in the areas of the Extreme North, as well as define a procedure for allocating investment support to air transportation in these areas; resolve that aviation enterprises in the areas of the High North are not, as a rule, subject to privatization;

    • upon agreement with subjects of the Russian Federation, conduct transfer of local airports in the areas of the Extreme North to state property of subjects of the Russian Federation and municipal property.

  4. 4.

    This resolution takes effect on the day of its adoption.

3.15 Decree of the Ministry of Fuel and Energy “Regarding the Federal Special Purpose Program “Shelf” on the Creation of High-Technology Installations, Machinery and Equipment for Offshore Oil and gas Exploitation and Development of Hydrocarbon Deposits on the Continental Shelf of the Arctic” (1997)

№ 43 dated February 10, 1997

The Government of the Russian Federation, by way of the Decision dated December 7, 1996, № 1469 «Regarding the federal special purpose program “Shelf” on the creation of high-technology installations, machinery and equipment for offshore oil and gas exploitation and development of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic» pursuant to the Edict of the President of the Russian Federation dated May 23, 1996, № 765 “On introduction of an industrial and production basis for development of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic”:

  1. 1.

    Has approved the federal special purpose program “Shelf” on the creation of high-technology installations, machinery and equipment for offshore oil and gas exploitation and development of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic (hereinafter referred to as the “Program”), introduced by the Ministry of Economy of the Russian Federation in cooperation with the Ministry of the defense industry of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Industry of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Fuel and Energy of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation and the Russian joint stock company “Gazprom.”

  2. 2.

    Has approved nomination of the Ministry of the defense industry of the Russian Federation to the position of the state contracting customer.

  3. 3.

    Has instructed the Ministry of Economy of the Russian Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of the defense industry of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, in the process of finalization of the draft of the federal budget for the year 1997 and development of the federal budget proposals for subsequent years, to provide for necessary funds for realization of the Program within allotments that are issued to finance the conversion of the defense industry.

  4. 4.

    Has entrusted the Ministry of the defense industry of the Russian Federation to annually update, in light of progress to be made on the Program, the scope of works on the creation of high-technology installations, machinery and equipment for offshore oil and gas exploitation and development of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic.

The All-Russian Scientific Research Institute for Natural Gases and Gas Technologies (VNIIGAS) of the RJSC “Gazprom” has been defined in a Program as a principal executor in two main areas of scientific research, as well as experimental development works for the years 1997–2001 – in the subprograms “Standard” and “Exploitation.”

Pursuant to the Edict of the President of the Russian Federation dated May 23, 1996, № 765, the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation dated December 7, 1996, № 1469, and for the purpose of fulfillment of measures aimed at ensuring the performance of the federal special purpose program “Shelf” on the creation of high-technology installations, machinery and equipment for offshore oil and gas exploitation and development of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Arctic, I hereby order as follows:

  1. 1.

    Directors of the structural divisions of the Ministry abd the heads of branch divisions of the administration of the fuel and energy sector shall follow the Edict of the President of the Russian Federation dated May 23, 1996, № 765 and the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation dated December 7, 1996, № 1469.

  2. 2.

    The Department of scientific and technical progress (attention Kurashev V.D.), the Department of oil industry (attention Solomin V.P.), the Division of gas industry and gasification (attention Khaloshin O.Z.) and RJSC “Gazprom” (attention Vyakhirev R.I.) shall, in the process of preparation of annual drafts of investment and innovation programs, as well as annual proposals for allotments from the federal budget, take into account activities necessary for fulfillment of the Program, in accordance with the attachment to this decree, and shall submit them to the state contracting customer – the Ministry of the defense industry of the Russian Federation.

  3. 3.

    VNIIGAS of the RJSC “Gazprom,” in view of the results of works performed in 1995–1996 within the framework of the interdisciplinary scientific and research program of the Ministry of fuel and energy of Russia entitled “Interdisciplinary technical and economic issues related to development of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf” shall, by November 1, 2017, prepare a comprehensive subprogram “Standard” in which a list of regulatory documents and guidelines required for exploitation of oil and gas fields of the Arctic shelf of Russia shall be defined.

  4. 4.

    The Department of scientific and technical progress (attention Kurashev V.D.) and the RJSC “Gazprom” (attention Vyakhirev R.I.) shall, within a week, submit to the state contracting customer of the Program – the Ministry of the defense industry of the Russian Federation – proposals for nominations to the positions of representatives that will participate in the activities of its directorate.

  5. 5.

    The RJSC “Gazprom” shall, at its own cost, ensure development of the program of works on exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits on the Arctic shelf of Russia until 2010 and submit it to the Ministry of fuel and energy by the end of 1997.

  6. 6.

    The Department of scientific and technical progress (attention Kurashev V.D.), the Department of summary analysis and federal programs (attention Sharay A.F.), the Department of oil industry (attention Solomin V.P.) – as far as issues related to the oil industry are concerned, the Division of gas industry and gasification (attention Khaloshin O.Z.) – to the extent that issues related to the gas industry are concerned, and the Division of geological and geophysical exploration works (attention Khitrov L.M.) – in regard to issues related to development of a raw materials base for the offshore oil and gas industry, shall be entrusted with the general coordination of works performed under the Program.

  7. 7.

    Deputy Minister Bushuev V.V. shall be assigned control over fulfillment of this decree.

3.16 Executive Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia “Regarding Preparation of a State Standard of the Russian Federation Entitled “Requirements for Sea Pilots Guiding Vessels Through the Northern Sea Route. Training. Attestation” (2002)

№ vr-176-r dated December 2, 2002

To fulfill paragraph 4 of the decision of the collegium of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated June 25, 2002, № 7 “Concerning the condition of navigational and hydrographic management of sailing through the Northern Sea Route,” I hereby propose that:

  1. 1.

    The Department of navigation safety (attention Suslin M.I.) and the Division of Human resources and educational institutions of marine transport (attention Sarychev V.N.), upon engagement of the State unitary hydrographic enterprise (attention Medvedev V.I.) and the Admiral Makarov State maritime academy (attention Kostylev I.I.), shall develop and submit, in accordance with the established procedure, a draft of GOST R “Requirements for sea pilots guiding vessels through the Northern Sea Route. Training. Attestation” to the Gosstandart of Russia for approval no later than December 30. 2002.

  2. 2.

    Suslin M.I., Head of the Department of navigation safety, shall be entrusted to control compliance with this executive order.

3.17 Executive Order of the Government of the Russian Federation “On Permitting Entry of Cargo Ships Flying Foreign Flags Into Arctic Ports and Points” (2006)

№ 1855-r dated December 29, 2006

  1. 1.

    To accept the proposal of the Ministry of Transport of Russia approved by the Ministry of Defense of Russia, Federal Customs Service of Russia and Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, on permitting entry of, in 2007–2008:

    • cargo ships flying foreign flags into Arctic ports and points according to the list enclosed in annex № 1;

    • cargo ships flying foreign flags with crews composed of citizens of the Russian Federation;

    • into Arctic ports and points located on the territory of the Russian Federation, entry into which by foreign citizens is regulated, according to the list enclosed in annex № 2;

    • tank ships flying foreign flags with crews composed of citizens of the Russian Federation, into Arctic ports and points located on the territory of the Russian Federation, entry into which by foreign citizens is regulated, according to the list enclosed in annex № 3.

  2. 2.

    State border control in respect to the ships stipulated in paragraph 1 of this executive order shall be exercised at state border control terminals at sea ports that are open for entry by foreign ships.

Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation

Fradkov M.

Moscow, December 29, 2006, № 1855-r

Annex № 1

to the executive order of the RF Government dated December 29, 2006, № 1855-r.

List of Arctic ports and points, entry into which by cargo ships flying foreign flags in 2007–2008 is permitted.

1.

Amderma.

22.

Maly Taymyr.

2.

Anabar.

23.

Minina.

3.

Bely.

24.

Peschanyi.

4.

Bely Nos.

25.

Ponoy.

5.

Vaygach.

26.

Pravdy.

6.

Varandey.

27.

Russky.

7.

Victoria.

28.

Ruchyi.

8.

Vilkitsky.

29.

Sabetta.

9.

Vitino.

30.

Solnechnaya Bay.

10.

Geyberga.

31.

Sopochnaya Karga.

11.

Golomyannyi.

32.

Sredny.

12.

Dikson.

33.

Sterligova.

13.

Dudinka.

34.

Talata-Hard.

14.

Indigirka.

35.

Tiksi.

15.

Iondayaha.

36.

Uedineniya.

16.

Isachenko.

37.

Ust-Kara.

17.

Karataiha.

38.

Khatanga.

18.

Koyda.

39.

Chelyuskin.

19.

Kolgu.

40.

Shoyna.

20.

Kolyma.

41.

Yana.

21.

Leskin.

  

Annex № 2

to the executive order of the RF Government dated December 29, 2006, № 1855-r

List of Arctic ports and points located on the territory of the Russian Federation, entry into which by foreign citizens is regulated, where, in 2007–2008, entry of cargo ships flying foreign flags with crews composed of citizens of the Russian Federation is permitted.

  1. 1.

    Kamenny.

  2. 2.

    Novy Port.

  3. 3.

    Seyakha.

  4. 4.

    Tambey.

  5. 5.

    Harasavey.

  6. 6.

    Yamburg.

Annex № 3

to the executive order of the RF Government dated December 29, 2006, № 1855-r

List of Arctic ports and points located on the territory of the Russian Federation, entry into which by foreign citizens is regulated, where, in 2007–2008, entry of tank ships flying foreign flags with crews composed of citizens of the Russian Federation is permitted.

1.

Anadur.

11.

Nutepelmen.

2.

Billings.

12.

Pevek.

3.

Vankarem.

13.

Sireniki.

4.

Inchoun.

14.

Uelen.

5.

Konergino.

15.

Uelkal.

6.

Lavrentiya.

16.

Shmidtovsky.

7.

Lorino.

17.

Egvekinot.

8.

Neshkan.

18.

Enmelen.

9.

Novoe Chaplino.

19.

Enurmino.

10.

Nunligran.

20.

Yanrakynnot.

3.18 Fundamentals of the State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic for the Period up to 2020 and Beyond (2008)

Adopted by the President of the Russian Federation

Pr-1969, September 18, 2008

I. General Provisions

1. The present Fundamentals determine the main objectives, primary goals, strategic priorities and mechanisms of realization of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic, and also the system of measures of strategic planning of the social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and maintenance of the national safety of Russia.

2. In the present Fundamentals, the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation means the part of the ArcticFootnote 1 that includes, in full or in part, the territories of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Murmansk and Arkhangelsk provinces, the Krasnoyarsk territory, and the Nenets, Yamal-Nenets and Chukchi autonomous districts, as established by the decision of the State Commission of the Council of Ministers of the USSR on Arctic affairs of April 22, 1989, and also the areas and islands specified in the Decision of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR of April 15, 1926 «On the announcement of areas and islands located in the Arctic Ocean as the territory of the USSR», and the internal maritime waters, territorial sea, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Russian Federation adjoining to such territories, areas and islands, within which Russia enjoys sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law.

The limits of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation can be specified according to normative legal acts of the Russian Federation and norms of international treaties and agreements to which the Russian Federation is a party.

3. The specificities of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation influencing the formation of the state policy in the Arctic are as follows:

  1. a)

    the extreme natural-climatic conditions, including a permanent ice cover or drifting ice in the Arctic seas;

  2. b)

    the focal character of industrial-economic development of territories and a low population density;

  3. c)

    the remoteness from basic industrial centers, high resource consumption and the dependence of economic activities and life-support of the population on deliveries of fuel, foodstuffs and essential commodities from other regions of Russia;

  4. d)

    the low sustainability of ecological systems determining the biological balance and climate of the Earth, and their dependence on even insignificant anthropogenous impacts.

II. National Interests of the Russian Federation in the Arctic

4. The basic national interests of the Russian Federation in the Arctic are:

  1. a)

    use of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation as a strategic resource base for providing the solutions to problems of the country’s social and economic development;

  2. b)

    maintenance of the Arctic as a zone of peace and cooperation;

  3. c)

    preservation of the unique ecological systems of the Arctic;

  4. d)

    use of the Northern Sea Route as a national single transport passageway[?] for the Russian Federation in the Arctic.

5. National interests determine the basic objectives, primary goals and strategic priorities of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic.

The realization of national interests of the Russian Federation in the Arctic is provided by institutions of state power, together with institutions of civil society, in strict conformity with the legislation of the Russian Federation and its international treaties.

III. Basic Objectives and Strategic Priorities of the State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic

6. The basic objectives of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic are:

  1. a)

    in the sphere of social and economic development – an expansion of the resource base of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation capable of substantially meeting the nation’s requirement in regard to hydrocarbon resources, water biological resources and other kinds of strategic raw material;

  2. b)

    in the sphere of military security, defense and the protection of the state border of the Russian Federation that lies in the Arctic zone – maintenance of a favorable operative regime in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including maintenance of a necessary fighting potential of groupings of general purpose armies (forces) of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other armies, military formations and organs in this region;

  3. c)

    in the sphere of environmental security – preservation and maintenance of environmental protection of the Arctic, and liquidation of the ecological consequences of economic activities in the conditions of increasing economic activity and global changes in climate;

  4. d)

    in the sphere of information technologies and communication – formation of a uniform information area of the Russian Federation in its Arctic zone, taking into account natural specificities;

  5. e)

    in the sphere of science and technology – maintenance of a sufficient level of fundamental and applied scientific researches on the accumulation of knowledge and creation of modern scientific and geo-information bases of management of the Arctic territories, including working out means for dealing with defense and security issues, and also reliable functioning of life-support systems and economic activity in the natural-climatic conditions of the Arctic;

  6. f)

    in the sphere of international cooperation – maintenance of a mutually advantageous bilateral and multilateral cooperation treatment of the Russian Federation with the sub-Arctic states on the basis of international treaties and agreements to which the Russian Federation is a party.

7. The strategic priorities of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic are:

  1. a)

    carrying out of an active interaction of the Russian Federation with the sub-Arctic states, with a view toward delimitation of maritime areas on the basis of norms of international law, mutual arrangements, taking into account the national interests of the Russian Federation, and the tackling issues of an international legal substantiation of the external border of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  2. b)

    building-up of efforts of the sub-Arctic states for the creation of a uniform regional system of search and rescue, and also prevention of human-caused accidents and liquidation of their consequences, including coordination of the activity of rescue forces;

  3. c)

    strengthening, on a bilateral basis and within the framework of regional organizations, including the Arctic Council and the Barents/Euro-Arctic region Council, the good-neighborhood relationship of Russia with the sub-Arctic states, atomization of economic, scientific, technical, and cultural interaction, and also frontier cooperation, including in the field of effective natural resource management and environmental preservation in the Arctic;

  4. d)

    assistance in the organization and effective utilization of transit and cross-Polar air routes in the Arctic, and also in the use of the Northern Sea Route for international navigation under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and according to the international treaties of the Russian Federation:

  5. e)

    activization of the participation of official Russian agencies and public organizations in the work of international forums devoted to the problematic aspects of the Arctic, including the inter-parliamentary interaction within the framework of the Russia – European Union partnership;

  6. f)

    delimitation of maritime spaces in the Arctic Ocean and maintenance of a mutually advantageous presence of Russia on the Spitsbergen archipelago;

  7. g)

    perfection of the system of state management of the social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including through expansion of fundamental and applied scientific researches in the Arctic;

  8. h)

    improvement of the quality of life of the indigenous population and social conditions of economic activities in the Arctic;

  9. i)

    development of the resource base of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation through the use of perspective technologies;

  10. j)

    modernization and development of the infrastructure of the Arctic transport system and the fishery complex in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

IV. Primary Goals and Measures Regarding the Realization of the State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic

8. The basic objectives of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic are realized through solution of the following main problems:

  1. a)

    in the sphere of social and economic development, it is necessary:

    • to carry out geologic-geophysical, hydrographic and cartographical works for the preparation of materials with a view towards substantiation of the external border of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

    • to provide an essential increase in the balance of mineral resources of the Arctic sea deposits, including through realization of the governmental program of investigation and exploitation of the continental shelf of the Russian Federation, and also the beginning of works on the development of oil and gas deposits in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

    • to carry out the conception and introduction of new kinds of technique and technology for the development of sea mineral deposits and water biological resources in the Arctic conditions, including in the areas covered with ice, so as to form a fleet of aircraft and fishery vessels, as well as the necessary supporting infrastructure for work in the conditions of the Arctic;

    • to optimize the economic mechanisms of the “Northern delivery” through the use of renewed and alternative, including local, energy sources, reconstruction and modernization of power installations that have worked out their resource, and the introduction of power-saving materials and technologies;

    • to provide re-structuring of volumes of cargo transportation through the Northern Sea Route, including through state support of the construction of vessels of icebreaking, rescue and auxiliary fleets, as well as coastal infrastructure;

    • to form a system of monitoring over the maintenance of navigation safety and management of transportation flows in the areas of intensive navigation, including through the realization of a set of measures aimed at hydro-meteorological and navigating maintenance in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

    • to create a complex safety system for the protection of the territories, population and objects of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, which are crucial for the national security of the Russian Federation in regard to threats of extreme situations of a natural and technogenic character.

    • The basic measures for the realization of the state policy in the field of social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are:

    • state support of the managing subjects that are carrying out their activity in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, first of all, in the sphere of development of resources of hydrocarbons, other minerals and water biological resources, through the introduction of innovative technologies, development of a transport and power infrastructure, and perfection of tariff-customs and tax regulation;

    • stirring up of the realization of new projects of economic development of the Arctic territories by their cofinancing through budgets at various levels of the budgetary system of the Russian Federation and off-budget sources, as well as maintenance of the state guarantees of remuneration of labor, including after the realization of works by a shiftforwarding method;

    • modernization of objects of the social infrastructure, including establishments of education, public health and the development of housing construction, including within the framework of the realization of projects of national priority;

    • maintenance of the formation and retraining of specialists from the system of higher and average vocational education for work in Arctic conditions, specification of the state social guarantees and indemnification for persons working and living in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation:

    • maintenance regarding the availability and quality of health services for all groups of the population living and working in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including through expansion of the system of medical assistants and first aid;

    • perfection of educational programs for the indigenous population of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, especially concerning the preparation of children for life in modern society, with high-grade development of the skills necessary to reside in an extreme natural environment, including equipment of educational institutions and distant settlements with the means of remote training;

    • maintenance of rational wildlife management and the development of environmentally secure forms of tourism in places of compact residence and the traditional managing of less numerous indigenous populations, including preservation of their cultural heritage, languages, and national arts and crafts;

  2. b)

    in the sphere of military security, defense and protection of the state border of the Russian Federation that lies in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, it is necessary:

    • to create groupings of armies (forces) for the general purpose of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other armies, military formations and organs (first of all, boundary organs) in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, capable of providing military security under various conditions of a military-political situation;

    • to optimize the system of complex control over the situation in the Arctic, including the boundary control at the checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation, introduction of a border zone regime in the administrative-territorial formations of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and the organization of a device of technical control over the strait zones, rivers estuaries, and firths on the itinerary of the Northern Sea Route;

    • to bring the possibilities of the boundary organs into line with the character of the threats and challenges of the Russian Federation in the Arctic.

    • The basic measures for the realization of the state policy in the sphere of military security, defense and protection of the state border of the Russian Federation that lies in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are as follows:

    • creation of an actively functioning system of coast guards of the Federal security service of the Russian Federation in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and an increase in the efficiency of interaction with boundary departments (coast guards) of the adjacent states concerning combating terrorism on the sea, suppression of illicit activity, illegal migration, and protection of water biological resources;

    • development of a boundary infrastructure of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and the technical re-equipment of boundary organs;

    • creation of a system of complex control over the surface situation, and strengthening of state control over trade activity in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  3. c)

    In the sphere of environmental security, it is necessary:

    • to ensure preservation of the biological diversity of the Arctic florae and faunae, including by expansion of a network of specially protected natural territories and water areas, taking into account the national interests of the Russian Federation and the necessity of preservation of the natural environment in the conditions of expansion of economic activities and global climate changes;

    • to carry out a planned recycling of vessels with nuclear power installations, in which the prescribed operation target terms have been worked out.

    • The basic measures for the realization of the state policy in the sphere of maintenance of environmental security in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are:

    • introduction of special regimes of wildlife management and protection of the natural environment in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including monitoring of its pollution;

    • restoration of natural landscapes, recycling of toxic industrial wastes, and maintenance of chemical safety, first of all, in places of compact residence of the population;

  4. d)

    In the sphere of information technologies and communication, it is necessary:

    • To introduce modern information-telecommunication technologies and means (including mobile) of communications, tele – and radio broadcasting, control of maritime and air navigation, remote sounding of the Earth, carrying out of area shootings of the ice cover, and also a system of hydrometeorological and hydrographic maintenance and maintenance of scientific expeditionary researches;

    • to create a reliable system of rendering of navigating, hydrometeorological and information services, providing an effective control of economic, military, and environmental activity in the Arctic, including the forecasting and prevention of emergency situations, and minimization of damage in cases of their occurrence, including through the use of the global navigating satellite system GLONASS and the multi-purpose space system.

The basic measures for the realization of the state policy in the sphere of information technologies and communication in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation should be directed toward working out and widely spreading the use of the newest technologies, including space means of different functions and multiprocessing of universal, territorially distributed networks;

  1. e)

    In the scientific and technical sphere, it is necessary:

    • to introduce new technologies, including for the clearing of the territories of islands, coastal zones and water areas of the Arctic seas of anthropogenous pollution, and also for developing materials adapted for the natural –climatic conditions of the Arctic;

    • to provide realization of the government program of development of the scientific research fleet of the Russian Federation, as well as providing investigations in the field of deep-water activity and hydronautics, including introduction of technical means and instrument bases adapted for carrying out scientific polar investigations.

    • The basic measures for the realization of the state policy in the field of scientific researches and scientific maintenance of activity in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are:

    • substantiation of long-term prospects and basic directions of development of various forms of activity in the Arctic;

    • studying of dangerous and crisis-level natural phenomena, and the conception and introduction of modern technologies and methods of forecasting them in the conditions of a varying climate;

    • forecast and estimation of the consequences of global climatic changes occurring in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation under the influence of natural and anthropogenous factors, in the both the intermediate and long-term prospects, including an increase in stability of objects of the infrastructure;

    • carrying out investigations in the field of history, culture and regional economy, and also legal regulation of activity in the Arctic;

    • studying of the influence of harmful environmental factors on the health of the population, development of requirements on health care of the population and polar explorers, and substantiation of a set of actions directed at improvement of the inhabitancy of the population and disease prevention.

9. The attainment of the primary goals of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic is realized within the framework of the strategic planning of social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and maintenance of the national security of Russia by:

  1. a)

    conception and realization of the strategy of development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, taking into account the problems of maintenance of national security;

  2. b)

    creation of a complex system of monitoring, including perfection of the system of information-statistical supervision over indicators of national security in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  3. c)

    preparation of normative legal acts of the Russian Federation concerning the specification of geographical limits of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including its southern limits, and also a list of the municipal entities within the limits of the above-mentioned zone and their status;

  4. d)

    increase in the efficiency of management by the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

V. Basic Mechanisms of Realization of the State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic

10. The state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic is carried out by means of the purposeful and coordinated activity of interested federal enforcement authorities, public authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation, local governments, commercial and noncommercial organizations, according to their powers and spheres of activity within the principles of public-private partnership, and also within the framework of cooperation of the Russian Federation with foreign states and international organizations, including:

  1. a)

    perfection, taking into account the national interests of Russia and the specificity of the region, of legislation of the Russian Federation in the spheres of social and economic development, preservation of the environment, military security, defense and protection of the border, and the carrying out of scientific researches and international cooperation in the Arctic on the basis of norms of international law and international obligations of the Russian Federation;

  2. b)

    conception and realization of target programs financed at the expense of budgets at various levels of the budgetary system of the Russian Federation and off-budget sources;

  3. c)

    working out, by subjects of the Russian Federation, of strategies of social and economic development of subjects of the Russian Federation, schemes of territorial planning and programs of social and economic development;

  4. d)

    ) highlighting in mass media of the questions connected to the national interests of the Russian Federation in the Arctic, including theorganization of exhibitions, conferences, and «round tables» devoted to the history of development of the Arctic by Russian explorers, with a view towards formation of a positive image of Russia;

  5. e)

    organization of a system of monitoring and analysis of the realization of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic.

VI. Realization of the State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic

11. The present Fundamentals are being realized stage by stage:

  1. a)

    in the first stage (2008–2010), the following should be provided:

    • Carrying out of geologic-geophysical, hydrographic, cartographical and other works regarding the preparation of materials for substantiation of the external border of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

    • expansion of possibilities of international cooperation, including for effective development of the natural resources of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

    • realization of target programs financed at the expense of budgets at various levels of the budgetary system of the Russian Federation and off-budget sources, including formation of a government program of development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation for the period leading up to 2020, during which frameworks for hi-tech industrial-power and industrial-fishery clusters and special economic zones of a basic character will be created;

    • realization of prospective investment projects within the framework of the public-private partnership, connected with strategic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  2. b)

    in the second stage (2011–2015), the following should be provided:

    • an international legal formation of the external border of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and realization, on this basis, of competitive advantages of Russia regarding the exploitation and transportation of energy resources;

    • solution of problems of a structural reorganization of the economy in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation on the basis of development of a mineral-raw-material base and the water biological resources of the region;

    • creation and development of an infrastructure and control system of communications along the Northern Sea Route for solving problems of maintenance of Eurasian transit;

    • termination of the creation of a uniform information area of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  3. c)

    in the third stage (2016–2020), transformation of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation into a leading strategic resource base should be completed.

As a whole, in the intermediate term, realization of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic will allow Russia to maintain the role of a leading Arctic power.

Further, it is necessary to carry out a complex building-up of competitive advantages of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation with a view toward strengthening the positions of Russia in the Arctic, consolidation of international security, and maintenance of the peace and stability of the Arctic region.

3.19 Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation “Concerning Approval of the Rules of Navigation in the Water Area of the Northern Sea Route” (2013, as Amended)

№ 7 dated January 17, 2013

In accordance with item 2 of article 5.1 of the Federal Law dated April 30, 1999, № 81-ФЗ “Code of commercial navigation of the Russian Federation” (Collection of laws of the Russian Federation, 1999, № 18, art. 2207; 2001, № 22, art. 2125; 2003, № 27 (p.1), art. 2700; 2004, № 15, art. 1519, № 45, art. 4377; 2005, № 52 (p.1), art. 5581; 2006, № 50, art. 5279; 2007, № 46, art. 5557, № 50, art. 6246; 2008 № 29 (p.1), art. 3418, № 30 (p.2), art. 3616, № 49, art. 5748; 2009, № 1, art. 30, № 29, art.3625; 2010, № 27, art.3425, № 48, art. 6246; 2011, № 23, art. 3253, № 25, art.3534, № 30 (p.1), art. 4590, 4596, № 45, art. 6335, № 48, art. 6728; 2012, № 18, art. 2128, № 25, art. 3268, № 31, art. 4321) and item 5.2.53.12 of the Provision on the Transport Ministry of the Russian Federation approved by the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation dated July 30, 2004, № 395 (Collection of laws of the Russian Federation, 2004, № 32, 3342; 2006, № 15, art. 1612, № 24, art. 2601, № 52 (p.3), art. 5587; 2008, № 8, art. 740, № 11 (p.1), art. 1029, № 17, art. 1883, № 18, art. 2060, № 22, art.2576, № 42, art. 4825, № 46, art. 5337; 2009, №3, art. 378, № 4, art.506, №6, art.738, № 13, art. 1558, № 18 (p.2), art. 2249, № 32, art.4046, № 33, art.4088, №36, art. 4361, №51, art.6332; 2010, №6, art. 650, 652, №11, art.1222, №12, art.1348, №13, art.1502, №15, art.1805,№ 25, art. 3172, №26, art.3350, №31, art. 4251; 2011, №14, art. 1935, №26, art.3801, 3804, № 32, art.4832, №38, art.5389, №46, art. 6526, № 47, art.6660, №48, 6922; 2012, №6, art.686, №14, art.1630, №19, art. 2439, №44, art.6029.№49, art. 6881), I hereby order:

That the attached Rules of navigation on the water area of the Northern Sea Route be approved.

Minister M.Yu. Sokolov

RULES of Navigation in the Water Area of the Northern Sea Route

  • I. General

1. Rules of navigation on the water area of the Northern Sea Route (hereinafter referred to as the Rules) were developed in compliance with items 2 and 4 of article 5.1 of the Federal Law dated April 30, 1999, № 81- ФЗ (FL) “Code of commercial navigation of the Russian Federation”Footnote 2 (hereinafter referred to as the CCN), and item 5.2.53.12 of the Provision on the Transport Ministry of the Russian Federation approved by the Decision of the Government of the Russian Federation dated July 30, 2004, № 395,Footnote 3 and establish the order of the organization of the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, rules for icebreaker assistance in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, rules for ice pilotage of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, rules for track assistance of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, provision on the navigational-hydrographic and hydrometeorological support of the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, rules for radio communication of the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, requirements for ships in relation to the safety of navigation and protection of the marine environment against pollution from ships, and other provisions related to the organization of the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

  • II. Procedure of the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route

2. In accordance with item 3 of article 5.1 of the CCN, management of the navigation of ships in the water areas of the Northern Sea Route is realized by the Northern Sea Route Administration established as a federal government institution (hereinafter referred to as the NSR Administration).

In the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the authorization-based order of the navigation of ships is in force.

3. Granting permission for the navigation of a ship in the water area of the Northern Sea Route (hereinafter referred to as permission) is effected by the NSR Administration on the basis of the application of the shipowner, a representative of the shipowner or the ship master (hereinafter referred to as an application), with indication of the full denomination and (if any) identification number of the International Maritime Organization (hereinafter referred to as an IMO numberFootnote 4), the family name, first name, and patronymic (if any) of the supervisor, along with a contact phone, fax, and e-mail address for a legal person, or the family name, first name, and patronymic (if any) of the applicant, along with a contact phone, fax, and e-mail address for a physical person. The application should contain the confirmation that the shipowner ensures the compliance of the ship with the present Rules prior to the ship entering into the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

The application in Russian or in English should be presented in electronic form (pdf format file).

4. The following documents, in Russian and/or in English, presented in the electronic form (pdf format files), must be attached to the application:

  1. 1)

    information about the ship and the voyage, according to annex № 1 to the present Rules;

  2. 2)

    copy of the classification certificate or vessel’s certificate;

  3. 3)

    copy of the measurement certificate or vessel’s certificate;

  4. 4)

    copies of documents certifying the availability of insurance or of other financial provision of civil liability for damage by pollution or any other damage inflicted by the ship, as established by international treaties of the Russian Federation and legislation of the Russian FederationFootnote 5;

  5. 5)

    for any ship making a one-time passage outside of the specified areas and season of navigation – a copy of the certificate issued by the organization authorized for the classification and certification of ships and which has approved the one-time passage;

  6. 6)

    for any ship carrying out towing, including that of floating drilling rigs – a copy of the certificate issued by the organization authorized for the classification and certification of ships and which has approved the towing […].

5. If the applicant is a physical person authorized by the shipowner, the following documents, in Russian and/or English, presented in electronic form (pdf format files), must additionally be attached to the application:

  1. 1)

    copy of a document identifying the applicant;

  2. 2)

    copy of a document confirming the authority of the person who signed the application.

6. The application, with the documents attached in compliance with items 4 and 5 of the present Rules, is to be sent to the e-mail address indicated in the contact information on the official site of the NSR Administration on the Internet (hereinafter referred to as the official site) no earlier than 120 calendar days and no later than 15 working days before the intended date of the entrance of the ship into the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

7. The application is accepted for consideration on the date of its reception by the NSR Administration or, if the application was received on a day off or a holiday, on the first day following said day off or holiday.

8. The NSR Administration, no later than two working days after the reception of the application for consideration, will post the information on the received application (indicating the date of the reception of the application for consideration) on the official site.

9. The NSR Administration will consider the application within 10 working days of its reception.

10. In case of the decision by the NSR Administration to grant permission for ship to navigate in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, no later than two working days after the decision is taken, the permission will be posted on the official site, providing the following information:

  1. 1)

    name of ship;

  2. 2)

    flag of ship;

  3. 3)

    IMO number;

  4. 4)

    date of the beginning and end of the permission’s validity (the time of the validity of the permission should not exceed 365 calendar days);

  5. 5)

    route of the navigation (area of operation) of ship in the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  6. 6)

    information on the need for icebreaker assistance of a ship under heavy, medium or light ice conditions, with indication of the sections of the water area of the Northern Sea Route (southwestern part of the Kara Sea, northeastern part of the Kara Sea, western part of the East Siberian Sea, eastern part of the East Siberian Sea, western part of the Laptev Sea, eastern part of the Laptev Sea, Chukchi Sea) and the period of navigation indicated in annex 2 to the present Rules, when the ship is to navigate under icebreaker assistance.

11. In case of a decision by the NSR Administration to refuse permission for the ship to navigate in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, a notification is to be sent by e-mail to the applicant signed by the head of the NSR Administration (or by a substituting person) with the indication of the reasons for the refusal to grant permission.

12. The NSR Administration, no later than two days after deciding on the refusal to grant the permission, will post the relevant information on the official site.

13. The ship that was granted permission should not enter the water area of the Northern Sea Route earlier than on the date of the beginning of the term of validity of the permission and should leave the water area of the Northern Sea Route no later than on the date of the end of the term of validity of the permission.

If the ship cannot leave the Northern Sea Route water area before the expiration of the validity of the permission, the shipmaster must immediately inform the NSR Administration of that fact, indicating the reasons for the violation of the requirements of the first paragraph of the present item, and act according to the NSR Administration’s instructions.

14. When a ship moves towards the water area of the Northern Sea Route from the west, 72 hours before approaching meridian 33° E (hereinafter referred to as the Western boundary) or moves towards the water area of the Northern Sea Route from the east, 72 hours before approaching parallel 62° N and/or meridian 169°W (hereinafter referred to as the Eastern boundary) or immediately after the departure from the sea port (if the navigational period of the ship after the departure from sea port to the Western or the Eastern boundary is less than 72 hours), the ship master must accordingly inform the NSR Administration about the planned time of arrival of the ship at the Western or Eastern boundary, as well as send the following information:

  1. 1)

    name of the ship;

  2. 2)

    IMO number of the ship;

  3. 3)

    port/place of destination;

  4. 4)

    maximum operating draft of the ship in m;

  5. 5)

    type and amount of cargo carried by the ship in metric t;

  6. 6)

    presence, amount in metric t and class of dangerous cargo carried by the ship;

  7. 7)

    fuel capacity in metric t at the moment of the report;

  8. 8)

    fresh water capacity subject to replenishment by fresh water from the ship’s distilling plant (if any) at the moment of the report (number of days during which the ship can move without replenishment of its fresh water must be specified);

  9. 9)

    subsistence reserve and other elements of the ship’s supply at the moment of the report (the number of days during which the ship can move without replenishment of its provisions and other elements of its supply must be specified);

  10. 10)

    number of crew members and passengers;

  11. 11)

    information on any malfunction of the ship’s machinery and maintenance facilities, as well as any other information that influences navigational safety.

15. 24 hours before approaching the Western or Eastern boundary, the ship master must again notify the NSR Administration of the planned time of arrival of the ship at the appropriate boundary.

16. At the departure of the ship from a sea port of the Russian Federation situated in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the ship master must immediately inform the NSR Administration of the time of departure, as well as send the information in compliance with item 14 of the present Rules.

17. At the entrance of the ship into the water area of the Northern Sea Route from inland water ways of the Russian Federation, the ship master must inform the NSR Administration of the time of the entrance, as well as send the information in compliance with item 14 of the present Rules.

18. While entering the Western or Eastern boundary, the ship master must inform the NSR Administration of the planned time of the entrance of the ship into the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the geographical coordinates, track and speed of the ship at the moment of the report.

19. At the entrance of the ship into the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the ship master must inform the NSR Administration of the actual time of the entrance of the ship into the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the geographical coordinates, track and speed of the ship at the moment of the report.

20. After the completion of navigation through the water area of the Northern Sea Route, on leaving the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the ship master must inform the NSR Administration of the actual time of departure from the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the geographical coordinates, track and speed of the ship at the moment of the report.

After completion of navigation through the water area of the Northern Sea Route, while the ship is calling at a sea port of the Russian Federation situated in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, immediately after the the ship has called, the master must inform the NSR Administration of the time of the call of the ship at the port, with an indication of the name of the sea port.

  • III. Rules for the icebreaker assistance of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route

21. Icebreaker assistance is rendered by those icebreakers authorized to navigate under the State flag of the Russian Federation.Footnote 6

22. Icebreaker assistance involves ensuring safety of navigation of a ship in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the ship being in the zone covered by radio communication with an icebreaker on channel 16 of very high frequency (hereinafter referred to as the VHFFootnote 7), namely, ice reconnaissance by an icebreaker making channels in ice, formation of a group of ships and allocation of ships following the icebreaker/icebreakers, and sailing of the ship through the channel in tow behind the icebreaker, without towing in the independent mode or within a group of ships.

23. Information on the necessity for icebreaker assistance under heavy, medium or light ice conditions while sailing in the water area of the Northern Sea Route will be provided by the NSR Administration in the permission (sub-item 6 of item 10 of the present Rules).

24. In compliance with item 5 of article 5.1 of the CCN, the fee rate for icebreaker assistance of a ship in the water area of the Northern Sea Route is determined according to the legislation of the Russian Federation on natural monopolies, taking into account the capacity of the ship, the ice class of the ship, the distance over which it is escorted and the period of navigation.

25. The point and time of the beginning and end of icebreaker assistance of a ship will be agreed upon by the shipowner and the organization rendering the service of icebreaker assistance in the water area of the Northern Sea Route (hereinafter referred to as the organization rendering the service of icebreaker assistance).

26. While approaching the point of the formation of a group of ships to follow the icebreaker/icebreakers (hereinafter referred to as the convoy), the coordinates of which are fixed by the organization rendering the service of icebreaker assistance, or in a case of the escorting of one ship by an icebreaker to the point of meeting with another[?] icebreaker, the coordinates of which are fixed by the icebreaker master, the ship must establish radio communication on VHF channel 16 and act in compliance with his instructions.

27. The ice convoy is under control of the master of the icebreaker rendering icebreaker assistance to the ships.

28. The order of the allocation of ships within the ice convoy is specified by the master of the icebreaker rendering assistance.

29. Ships within the ice convoy, at the command of the icebreaker rendering assistance, will change over to the VHF channel of communication indicated by the icebreaker.

30. The Master of the ship, while moving in the ice convoy, has to ensure:

  • the placing of the ship within the convoy in compliance with the instruction of the master of the icebreaker;

  • abidance by the ship of its place within the ice convoy, as well as the ship’s speed and distance from the ship ahead of it in compliance with the instruction of the master of the icebreaker;

  • fulfillment of the instructions of the master of the icebreaker in connection with the icebreaker assistance;

  • the immediate transfer to the icebreaker of any information about the impossibility of maintaining the ship’s fixed place within the ice convoy, as well as the ship’s speed and/or distance from any other ship in the ice convoy;

  • verification of the water level in the bilge wells every hour and after any powerful impact of the ship against ice;

  • the immediate transfer to the icebreaker of any information about damages inflicted on the ship.

  • IV. Rules for the pilot ice assistance of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route

31. The pilot ice assistance of ships is carried out for the purpose of ensuring safety of navigation for ships and the prevention of accidents, as well as protection of the marine environment in the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

32. In compliance with item 5 of article 5.1 of the CCN, the fee rate for pilot ice assistance in the water area of the Northern Sea Route is determined in accordance with legislation of the Russian Federation on natural monopolies, taking into account the capacity of the ship, the ice class of the ship, the distance over which it is escorted and the period of navigation.

33. The person carrying out the pilot ice assistance of the ships authorized for pilot ice assistance in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, with a service record of no less than three years as a ship master or chief mate on sea ships with a capacity of 3000 t or more, out of which at least six months must have been spent on the navigation of a ship under ice conditions, and being a worker within the organization rendering the services of pilot ice assistance of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route (hereinafter referred to as the ice pilot), must give recommendations to the ship master during the navigation of the ship under ice conditions in the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

34. During the pilot ice assistance of a ship, the ice pilot must give recommendations to the ship master regarding:

  • assessment of the ice conditions and the possibility of safe navigation of the ship under these conditions;

  • selection of the optimum route for the movement of the ship and of the relevant scenario of the independent navigation of the ship in ice;

  • selection of the speed and ways of performing maneuvers so that the ship might avoid any dangerous interaction of the hull and rudder propeller system with ice;

  • ways of maintaining a safe speed and distance from the icebreaker or the ship ahead when moving in the convoy;

  • ways of executing the instructions of the masters of the icebreakers rendering assistance to the ships.

35. For the purpose of carrying out pilot ice assistance, the ice pilot should have at his disposal the following logistic support and equipment:

  1. 1)

    navigational nautical charts, guides and manuals describing the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  2. 2)

    navigational, hydrometeorological and hydraulic information in relation to the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  3. 3)

    special warm clothing matching the climatic conditions of the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

36. While carrying out pilot ice assistance in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the ice pilot is entitled:

  1. 1)

    to use the shipboard radio station and other means of communication;

  2. 2)

    to use all shipboard means of navigational equipment and auxiliary facilities;

  3. 3)

    to receive from the ship master information on the structural, operational features and the current state of the navigational instruments, engine installations, steering, thruster, anchor and other arrangements that ensure the ship’s movement and maneuvering control;

  4. 4)

    to receive from the ship master information on the ship’s name, call signs, and characteristics (length, beam, draft, height of the masts above water, speed, availability of the thrusters, data on the draft, loading, stability and insubmersibility).

37. Before the beginning of pilotage of the ship, the ice pilot is liable:

  1. 1)

    on arrival aboard the ship, to show the ship master a certificate;

  2. 2)

    to agree with the ship master’s plan for the forthcoming voyage in the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  3. 3)

    to agree with the ship master’s plan for the forthcoming movement in the ice convoy or sailing solo behind the icebreaker;

  4. 4)

    to agree with the ship master on the order of interaction in the control of the ship, as well as the control of the consequences of the execution of instructions of the ship master in the process of the forthcoming pilot ice assistance of the ship;

  5. 5)

    to agree with the ship master on the time of rest for the ice pilot.

38. The ice pilot is taken aboard at a sea port of the Russian Federation, at the foreign port from which the ship is to move into the water area of the Northern Sea Route or at the point of reception of the ice pilot.

39. The ice pilot disembarks at a sea port of the Russian Federation, or at the foreign port that is the first port of the calling of the ship after transit through the water area of the Northern Sea Route, as well as at the point of disembarkation of the ice pilot.

40. 24, 12 and 3 hours before approaching the point at which the ice pilot is to be taken aboard, the ship master will inform the organization rendering the service of ice pilot assistance of the time of the approach of the ship to the point at which the ice pilot is to be taken aboard.

41. The ice pilot, after having been taken aboard, is required to show the ship master a certificate and receipt indicating the following information:

  1. 1)

    number of the receipt;

  2. 2)

    name, first name, and patronimic (if any) of the ice pilot;

  3. 3)

    name of ship;

  4. 4)

    flag of ship;

  5. 5)

    IMO number of ship;

  6. 6)

    call sign of ship;

  7. 7)

    type of ship;

  8. 8)

    the ship’s dimensions: overall length, overall width in meters;

  9. 9)

    the forward and aft draft in meters;

  10. 10)

    last port of the ship’s call;

  11. 11)

    port of destination;

  12. 12)

    type and amount of cargo in metric tons;

  13. 13)

    number of passengers;

  14. 14)

    name of the shipowner;

  15. 15)

    name of the ship agent;

  16. 16)

    date and time of the arrival of the ice pilot aboard the ship;

  17. 17)

    date and time of the departure of the ice pilot from the ship;

  18. 18)

    information on the initial and final points of the route of pilot ice assistance;

  19. 19)

    information on the comments by the ship master (if any);

  20. 20)

    family name, first name, patronymic (if any) of the ship master;

  21. 21)

    date of the filling out of the receipt.

The receipt is to be signed by the ship master and certified by the ship’s seal.

All entries in the receipt should be duplicated in English.

  • V. Rules for the assistance of ships on seaways of the water area of the Northern Sea Route

42. When a ship moves along the seaways in the water area of the Northern Sea Route after crossing the Western or Eastern boundary and before leaving the water area of the Northern Sea Route, once a day at 12.00 Moscow time, the ship master must send to the NSR Administration the following information at the moment of reporting:

  1. 1)

    name of the ship and her IMO number;

  2. 2)

    geographical coordinates of the ship (latitude and longiture);

  3. 3)

    planned time of the ship’s leaving the water area of the Northern Sea Route or planned time of the arrival of the ship at the seaport situated in the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  4. 4)

    route of the ship, with an accuracy of one degree;

  5. 5)

    speed of the ship in knots, with an accuracy of one knot;

  6. 6)

    type of ice, thickness of the ice in meters and concentration of the ice at points;

  7. 7)

    temperature of the ambient air in centigrade degrees, with an accuracy of one degree;

  8. 8)

    temperature of the outside water in centigrade degrees, with an accuracy of one degree;

  9. 9)

    direction of the wind, with an accuracy of 10 degrees;

  10. 10)

    speed of the wind, with an accuracy of one meter per second;

  11. 11)

    visibility in nautical miles, with an accuracy of one mile;

  12. 12)

    during the movement of ship in open water – the height of the waves in meters, with an accuracy of one meter;

  13. 13)

    amount of fuel aboard in metric tons;

  14. 14)

    amount of fresh water aboard in metric tons;

  15. 15)

    ) information on any accident involving a crew member, passenger or ship (if any);

  16. 16)

    information on any detected malfunction or lack of navigational equipment (if any);

  17. 17)

    other information regarding safety of navigation and protection of the marine environment against pollution from ships (if any).

43. In a case of the detection of pollution of the environment, the ship master must immediately inform the NSR Administration about it.

44. A ship moving towards the rendezvous point with an icebreaker/icebreakers should navigate in the ice in compliance with her category of ice strengthening. If the ship is approaching ice through which she cannot move independently, the ship master should inform the organization rendering the service of icebreaker assistance and the master of the icebreaker that is waiting for the above ship at the point of meeting and further act in accordance with the recommendations of the icebreaker master.

45. Any ship that, in compliance with the permission granted, navigates in the water area of the Northern Sea Route without icebreaker assistance, when approaching ice in which she cannot move independently, must immediately inform the NSR Administration of that fact and act in compliance with its recommendations.

  • VI. Provision about the navigational-hydrographic and hydrometeorologic support of the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route

46. The navigational-hydrographic support of the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route involves investigation of the submarine relief in order to maintain navigational nautical charts, guides and manuals for navigation at the most up-to-date level and provision in the water area of the Northern Sea Route for navigation facility equipment (hereinafter referred to as NFE), as well as the informing of seafarers of the change of the navigational situation.

47. In compliance with item 4 of article 5 of the CCN, navigational-hydrographic support in the water area of the Northern Sea Route is provided by the federal body of execution power that performs functions of rendering state services and state property control in the sphere of sea transport (Rosmorrechflot).

48. In compliance with item 3 of article 5.1 of the CCN, as far as navigational-hydrographic support of the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route is concerned, functions of the agreement of the installation of NFE and areas of carrying out hydrographic works in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, as well as of rendering information services (as applied to the water area of the Northern Sea Route) in the sphere of requirements for the navigational-hydrographic support of the navigation of ships, are performed by the NSR Administration.

49. The number, type and arrangement of NFE in the water area of the Northern Sea Route are defined according to the agreement with the NSR Administration.

50. Hydrographic works in the water area of the Northern Sea Route are carried out in the areas agreed upon with the NSR Administration.

51. While moving en-route in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the ship master, having detected a malfunction or a lack of the NFE indicated on the nautical chart or in the navigational manual, must inform the NSR Administration of that fact in compliance with item 42 of the present Rules.

52. In compliance with item 3 of article 5.1 of the CCN, as far as hydrometeorological support of the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route is concerned, functions of monitoring hydrometeorological, ice and navigational conditions in the water area of the Northern Sea Route are performed by the NSR Administration.

On the basis of information received from organizations and institutions of the Federal service on hydrometeorology and the monitoring of the environment (hereinafter referred to as Roshydromet) and information received from ships in compliance with item 42 of the present Rules, the NSR Administration will daily post on the official site hydrometeorological and ice analysis regarding the water area of the Northern Sea Route, as well as a hydrometeorological and ice forecast for 72 hours in relation to the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

  • VII. Rules for radio communication during the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route

53. Radio communication between ships, icebreakers and the NSR Administration is carried out through the use of radio equipment designed for application within the operating zones of sea regions A1, A2, A3 and A4 of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (hereinafter referred to as the GMDSS) in compliance with the Rules of radio communication of the maritime mobile service and maritime mobile satellite service of the Russian Federation approved by the order of the Transport Ministry of Russia, the Communication Ministry of Russia, and the State Committee of Fisheries (Goskomrybolovstvo) dated November 4, 2000, № 137/190/291.Footnote 8

54. While moving in an ice convoy, icebreaker/icebreakers and ships must keep continuous radio watch on VHF channel 16.

55. The contact information for communication with the NSR Administration is posted on the official site.

56. While moving in the ice convoy, radio communication between ships and between the ship and the icebreaker/icebreakers is carried out on the VHF communication channel established by the icebreaker master supervising the movement of the ice convoy.

57. Radio communications not related to the movement of the ice convoy or safety of navigation on the VHF channel established in compliance with item 56 of the present Rules are prohibited.

58. In the independent sailing of a ship within sea region A4 of the GMDSS (outside the coverage zone of the INMARSAT system, to the north of parallel 75° N), the ship master must inform the NSR Administration about the planned geographical coordinates of the points of intersection of parallel 75° N during the movement of the ship from the south to the north and from the north to the south.

The NSR Administration must inform the ship master about any ships used as mediators for communication by radio (hereinafter referred to as ships – mediators) and the scheme of the communication of the ship with the NSR Administration using ships-mediators.

59. The NSR Administration will send information on the assigned ships-mediators to the State Maritime Rescue and Coordination Center (SMRCC) and /or the appropriate Maritime Rescue and Coordination Center (MRCC) or Maritime Rescue Sub-Center (MRSC).

  • VIII. Requirements for ships pertaining to safety of navigation and protection of the marine environment from pollution from ships

60. Any ship, when navigating the water area of the Northern Sea Route, should have aboard:

  1. 1)

    the present Rules;

  2. 2)

    sea nautical charts and manuals along the entire route of movement through the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  3. 3)

    supplementary emergency equipment including:

    • during nighttime polar navigation – one searchlight with power of at least two kW, along with a set of spare lamps that can be installed in the forebody of the ship or at one of the wings of the conning bridge;

    • one set of warm clothes for each person on board and three spare sets besides;

    • hydrosuits in a number matching the maximum admissible number of persons who can be on board during navigation.

61. The following requirements should be met in regard to ship navigation in the water area of the Northern Sea Route:

  1. 1)

    the capacity of the tank or tanks for the collection of oil residuesFootnote 9 should be sufficient, taking into consideration the type of ship power plant and the duration of the voyage in the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  2. 2)

    on board the ship, there should be storage tanks of sufficient capacity for the collection of waste (sludge) produced in the operation of the ship, taking into consideration the duration of the voyage in the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  3. 3)

    the amounts of fuel, fresh water and provisions on the ship should be sufficient for navigation of the water area of the Northern Sea Route without replenishment, taking into consideration the maximum possible duration of navigation;

  4. 4)

    during the periods from November to December and from January to June, the ballast tanks adjoining the external side above the operating waterline should be heated.

62. When granting permission to leave a sea port of the Russian Federation in compliance with article 80 of the CCN, for the subsequent navigation in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, the sea port master must take into account the availability of the permission granted to the ship.

63. When a ship is following an icebreaker alone or in an ice convoy, the power plant of ship should be prepared so as to be able to immediately change the mode of ship movement.

64. When a ship is navigating in the water area of the Northern Sea Route under ice conditions with an ice concentration exceeding point three, the ship master or chief mate should be present on the conning bridge.

65. Discharge of oil residues into the water area of the Northern Sea Route is prohibited.

  • IX. Other provisions in relation to the organization of the navigation of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route

66. The NSR Administration will post the following information on the official site:

  1. 1)

    contact information;

  2. 2)

    the present Rules in Russian and English;

  3. 3)

    information on the applications considered by the NSR Administration;

  4. 4)

    information on permissions granted;

  5. 5)

    information on refusals to grant permission;

  6. 6)

    data on the organizations rendering services for icebreaker assistance in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, indicating their contact information;

  7. 7)

    data on the organizations rendering services for ice pilot assistance, with indication of their contact information;

  8. 8)

    information on the movement of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  9. 9)

    long-range ice forecasts for 30 and 90 days in relation to the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  10. 10)

    hydrometeorological and ice analysis in relation to the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  11. 11)

    hydrometeorological and ice forecasts for 72 hours in relation to the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  12. 12)

    recommended routes for navigation of the water area of the Northern Sea Route and information on the passage draft along these routes;

  13. 13)

    recommendations for communication in the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

67. Information on the movement of ships in the water area of the Northern Sea Route should contain the following:

  1. 1)

    names of the ships and icebreakers in the water area of the Northern Sea Route at that time and those moving towards the water area of the Northern Sea Route;

  2. 2)

    the planned and actual times of the crossing by each ship and icebreaker of the Western or Eastern boundary and their geographical coordinates, route and speed at the moment of crossing;

  3. 3)

    the geographical coordinates, route and speed of each ship and icebreaker at 12.00 Moscow time of the day of reporting;

  4. 4)

    the planned time of departure of ships out of the water area of the Northern Sea Route or the planned time of arrival of ships into sea ports located in the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

ANNEX № 1 to the Rules of navigation in the water area of the Northern Sea Route (i.4)

Information on ships and voyages

  1. 1.

    Name of ship

  2. 2.

    Identification number of the International Maritime Organization (hereinafter referred to as the IMO) of ship.

  3. 3.

    Flag of ship.

  4. 4.

    Call sign of ship.

  5. 5.

    Information on the shipowner, with indication of full name and (if any) IMO number, the family name, first name, and patronymic (if any) of the supervisor, along with contact phone, fax, and e-mail, or the family name, first name, and patronymic (if any) of the shipowner, along with contact phone, fax, and e-mail for a physical person.

  6. 6.

    Port/place of departure of ship (the last port of call of the ship before navigation in the water area of the Northern Sea Route).

  7. 7.

    Port/place of destination of ship (the first port of call of the ship after navigation in the water area of the Northern Sea Route).

  8. 8.

    Description of the intended route of navigation (area of operation) of the ship in the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

  9. 9.

    Anticipated dates of the beginning and end of navigation of the ship in the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

  10. 10.

    Intended number of crew members and passengers aboard.

  11. 11.

    Type and planned amount of cargo to be carried in metric tons.

  12. 12.

    Class and planned amount of dangerous cargo in metric tons (if any).

  13. 13.

    Information on the length of experience of the ship master in navigation in ice in the water area of the Northern Sea Route as a master or chief mate, with indication of the name and IMO number of the ship and the time when the ship master or chief mate navigated in the water area of the Northern Sea Route.

  14. 14.

    Ship satellite phone number (if any).

  15. 15.

    Ship fax number (if any).

  16. 16.

    Ship e-mail (if any).

  17. 17.

    Type of ship.

  18. 18.

    Category of ice strengthening of the ship, as assigned by the organization authorized for classification and certification of ships.

  19. 19.

    Overall length of ship in meters.

  20. 20.

    Overall width of ship in meters.

  21. 21.

    Maximum draft of ship in meters.

  22. 22.

    Gross tonnage of ship.

  23. 23.

    Power of the main power plant of ship in kW.

  24. 24.

    Breadth of ice strake of ship in meters.

  25. 25.

    Daily fuel consumption moving at full speed in open water in metric tons.

  26. 26.

    Information on the structures of the forward and after ends of ship.

ANNEX № 2 to the Rules of navigation in the water area of the Northern Sea Route (i.10)

Criteria for the admission of ships into the Northern Sea Route in compliance with the category of their ice strengthening

1. For ships without ice strengthening or with a category of ice strengthening Ice1-Ice 3 during navigation from July to November 15.Footnote 10

Category of ice strengthening of ship

Mode of ice navigation

Kara Sea

Laptev Sea

East-Siberian Sea

Chukchi Sea

South-western part

North-western part

Western part

Eastern part

South-western part

North-eastern part

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

Noa

Ind.b

−−−

−−−

−−−

−−−

−−−

−−−

−−−

IA

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

Ice1

Ind.

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

IA

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

Ice2

Ind.

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

IA

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

Ice3

Ind.

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

IA

+++

+++

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−++

  1. aOil tankers, gas carriers, and chemical carriers with a gross tonnage of 10,000 and over without ice strengthening can navigate in the water area of the NSR only in open water assisted by icebreakers during the period from July to November 15
  2. bFor ships without ice strengthening, except oil tankers, gas carriers, and chemical carriers with a gross tonnage of 10,000 and over, independent navigation in the water area of the Northern Sea Route is allowed only in open water

2. For ships with a category of ice strengthening Arc4–Arc9 during the period of navigation from July to November.

Category of ice strengthening of ship

Mode of ice navigation

Kara Sea

Laptev Sea

East-Siberian Sea

Chukchi Sea

South-western part

North-western part

Western part

Eastern part

South-western part

North-eastern part

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

Arc4

Ind.

−++

−++

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−++

IA

+++

+++

−++

−+−

−++

−++

−++

Arc5

Ind.

+++

+++

−++

−++

−++

−++

−++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

Arc6

Ind.

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

Arc7

Ind.

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

Arc8

Ind.

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

Arc9

Ind.

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

3. For ships with a category of ice strengthening Arc4 – Arc9 during the period of navigation from January to June and in December.

Category of ice strengthening of ship

Mode of ice navigation

Kara Sea

Laptev Sea

East-Siberian Sea

Chukchi Sea

South-western part

North-western part

Western part

Eastern part

South-western part

North-eastern part

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

Arc4

Ind.

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

IA

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

Arc5

Ind.

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

IA

−− +

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

Arc6

Ind.

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

IA

−++

−++

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−++

Arc7

Ind.

+++

−++

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

Arc8

Ind.

+++

+++

−+−

−++

−++

−++

+++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

Arc9

Ind.

−++

+−+

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

4. For icebreakers with a category of ice strengthening Icebreaker6 – Icebreaker8Footnote 11 during the period of navigation from January to June and in December.Footnote 12

Category of ice strengthening of ship

Mode of ice navigation

Kara Sea

Laptev Sea

East-Siberian Sea

Chukchi Sea

South-western part

North-western part

Western part

Eastern part

South-western part

North-eastern part

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

HML

Icebreaker6

Ind.

−++

−++

−−+

−−+

−−+

−−+

−++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

Icebreaker7

Ind.

+++

+++

−++

−++

−++

−++

+++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

Icebreaker8

Ind.

+++

+++

−++

−++

−++

−++

+++

IA

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

+++

Designations used in the present annex:

  • «Ind.» – independent navigation;

  • «IA» – navigation under icebreaker assistance;

  • «H» – heavy ice conditions in compliance with the official information from Roshydromet;

  • «M» – medium ice conditions in compliance with the official information from Roshydromet;

  • «L» – light ice conditions in compliance with the official information from Roshydromet;

  • « + » – navigation of ship is permitted;

  • «–» – navigation of ship is prohibited.

3.20 The Federal Law of July 28, 2012, N 132-FZ “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Concerning State Regulation of Merchant Shipping in the Water Area of the Northern Sea Route.”

Adopted by the State Duma on July 3, 2012.

Approved by the Federation Council on July 18, 2012.

Article 1

To supplement paragraph 1, article 4 of the Federal Law of August 17, 1995, N 147-FZ “On Natural Monopolies” (Code of Laws of the Russian Federation, 1995, N 34, art. 3426; 2003, N 2, art. 168; N 13, art. 1181; 2006, N 1, art. 10; 2007, N 46, art. 5557; 2011, N 29, art. 4281; N 50, art. 7343) with the following paragraph:

“icebreaker support, ice pilotage of vessels in the area of the Northern Sea Route.”

Article 2

To set out article 14 of the Federal Law of July 31, 1998, N 155-FZ “On Internal Sea Waters, Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone of the Russian Federation” (Code of Laws of the Russian Federation, 1998, N 31, art. 3833; 2008, N 30, art. 3616) as follows:

“Article 14. Navigation in the area of the Northern Sea Route

Navigation in the area of the Northern Sea Route, a historically developed national transport passageway[?] of the Russian Federation, is carried out according to generally recognized principles and norms of international law, international treaties of the Russian Federation, the present Federal Law, other federal laws, and other normative legal acts issued in accordance with them.”

Article 3

To amend the Merchant Shipping Code of the Russian Federation (Code of Laws of the Russian Federation, 1999, N 18, art. 2207; 2001, N 22, art. 2125; 2005, N 52, art. 5581; 2006, N 50, art. 5279; 2007, N 46, art. 5557; N 50, art. 6246; 2011, N 25, art. 3534; N 30, art. 4590; 2012, N 18, art. 2128) as follows:

  1. 1)

    in paragraph 5, article 2, after the word “pilotage” insert the words “ice pilotage”;

  2. 2)

    in paragraph 4, article 5:

    1. a)

      in the first part, the word “lines” should be replaced with the word “area”;

    2. b)

      in the second part, the words “on the lines” should be replaced with the words “in the area”;

  3. 3)

    to include article 5.1 as follows:

“Article 5.1. Navigation in the area of the Northern Sea Route.

1. The area of the Northern Sea Route means a water area adjoining the northern coast of the Russian Federation, including the internal sea waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation; limited in the East by the line delimitating the sea areas with the United States of America and by the parallel of the Dezhnev Cape in the Bering Strait, and in the West by the meridian of Cape Zhelanie to the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, by the east coastal line of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago and the western limits of the Matochkin Shar, Kara Gates, and Yugorski Shar Straits.

2. Navigation rules in the area of the Northern Sea Route adopted by the federal executive organ authorized by the Government of the Russian Federation are applied with a view towards ensuring safety of navigation and the prevention, reduction and monitoring of pollution of the marine environment from vessels, and include:

  1. 1)

    an order of administration of shipping in the area of the Northern Sea Route;

  2. 2)

    rules on icebreaker support in the area of the Northern Sea Route;

  3. 3)

    rules on ice pilotage in the area of the Northern Sea Route;

  4. 4)

    rules on pilotage along the lines in the area of Northern Sea Route;

  5. 5)

    regulation on navigation-hydrographic and hydrometeorological maintenance of shipping in the area of the Northern Sea Route;

  6. 6)

    rules of radio communication during shipping in the area of the Northern Sea Route;

  7. 7)

    other provisions relating to the administration of shipping in the area of the Northern Sea Route.

3. Administration of shipping in the area of the Northern Sea Route is carried out by the administration of the Northern Sea Route, established in the form of a federal public agency and carrying out the following basic functions:

  1. 1)

    receipt of applications for shipping permits in the area of the Northern Sea Route, consideration of such permits and issue of permits for shipping in the area of the Northern Sea Route;

  2. 2)

    monitoring hydrometeorological, ice and navigation conditions in the area of the Northern Sea Route;

  3. 3)

    coordination of installation of navigation equipment and areas of carrying out hydrographic works in the area of the Northern Sea Route;

  4. 4)

    providing information services (related to the area of the Northern Sea Route) in the sphere of the administration of shipping, requirements for ensuring safety of shipping, navigation-hydrographic maintenance of shipping, and ensuring icebreaker pilotage of vessels;

  5. 5)

    developing recommendations for drafting shipping routes and using vessels of the icebreaking fleet in the area of the Northern Sea Route, taking into account hydrometeorological, ice and navigation conditions in the above area;

  6. 6)

    assistance in organization of carrying out search and rescue operations in the area of the Northern Sea Route;

  7. 7)

    certification of persons carrying out ice pilotage, concerning the right of ice pilotage of vessels in the area of the Northern Sea Route;

  8. 8)

    assistance in carrying out operations on elimination of the consequences of pollution from vessels by dangerous and harmful substances, sewage or garbage.

4. The issue of permits for shipping in the area of the Northern Sea Route provided for by subparagraph 1, paragraph 3 of this article is carried out subject to the performance by a vessel of requirements concerning safety of navigation and the protection of marine environment against pollution from vessels (related to the area of the Northern Sea Route) and established by international treaties of the Russian Federation, legislation of the Russian Federation, shipping regulations in the area of the Northern Sea Route, specified in paragraph 2 of this article, and submission of documents certifying the possession of insurance or another form of financial security for civil liability from pollution or other damage caused by a vessel, established under international treaties of the Russian Federation and legislation of the Russian Federation.

5. The amount of the icebreaker pilotage fees for ice pilotage in the area of the Northern Sea Route is determined according to the legislation of the Russian Federation on natural monopolies, with due account of the capacity of a vessel, its ice class, the distance of pilotage and the navigation period.

Payment of icebreaker pilotage fees for ice pilotage in the area of the Northern Sea Route is carried out proceeding from the volume of the services actually rendered”;

4) to supplement paragraph 1, article 79 with the words “including the documents certifying the possession of insurance or another form of financial security for civil liability from pollution or other damage caused by a vessel, established under international treaties of the Russian Federation and legislation of the Russian Federation”;

5) to supplement paragraph 1, article 107 with the words “and also to the lifting, removal and destruction of the property that has sunk in the area of the Northern Sea Route”;

6) To draft article 247 as follows:

“Article 247. Application of rules established by this chapter

1. The rules established by this chapter are applied subject to an agreement of the parties to the contrary. In the cases directly specified in this chapter, any agreement of the parties that mismatches the rules established by this chapter is void.

2. The rules established by this chapter are also applied in relation to vessels navigating in the area of the Northern Sea Route”;

7) to insert the words “and foreign vessels” in paragraph 3, article 249 after the words “the international register of vessels.”

Article 4

The present Federal law enters into force following one hundred eighty days after the day of its official publication.

President of the Russian Federation

V. Putin

Moscow, Kremlin

July 28, 2012

N 132-FZ

3.21 Strategy for Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and the National Security up to 2020 (2013)

Approved by President of the Russian Federation

February 8, 2013, Pr-232.

I. General Provisions

1. The development strategy of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and national security for the period up to 2020 (hereinafter – the Strategy) was prepared in furtherance of the Fundamentals of the State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic for the period up to 2020 and Beyond, approved by the President of the Russian Federation on September 18, 2008, № Pr -1969 (hereinafter – the Fundamentals), and subject to the provisions of the basic documents of the system of the state strategic planning of the Russian Federation.

2. The strategy defines the basic mechanisms, ways and means to achieve the strategic goals and priorities for the sustainable development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and national security. The strategy aims to implement the sovereignty and national interests of the Russian Federation in the Arctic and contributes to the solution of the main tasks of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic as defined in the Fundamentals.

3. As part of the strategy, the consolidation of resources and efforts of all stakeholders of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic (federal state bodies, state bodies of subjects of the Russian Federation, the territory of which includes all or part of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, local authorities and organizations) is ensured so as to address key issues of development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and guarantee national security in the Arctic.

II. The Main Risks and Threats, and the Objective of the Strategy

4. The key factors that influence the socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are as follows:

  1. a)

    extreme climatic conditions, including low temperatures, strong winds and the presence of ice in the waters of the Arctic seas;

  2. b)

    the localized nature of the industrial and economic development of the areas and their low population density;

  3. c)

    the remoteness from main industrial centers, the high resource use and the dependence of economic activities and livelihoods on supplies of fuel, food and essential commodities from other regions of Russia;

  4. d)

    the low stability of the ecological systems determining the biological balance and climate of the Earth, and their dependence as a result of even minor anthropogenic influences.

5. The current state of the social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is characterized by the following risks and threats:

  1. a)

    in the social sphere:

    • negative demographic trends in most of the Arctic regions of the Russian Federation, and the outflow of labor (especially skilled) into the southern regions of Russia and abroad;

    • a mismatch between the network of social services and nature and the dynamics of settlements, including in education, health, culture, physical education and sports;

    • the critical state of housing and communal services, and the inadequate supply of clean drinking water;

    • lack of effective training, an imbalance between supply and demand of labor in territorial and professional respects (shortage of workers and engineering professions and surplus of unneeded specialists, as well as people with no professional training);

    • the poor quality of life of the indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation living in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  2. b)

    in the economic sphere:

    • lack of modern technical means and technologies in Russia for exploration and development of offshore hydrocarbon fields in the Arctic;

    • depreciation of fixed assets, particularly transport, industrial and energy infrastructure;

    • underdevelopment of basic transport infrastructure, its marine and continental components, an aging icebreaker fleet, and lack of small aircraft;

    • high energy consumption and low efficiency of extraction of natural resources, costs of production in the North with no effective compensatory mechanisms, and low productivity of labour;

    • imbalances in economic development between the individual Arctic coastal territories and regions, and a significant gap between leading and depressed areas in terms of development;

    • insufficient development of navigation-hydrographic and hydrometeorological support of navigation;

    • lack of permanent integrated space monitoring of Arctic territories and waters, and dependence on foreign equipment and sources for information procurement reharding all activities in the Arctic (including interaction with aircraft and vessels);

    • lack of modern information and telecommunication infrastructure that enables provision of services to the population and economic entities across the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

    • lack of development of the energy system, irrational structure of the generating capacity, and the high cost of electricity generation and transportation;

  3. c)

    in the field of science and technology, there are scarce technical resources and technological capabilities for study, development and use of the Arctic areas and resources, as well as lack of readiness for transition of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation to innovative development;

  4. d)

    in the sphere of nature and the environment, an increase of technological and human impact on the environment is observed amid a higher probability of reaching its limits in some water areas adjacent to the Russian coast in the Arctic Ocean, and in certain regions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, particularly characterized by the presence of especially disadvantaged areas, where there is an increase of potential sources of nuclear contamination and high levels of accumulated environmental damage persist.

6. The Strategy’s goal is to implement national interests and achieve the main objectives of the national policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic by solving its basic issues, taking into account the strategic priorities set out in the Fundamentals, which would ensure national security and sustainable socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

III. Development Priorities and Key Activities

7. Priority areas for development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and national security are as follows:

  1. a)

    integrated socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  2. b)

    development of science and technology;

  3. c)

    establishment of modern information and telecommunications infrastructure;

  4. d)

    environmental security;

  5. e)

    international cooperation in the Arctic;

  6. f)

    provision of military security, defence, and protection of the state border of the Russian Federation in the Arctic.

8. Comprehensive socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, in accordance with the Fundamentals, provides for improvement of the system of state governance over social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, improvement of the quality of life of the indigenous population and social conditions for economic activity in the Arctic, development of a resource base for the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation through use of promising technologies, modernization and infrastructure development of the Arctic transport system, and modern information and telecommunication infrastructure, as well as the fishing industry.

9. In order to improve the system of state governance over the social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, the following is provided:

  1. a)

    Development and implementation of a system of state support and promotion of economic entities operating in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, particularly in the area of exploitation of hydrocarbon resources, other minerals and water resources, through introduction of innovative technologies, development of transport and energy infrastructure, modern information and telecommunication infrastructure, and improvement of customs tariff and tax regulations;

  2. b)

    promotion of new projects of economic development of the Arctic territories through their co-financing from budgets at various levels of the budget system of the Russian Federation and non-budgetary sources;

  3. c)

    optimization of economic mechanisms of the “northern delivery” through use of renewable and alternative, including local, energy sources, reconstruction and modernization of exhausted power plants, and introduction of energy-saving materials and technologies;

  4. d)

    development and testing of models of integrated coastal zone management in the Arctic regions;

  5. e)

    development of Arctic tourism and expansion of environmentally friendly tourism activities in the Arctic. Improving the regulatory framework of tourism, establishment of a system for financial support of Arctic tourism based on public-private partnerships, promotion of regional tourism clusters, and Arctic tourism promotion in national and international markets;

  6. f)

    diversification of power delivery schemes, including construction of nuclear power plants, i.a., floating ones;

  7. g)

    improving energy efficiency, increasing utilization of renewable energy resources, as well as ensuring the energy self-sufficiency of small remote communities, and development and implementation of projects in the field of energy conservation and efficiency, including through international cooperation;

  8. h)

    establishment and development of an effective waste management system for industrial and consumer waste in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, its ultimate integration into economic production, and restrictions on the import of goods, containers and packaging into the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation if their recycling is not economically and technologically viable;

  9. i)

    establishment of an integrated security system for protection of the territory, population and key facilities of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in emergency situations of both natural and man-made origins, including during preparation and implementation of projects on exploration and exploitation of the Arctic continental shelf and coastal areas, and other major infrastructure projects in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  10. j)

    promoting sustainable consumer demand for high-tech products, innovative technologies, materials and services in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, which is relative to the need to create infrastructure for the exploitation of hydrocarbons, − including by means of improving the state procurement system and procurement systems of state-owned companies and entities that enjoy the status of natural monopolies;

  11. k)

    development of a system for monitoring geophysical conditions in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in order to minimize the impact of extreme geophysical processes (natural and man-made) on human habitats, including development of communication, navigation, transport and energy infrastructure, as well as maintaining the Northern Sea Route, safe transit and transpolar air routes in the Arctic.

10. In order to improve the quality of life of people living and working in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including indigenous peoples, upgrade their social and cultural procurement, contribute to positive demographic tendencies and create social conditions for economic activities, the following is provided:

  1. a)

    modernization of the social infrastructure, including educational institutions, healthcare and cultural institutions, as well as development of housing, i.a., within the framework of the implementation of prioritized national projects;

  2. b)

    updating and upgrading the housing stock, key assets of the housing complex based on modern energy-saving technologies;

  3. c)

    ensuring access throughout the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation to modern information and telecommunication services;

  4. d)

    ensuring the availability and quality of medical support to the population, including through improved first aid and basic healthcare services in places of traditional residence and traditional economic activities of the population of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, use of country vehicles and aircraft for sanitary evacuation of patients by air, and development of technologies for a remote panel of doctors;

  5. e)

    development of types of medical support aimed at preserving and promoting the health of the population; eliminating harmful effects of environmental factors, preventing the occurrence and spread of diseases, early detection of causes and settings thereof, as well as formation and implementation of health promotion programs;

  6. f)

    development of education and provision of training, retraining and advanced training in higher and secondary education systems in fields pertaining to work in Arctic conditions, taking into account the current and anticipated calls for specialists in the fields of marine geology, hydrocarbon production and processing, marine biotechnology, information and communication technology, and other areas;

  7. g)

    improving educational programs for the indigenous peoples of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, especially as it relates to preparing children for life in a modern society with a full mastery of skills required for living in extreme environments, including supplying educational institutions and remote areas with distance learning tools;

  8. h)

    securing a balanced labor market, and updating social guarantees and compensation for people working and living in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  9. i)

    ensuring employment by way of the re-teaching of able-bodied unemployed citizens and government support for various forms of self-employment and entrepreneurship, particularly in single-industry towns and villages of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, as well as amid indigenous peoples;

  10. j)

    differential regulation of migration by age and qualification of migrants, enhancement of the integration of skilled workers and reduction of the social costs of external shifts’ migration;

  11. k)

    proactive establishment of new mobile and multifunctional cultural institutions (socio-cultural centers, cultural and sports facilities, information intellectual centers, mobile libraries), which would be affordable to all population categories, in cities, small villages and towns;

  12. l)

    improving the regulatory framework that promotes the rationalization of property relations in the sphere of culture and the promotion of business through development of a system of grants, sponsoring institutions, copyright, sponsorship, insurance, tax, and other specific sources of funding of social and cultural projects, including within the framework of concession practice; creation of a system of regional charities, investment and venture capital funds in the field of culture;

  13. m)

    ensuring the ethno-cultural development of indigenous peoples, as well as protection of their original habitat and traditional way of life;

  14. n)

    sound environmental management and development of environmentally friendly tourism in places of traditional residence and traditional economic activities of the indigenous peoples;

  15. o)

    develop a set of measures aimed at expanding traditional branches of the economy that would strengthen the employment and self-employment of indigenous peoples through mobilization of inner resources of households and communities, their active support from state, business and non-profit organizations, including use of a public procurement system in respect to goods produced by traditional branches of the economy of indigenous peoples.

11. In order to achieve the sort of effective use and development of the resource base of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation that would substantially meet the demands of Russia in regard to hydrocarbon resources, marine bioresources, and other types of strategic supply, the following is stipulated:

  1. a)

    preparation of projects for an integrated study of the continental shelf and coastal areas, and preparation of hydrocarbon resources for their exploitation on the basis of a state program on exploration of the continental shelf and exploitation of its mineral resources that would contribute to a significant accrual of balance reserves of mineral resources of the Arctic offshore fields;

  2. b)

    formation of a reserve fund of mineral deposits in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation so as to guarantee energy security and sustainable development of the energy sector in the long term, during the period of substitution of declining production in areas of traditional exploitation of resources after 2020;

  3. c)

    organization – in order to meet the medium- and long-term domestic and export demands of the Russian Federation for non-ferrous, noble, precious metals and scarce types of mineral raw material, through the effective mining of chrome, manganese, tin, bauxite, uranium, titanium, zinc deposits on islands in the Arctic Ocean, the Kola Peninsula, and in the mountains of the Polar Urals – of native gold ore fields in the eastern regions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation on the basis of large investment projects and with the engagement of contemporary technologies and services;

  4. d)

    implementation of large infrastructure projects that integrate the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation with the developed regions of Russia, development of the Timan-Pechora oil and gas field and hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Barents, Pechora and Kara seas, the Yamal Peninsula and Gydan;

  5. e)

    development – in order to ensure exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Russian Federation – of a science-based marine service complex, including a marine geological survey, utilization of fiber-optic and satellite communication systems and monitoring tools, mobile radio communications and wireless access to information and a telecommunications network “Internet,” and means of ensuring hydrometeorological and environmental safety;

  6. f)

    expanding the range, quality and competitiveness of the products offered by the mining complex, development of new fields that are promising, establishment of new processing facilities based on principles of the comprehensive utilization of mineral resources and introduction of energy-saving technologies;

  7. g)

    securing public interest in the process of exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits on the continental shelf of the Russian Federation in the Arctic;

  8. h)

    ensuring preparation of materials that are being submitted to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to provide evidence as to the outer limit of the continental shelf of the Russian Federation in the Arctic.

12. In order to modernize and develop the infrastructure of the Arctic transport system that ensures that the Northern Sea Route will be retained as a national maritime route of the Russian Federation, the following is provided:

  1. a)

    development of an integrated Arctic transport system of the Russian Federation as a national maritime route operating on a year-round basis, which includes the Northern Sea Route and the meridional river and railway passageways[?] gravitating toward it, along with an airport network;

  2. b)

    improvement of the transport infrastructure in the regions where the Arctic continental shelf is under exploitation, in order to diversify the main supply routes for Russian hydrocarbons to world markets;

  3. c)

    restructuring and growth of freight traffic along the Northern Sea Route, including through government support for the construction of icebreaker, rescue and supply vessels, as well as development of coastal infrastructure;

  4. d)

    improvement of the legal framework of the Russian Federation in respect to state regulation of navigation along the Northern Sea Route, its safety, tariff regulation of services for icebreaking and other types of support, and development of mechanisms of insurance, including mandatory insurance;

  5. e)

    improvement of the organizational structure of management and ensuring safety of navigation in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including through development of an integrated Arctic transport and technological systems that would comprise development of maritime and other types of transport, as well as supporting infrastructure;

  6. f)

    establishment and development of a system of integrated safety of Arctic navigation, traffic control in areas of intensive navigation, including navigational and hydrographic, hydrometeorological, icebreaking and other types of support, and creation of integrated rescue centers;

  7. g)

    development of the Russian icebreaker fleet using modern technologies within the framework of a state program for construction of icebreakers, including those equipped with nuclear facilities;

  8. h)

    modernization of Arctic ports and establishment of new port and industrial facilities in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, and implementation of the dredging of the main thoroughfares of the Arctic rivers;

  9. i)

    state support for the “northern delivery” of goods and export of products under “river - sea” transport schemes, including construction of transport vessels that ensure “northern delivery”;

  10. j)

    development of the railway network in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation that would provide increased capacity to existing lines and creation of new lines;

  11. k)

    formation of a support network of roads in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation that would be integrated into the international transport corridors, ensuring their compliance with international standards in order to integrate with the Eurasian transport systems;

  12. l)

    development of an effective system of air service for the Arctic, including reconstruction and modernization of the airport network along the Northern Sea Route;

  13. m)

    development of small aircraft to meet the needs of air traffic and to ensure their availability in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  14. n)

    formation of modern transport and logistics hubs for maintaining the backbone and international carriages on the basis of federal airports and regional airports operating with a low intensity of flights;

  15. o)

    technical procurement and arrangement of state border controls across the state border of the Russian Federation in the Arctic;

  16. p)

    design and introduction of modern vehicles adapted for use in arctic conditions.

13. To modernize the fishing industry in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, the following is provided:

  1. a)

    preservation and accrual of the resource potential of fisheries and implementation of measures for technical upgrading and putting new capacities into operation for the deep processing of marine biological resources, as well as for the development of marine biotechnologies;

  2. b)

    effective use of key species of marine biological resources and involvement of non-traditional fishing sites;

  3. c)

    preventing and combating illicit fishing and trafficking of marine biological resources.

14. To promote science and technology, the following is provided:

  1. a)

    pooling of resources and capabilities of the state, business, science and education sectors to build up a competitive scientific and technological sector in the area of the design and implementation of advanced technologies, including designing new technologies or adapting existing ones to Arctic conditions on the basis of relevant technology platforms;

  2. b)

    designing materials suited to the climatic conditions of the Arctic, as well as introduction of means and a tool base adapted for polar research;

  3. c)

    designing and commissioning of new techniques and technologies in the field of the rational management of natural resources, exploitation of offshore mineral resources and marine biological resources, as well as prevention and elimination of oil spills in ice conditions;

  4. d)

    implementation of a program for the development of a scientific research fleet of the Russian Federation, including deep-water research, i.a., with application of deep-water robotic systems;

  5. e)

    providing a scientific rationale that underlies the long-term prospects of and main directions in which various activities develop in the Arctic;

  6. f)

    conduct of comprehensive research on natural hazards, and design and commissioning of contemporary technologies and methods for their projection in a changing climate;

  7. g)

    prediction and assessment of the impact of global climate changes in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors, in the medium- and long-term perspectives, including improving the stability of facilities;

  8. h)

    conduct of research in the fields of the history, culture and economy of the region, as well as legal regulation of economic and other activities in the Arctic, including for the purpose of legal affirmation of the historic title of the Russian Federation to specific areas of the Arctic seas;

  9. i)

    study of effects produced by environmental hazards on human health, providing scientific evidence for the development of a set of measures aimed at improvement of the human habitat and disease prevention;

  10. j)

    development of expeditionary activities for comprehensive and integrated research projects in the Arctic, including within the framework of international cooperation;

  11. k)

    use of opportunities for international scientific, as well as scientific and technological cooperation, ensuring participation of Russian scientific, as well as scientific and educational organizations, in global and regional technology and research projects in the Arctic.

15. To develop information technologies and communications, as well as to create a unified information area in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, the following is stipulated:

  1. a)

    introduction of modern information and telecommunication technologies and systems (including mobile ones) of communication, broadcasting, land and air traffic management, remote sensing of the Earth, on-site ice surveys, as well as a system of hydrometeorological and hydrographic support and of procurement for scientific field research;

  2. b)

    creation of a reliable system for rendering communication services, navigation, meteorological and information services, including transmitting information about ice conditions that would ensure the prediction and prevention of natural and man-made disasters, elimination of their consequences, effective control of economic and other activities in the Arctic, including through use of the global navigation satellite system GLONASS and the multipurpose space system “Arctica,” and modernization of loran “RSDN-20” (“Route”);

  3. c)

    establishment of a modern information and telecommunication infrastructure that would enable the provision of communications services to the population and economic entities across the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including by laying underwater fiber-optic communication lines along the Northern Sea Route and integration with networks of other countries.

16. To protect the environment and environmental security in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, the following is provided:

  1. a)

    to ensure conservation of the biological diversity of Arctic flora and fauna amid the expansion of economic activities and global climate change, including:

    • development and expansion of protected areas and waters of the Arctic enjoying protection at the federal level;

    • development and expansion of protected areas and waters of the Arctic enjoying protection at the regional level;

    • monitoring of conditions in which ecosystems and flora persist;

  2. b)

    development and expansion of a network of protected areas and water areas enjoying protection at the federal and regional levels;

  3. c)

    elimination of environmental damage caused by past economic, military and other activities in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including assessment of the environmental damage caused and implementation of measures to clean up the Arctic seas and lands affected by pollution;

  4. d)

    minimization of the negative human impact on the environment of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation due to current economic and other activities, including:

    • development that provides justification for and implementation of measures to reduce threats to the environment caused by the expansion of economic activity in the Arctic, including on the continental shelf (taking into account a requirement to increase the responsibility of enterprises and natural resource users for environmental pollution, to promote the design and adoption of new technologies that would reduce the negative impact on the environment, and to reduce the risk of the occurrence of and minimize the consequences of technogenic emergency situations);

    • measures to enhance the effectiveness of federal state environmental control of the objects of economic and other activities that take place in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  5. e)

    improving state environmental monitoring in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, based on the use of objective and measurable indicators of environmental assessment, and on the creation of surveillance systems that would monitor the condition and pollution of the environment, applying modern surveillance techniques located on land, in the air and space to be integrated with existing and emerging international systems of monitoring the environment that would ensure the detection and prediction of dangerous and extreme natural phenomena in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including adverse climate changes, as well as early detection and prediction of natural and man-made disasters;

  6. f)

    development and implementation of economic mechanisms to encourage the reproduction and rational use of mineral and biological resources, energy and resource conservation, and utilization of associated gas in oil-producing regions.

17. To promote international cooperation and preservation of the Arctic as a zone of peace, the following is provided:

  1. a)

    provision of mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Arctic states on the basis of international treaties and agreements to which the Russian Federation is a party, enhancing the efficiency of foreign economic activity;

  2. b)

    cooperation of the Russian Federation with the Arctic states in order to protect the national interests of Russia and exercise the rights of the coastal state in the Arctic region, which are stipulated in international instruments, including those related to issues of exploration and exploitation of resources of the continental shelf and establishment of its outer limits;

  3. c)

    combining efforts of the Arctic states to create a single regional system for search and rescue, prevention of man-made disasters and elimination of their consequences, including coordination of rescue forces;

  4. d)

    enhancing, in bilateral relations and under the auspices of regional organizations, good neighborly relations between the Russian Federation and the Arctic states, intensification of economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, as well as cross-border cooperation, including in the area of effective exploitation of natural resources and preservation of the Arctic environment;

  5. e)

    ensuring a mutually beneficial Russian presence, and economic and scientific activity on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard;

  6. f)

    assisting in the arrangement and efficient use of transit and cross-polar air routes in the Arctic, and use of the Northern Sea Route for international shipping subject to the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and in accordance with international treaties of the Russian Federation;

  7. g)

    enhancing participation of Russian state organizations and non-governmental associations in international forums on Arctic issues;

  8. h)

    maintenance of the regular exchange of information on the environment, as well as of data on the Arctic climate and its dynamics, and development of international cooperation in improving systems for hydrometeorological observations on the Arctic climate, including space-based ones;

  9. i)

    organization of integrated international research expeditions to study the environment (ice conditions, pollution levels of sea waters, marine ecosystems) and the influence thereon of observed and projected climate changes;

  10. j)

    development of dialogue between regions and municipalities of the northern countries so as to exchange experiences in the preparation of climate and energy policies;

  11. k)

    development of international tourism, including recreational, scientific, cultural, educational and environmental.

18. In order to ensure military security, defense and protection of the state border of the Russian Federation, the following is stipulated:

  1. a)

    provision of favorable operating conditions in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including maintenance of an appropriate level of combat readiness of general operation troops (forces) of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other troops, military formations and bodies, in accordance with current and projected military dangers and threats to the Russian Federation in the Arctic;

  2. b)

    ensuring comprehensive combat and mobilization readiness at a level required and sufficient for solving tasks aimed at prevention of non-military pressure and aggression against the Russian Federation and its allies, protecting the sovereign rights of Russia in the Arctic and the possibilities of unimpeded implementation of all of its activities, including in the exclusive economic zone and on the continental shelf of the Russian Federation in the Arctic, neutralizing internal and external military dangers and military threats in peacetime, providing strategic deterrence, and, in the event of armed conflict, repulsing aggression and the cessation of hostilities on terms that meet the interests of the Russian Federation;

  3. c)

    improving the structural, compositional, military, economic and logistical support of the Armed Forces, other troops, military formations and bodies, and the development of facilities of military bases in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, as well as of a system of operational equipment in the area for deployment of troops (forces) designated to perform tasks in the Arctic;

  4. d)

    improvement of the control of air space and surface conditions;

  5. e)

    use of dual-use technologies for the benefit of a comprehensive approach to the defense, security and sustainable socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  6. f)

    conduct of hydrographic work in order to determine a need for changes in the list of geographical coordinates of points defining the position of baselines for measuring the breadth of territorial waters, the economic zone and the continental shelf.

IV. Mechanisms for Implementation of the Strategy

19. Sustainable socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is being achieved on the basis of systematic interaction between the state, business and non-profit organizations, and civil society, through public-private partnership in the process of implementation of key investment projects, the state’s participation in the elimination of infrastructural hurdles impeding economic development, the solution of social problems, and the creation of economic incentives for business activities.

20. The main mechanisms for implementation of the Strategy are as follows:

  1. a)

    A state program regarding the social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2020;

  2. b)

    other state programs of the Russian Federation, federal and departmental target programs and sectoral strategies, regional and municipal programs, and programs initiated by large companies, with activities aimed at comprehensive development of the territory of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

21. Priorities in the field of military security and the defense and protection of the state border of the Russian Federation are ensured through realization of the activities stipulated in the State Program of arms for the years 2011–2020, within the framework of the state defense order, state programs of the Russian Federation, federal and departmental target programs and plans for implementation of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic.

22. The scope of works and the volume of their funding from the federal budget is determined in the process of preparation of state programs of the Russian Federation and federal and departmental target programs, as well as in the process of preparation of activities of a non-program nature that ensure implementation of the Strategy, subject to budgetary limits provided for by interested federal bodies of executive power in the federal budget for the respective financial year and planning period.

23. Extra-budgetary financial support of the Strategy is exercised on principles of public-private partnership, at the expense of developmental institutions, international financial institutions and foreign investments that are being made towards the realization of promising infrastructural, social, innovational, environmental and other projects.

24. Improvement of the legal framework is provided in the area of developing foundations of governance of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and legislative recognition of its status as a special object of state regulation, specifying the list of municipalities whose territories are included in its composition, as well as in the field of establishment of special regimes of natural resource use, environmental protection, and regulation of shipping along the Northern Sea Route.

25. Tasks of preserving the traditional way of living and ethno-cultural development of the indigenous inhabitants of the Arctic will be decided on the basis of the Concept of Sustainable Development of Indigenous Small-numbered Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation, adopted by the Government of the Russian Federation. Steps will be taken to improve the regulatory order of traditional fishery, and the establishment and operation of indigenous communities, land use and protection in places of their traditional residence and economic activity.

26. Improving the efficiency of the public administration of the Russian Federation in the Arctic will be provided through enhancement of the coordination of public authorities at all levels and inclusion of issues of social development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in the long-term strategy of socio-economic development of the federal districts and regions of the Russian Federation, as well as sector strategies and programs.

27. Implementation of activities under the Strategy provides for a system for the monitoring and analysis of national security and the level of socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, the latter now enjoying the status of a stand-alone object of state statistical observation.

V. Stages of Implementation of the Strategy

28. Implementation of the Strategy will be carried out in two stages.

29. During the first phase of the Strategy (until 2015), the following is provided:

  1. a)

    creation of necessary conditions for strengthening national security through integrated development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including improvement of the legal framework and the effectiveness of state governance, coordination of activities of all stakeholders of state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic, development and implementation of economic incentives, and active engagement of state developmental institutions;

  2. b)

    preparation and implementation of the state program for social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2020;

  3. c)

    completion of hydrographic works and formation, on their basis, of proposals as regards the reasonability of making amendments to or a revision of the list of geographical coordinates of points defining the position of baselines for measuring the breadth of territorial waters, the economic zone and the continental shelf;

  4. d)

    ensuring international legal documentation of the outer limit of the continental shelf of the Russian Federation in the Arctic Ocean, prevention of spatial losses and the occurrence of legal conditions for activities of the Russian Federation in the Arctic that would be less favourable than those enjoyed by other Arctic coastal states;

  5. e)

    establishment and development of the Coast Guard of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  6. f)

    establishment of an integrated information and telecommunications infrastructure (center of data processing, transmission and storage, as well as networks of mobile, wireless and satellite communications and data transmission) to provide services (network “Internet,” television, communication, etc.) to public authorities, individuals and legal entities;

  7. g)

    development of rescue preparedness, including establishment of integrated rescue centers;

  8. h)

    development of a unified national system for monitoring the state of and pollution levels of the environment of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, which would be synchronized with similar international systems;

  9. i)

    provision of scholarly, problem-oriented and applied research in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including that based on profile technology platforms, and creation of modern scientific and geo-informational basics of governance over Arctic territories, including development of tools to meet the challenges of defense and security, as well as for reliable operation of life support systems and production activities under the climatic conditions of the Arctic;

  10. j)

    implementation of measures to ensure environmental security in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including priority projects on elimination of the environmental consequences of past economic and other activities, as well as recovery of the Arctic seas from nuclear and radioactive facilities;

  11. k)

    identification of measures of state support for development of the traditional economy of indigenous small-numbered peoples in the Arctic.

30. During the second phase (until 2020), a transition shall take place to a sustainable innovative socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

31. In the second stage, the following is maintained:

  1. a)

    implementation of competitive advantages of the Russian Federation in the field of development of mineral resources of the continental shelf of the Russian Federation in the Arctic;

  2. b)

    development of the border infrastructure of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and technical reequipment of the border authorities of the federal security service;

  3. c)

    creation and development of a unified system of integrated control over the surface situation, involving federal executive authorities exercising their powers in the field of ensuring the national security of the Russian Federation in the Arctic;

  4. d)

    development of an integrated security system for protection of the territory, population and key facilities of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation from threats of natural and man-made disasters;

  5. e)

    establishment and development of the multipurpose space system “Arctic”, an modernization of loran “RSDN-20” (“Route”);

  6. f)

    development of the infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route and the Navy, including the icebreaking fleet, for solving issues of transport procurement of Arctic areas, as well as Eurasian transit;

  7. g)

    implementation of measures to ensure long-term sustainable use of the marine biological resources of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, including more efficient use of the potential of the water biological resources of the Arctic seas;

  8. h)

    reduction and prevention of adverse effects on the environment of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  9. i)

    completion of a modern information and telecommunications infrastructure for the purpose of the creation of a single information space for the Russian Federation.

32. Implementation of the Strategy will provide a comprehensive accrual of the competitive advantages of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation so as to strengthen the position of the Russian Federation in the Arctic, ensure international security, maintain peace and stability, as well as intensify international cooperation.

33. At all stages of implementation of the Strategy, measures aimed at the rational use of resources and preservation of the environment of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, based on systematic comprehensive scientific study, were included.

VI. The Main Characteristics of Social and Economic Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and Ensuring National Security

34. The main characteristics of social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and ensuring national security include:

  1. a)

    the ratio between the amount of additional financial resources (including foreign investments) attracted for fulfillment of projects in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation as a result of the development of public-private partnership and intensification of international cooperation and the total amount of allotments from the federal budget for these purposes;

  2. b)

    the ratio between the income of 10 percent of the richest and the income of 10 percent of the lower-income population in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (regional decile coefficient);

  3. c)

    share of renewable sources of reproduction of the resource base (including electricity) in the total resource base (including in energy and power consumption) of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  4. d)

    cargo turnover along the Northern Sea Route;

  5. e)

    coefficient of the availability of carriages by air in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  6. f)

    coefficient of natural population growth in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (per 1000 persons);

  7. g)

    share of the population of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation that has permanent access to a drinking water supply that meets sanitary and epidemiological regulations, in the amount of the overall population of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  8. h)

    share of contaminated (untreated) and insufficiently treated wastewater, in the total amount of the wastewater being discharged into surface water objects;

  9. i)

    share of lands that underwent rehabilitation, in the total area of lands that were subjected to breach, including lands exposed to radioactive and chemical contamination in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  10. j)

    amount of rare and endangered species of animals listed in the Red Book of Russia living in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  11. k)

    share of the population using the network “Internet,” in the overall population of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  12. l)

    amount of economic loss avoided as a result of search and rescue operations;

  13. m)

    share of high-tech and knowledge-intensive sectors of the economy of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in the gross domestic product of the Russian Federation;

  14. n)

    amount of expeditions on marine scientific research and marine resource studies (living and non-living resources) in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  15. o)

    share of modern weapons, military and special equipment in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, in the total amount of weapons, military and special equipment in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

35. Figures of the main characteristics will be defined in the process of preparation of a state program on social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2020, and will be calculated as soon as the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation achieves the status of an independent object of state statistical observation.

36. The level of socio-economic development and national security of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is characterized by the following macroeconomic indicators:

  1. a)

    accrual of the share of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in the gross domestic product of the Russian Federation and in the structure of the state’s exports;

  2. b)

    increase in the share of regional high-tech innovative products (and services) in the total volume of sales within the borders of the Russian Federation and export sales;

  3. c)

    increase in labor productivity growth in the enterprises of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  4. d)

    accrual of balance reserves of minerals as a result of the conduct of geological surveys in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation;

  5. e)

    increase in life expectancy of Indigenous Small-numbered Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation living in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

VII. Monitoring the Implementation of the Strategy

37. The Government of the Russian Federation shall carry out monitoring of implementation of the Strategy.

38. The Government of the Russian Federation, federal executive authorities and executive authorities of subjects of the Russian Federation shall provide system monitoring and analysis of implementation of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic. Upon the resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation, coordination of activities aimed at overseeing implementation of the Strategy shall be exercised by an authorized federal executive body or a working body established by the Government of the Russian Federation.

39. The Government of the Russian Federation shall submit a report to the President of the Russian Federation on the progress and outcomes of realization of the Strategy on a yearly basis.

3.22 Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Approval of Rules of the Transmission to Border Authorities of Information About the Location of Ships Repeatedly Crossing the State Border of the Russian Federation Without Border, Customs (as to the Accomplishment of Customs Operations in Connection with the Arrival (Departure) of Ships) and Other Forms of Control (2014)

  • GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

  • DECREE

  • dated August 15, 2014, No. 811

  • MOSCOW

  • On the approval of Rules of the transmission to border authorities of information about the location of ships repeatedly crossing the State Border of the Russian Federation without border, customs (as to the accomplishment of customs operations in connection with the arrival (departure) of ships) and other forms of control

The Government of the Russian Federation decrees:

to approve the attached Rules of the transmission to border authorities of information about the location of ships repeatedly crossing the State Border of the Russian Federation without border, customs (as to the accomplishment of customs operations in connection with the arrival (departure) of ships) and other forms of control.

Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation

D. Medvedev

  • APPROVED by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation

  • dated August 15, 2014, No. 811

  • RULES of the transmission to border authorities of information about the location of ships repeatedly crossing the State Border of the Russian Federation without border, customs (as to the accomplishment of customs operations in connection with the arrival (departure) of ships) and other forms of control.

1. The present Rules establish the order of the transmission to border authorities of information about the location of ships, stated in parts 19 and 20 of article 9 of the Law of the Russian Federation “On the State Border of the Russian Federation,” subject to the realization of which they can repeatedly cross the State Border of the Russian Federation without border, customs (as to the accomplishment of customs operations in connection with the arrival (departure) of ships) and other forms of control (hereinafter – ships).

2. Transmission to border authorities of information about the location of ships is carried out by the Russian centre of the system of identification of ships and their tracking at long distances (hereinafter – the Russian centre of the identification system), established in accordance with item 1 of the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of December 8, 2008, No. 922 “On measures of the introduction of the identification system of ships and their tracking at long distances” in the electronic form using the information and telecommunication network “Internet.”

For the reception of information on ships intending repeatedly to cross the State Border of the Russian Federation, the Russian center of the identification system uses data on the centralized registration of harbor control realized by masters of sea ports in accordance with part 1 of article 79 of the Code of commercial navigation of the Russian Federation.

3. The following information on the location of ships is subject to transmission to border authorities:

  1. a)

    name of ship, her calling signal and the identification number of the International Maritime Organization (if available);

  2. b)

    recognizer of the maritime mobile service MMSI (if available);

  3. c)

    flag of state under which ship navigates;

  4. d)

    geographical coordinates of the location of ship;

  5. e)

    date and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) at the moment of determination of the geographical coordinates of the location of ship.

4. Data of the location of the ship indicated in item 3 of the present Rules are transmitted every 2 hours from the moment of the beginning of the transmission of data of the location of the ship to the Russian centre of identification and until the entrance of the ship into the water area of the port of destination.

5. The Russian centre of the identification system forms data on the location of ships to be transmitted to border authorities in accordance with item 3 of the present Rules on the basis of the information received in the automatic mode from ships equipped according to the requirements for the equipment of ships with the technical control facilities ensuring regular automatic transmission of the information about the location of the ship and (or) with other technical facilities of the control of the location of the ship.

The transmission of data about the location of the ship to the Russian centre of the identification system is carried out every 2 hours from the moment of the verification of the operability of technical facilities of the control of the location of the ship to be made no later than 4 hours prior to the intended departure of the ship from port and until the entrance of the ship to the water area of the port of destination.

6. The boundary authorities in the zone of responsibility in which the port is situated (contact information for boundary authorities is to be found on the site ps.fsb.ru of the information and telecommunication network “Internet”) must inform the captain of the ship by telephone about the receipt in accordance with item 2 of the present Rules of the data of the location of the specific ship no later than one hour prior to the assumed time of the departure of the ship from port.

The ship should not leave the port prior to receipt by the captain of the above message.

7. If the Russian centre of the identification system does not receive, in accordance with the established procedure, the information about the location of the ship within 30 minutes after the moment when such information must be received from the ship in accordance with item 5 of the present Rules, it will send a message by e-mail to the shipowner about the cessation of the reception of the information about the location of the ship. The shipowner has to ensure the transmission of the information specified by item 9 of the present Rules within 6 hours from the moment of the reception of the above message.

8. In case of the detection aboard ship of the cessation of the transmission of data about the location of the ship at sea, the captain of the ship must ensure the transmission from the ship of the information specified by item 9 of the present Rules.

9. In cases specified by items 7 and 8 of the present Rules, the following information is to be transmitted by radio communication, facsimile or electronic mail to the boundary authorities within the responsibility zone of which the port of departure or port of destination is situated, as well as to the Russian centre of identification system:

  1. a)

    name of ship, her calling signal and the identification number of the International Maritime Organization (if available);

  2. b)

    recognizer of the maritime mobile service MMSI (if available);

  3. c)

    flag of state under which ship navigates;

  4. d)

    geographical coordinates of the location of ship at the moment of detection of cessation of the transmission of data about the location of ship;

  5. e)

    date and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) at the moment of detection of cessation of the transmission of data about the location of ship;

  6. f)

    port of ship’s registry;

  7. g)

    short description of ship’s route;

  8. h)

    course and speed of ship at the moment of detection of cessation of the transmission of data about the location of ship;

  9. i)

    reasons, data and time of the stopping of ship (if, at the moment of cessation of the transmission of information, ship is motionless);

  10. j)

    reasons for cessation of the transmission of information about the location of ship (if known);

  11. k)

    planned time of resumption of the transmission of information about the location of ship, using technical facilities of the control of the location of ship (if known).

10. After the transmission of the information specified by item 9 of the present Rules, the transmission of information is to be carried out every 2 hours by radio communication to the boundary authorities in the zone of which the port from which the ship has departed is situated or the port of destination of the information specified by sub-items “a” – “b”, “f” and “i” of item 9 of the present Rules, as well as the geographical coordinates, course and speed of the ship at the moment of the transmission of information about the location of the ship.

11. For the transmission of the information specified by items 9 and 10 of the present Rules from Russian ships, the Russian language will be used, and from foreign ships, Russian and English.

3.23 Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation on the Approval of Rules on the Repeated Crossing by Foreign Ships of the State Border of the Russian Federation Without Border, Customs (As to the Accomplishment of Customs Operations in Connection with the Arrival (Departure) of Ships) and Other Forms of Control (2014)

  • GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

  • DECREE

  • dated August 15, 2014, No. 813

  • MOSCOW

  • On the approval of Rules on the repeated crossing by foreign ships of the State Border of the Russian Federation without border, customs (as to the accomplishment of customs operations in connection with the arrival (departure) of ships) and other forms of control

In accordance with part 20 of article 9 of the Law of the Russian Federation “On the State Border of the Russian Federation,” the Government of the Russian Federation decrees:

To approve the attached Rules on the repeated crossing by foreign ships of the State Border of the Russian Federation without border, customs (as to the accomplishment of customs operations in connection with the arrival (departure) of ships) and other forms of control.

Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation

D. Medvedev

  • APPROVED

  • by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation

  • dated August 15, 2014, No. 813

  • RULES on the repeated crossing by foreign ships of the State Border of the Russian Federation without border, customs (as to the accomplishment of customs operations in connection with the arrival (departure) of ships) and other forms of control

1. The present Rules establish the single order for the repeated crossing of the State Border of the Russian Federation without border, customs (as to the accomplishment of customs operations in connection with the arrival (departure) of ships) and other forms of control (hereinafter – repeated crossing of the State Border of the Russian Federation) by foreign ships navigating between Russian ports or marine terminals, as well as in the case of their leaving Russian ports for the inland waters or the territorial sea of the Russian Federation for the purpose of commercial navigation (except activity in connection with the use of ships for fishery) with the subsequent arrival in Russian ports, and also in other cases approved by the Government of the Russian Federation.

The present Rules are applied to foreign ships if they meet the requirements, conditions and restrictions specified by parts 20 and 23 of article 9 of the Law of the Russian Federation “On the State Border of the Russian Federation.”

2. Foreign ships will cross the State Border of the Russian Federation at sea in accordance with the Law of the Russian Federation “On the State Border of the Russian Federation.”

3. As to foreign ships, people, cargo and animals carried aboard, the border and customs control and, in the cases established by international agreements of the Russian Federation and federal laws, other types of control are exercised at the points of admission across the State Border of the Russian Federation set in sea ports open for foreign ships upon arrival on the territory of the Russian Federation and on departure out of the territory of the Russian Federation.

4. After the border and customs control and, in the cases established by international agreements and federal laws, other additional types of control at points of admission across the State Border of the Russian Federation upon arrival on the territory of the Russian Federation, foreign ships may realize the repeated crossing of the State Border of the Russian Federation on the basis of permission for the repeated crossing of the State Border of the Russian Federation without border, customs (as to the accomplishment of customs operations in connection with the arrival (departure) of ships) and other forms of control (hereinafter – permission for the repeated crossing of the State Border of the Russian Federation) granted by border authorities, depending on the location of the port out of which the departure of the foreign ship for the purpose of commercial shipping in relation to the repeated crossing of the State Body of the Russian Federation is planned.

5. To obtain permission for the repeated crossing of the State Border of the Russian Federation, the shipowner or other authorized person (hereinafter – the applicant) must hand in an application to the border authorities, depending on the location of the port out of which the departure of the foreign ship for the purpose of repeated crossing of the State Border is planned for permission for repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation without border, customs (as to the accomplishment of customs operations in connection with the arrival (departure) of ships) and other types of control indicated by the form, according to annex № 1 (hereinafter – the application).

6. The application is to be sent by facsimile or by e-mail no later than 10 days in advance of the arrival of the foreign ship in a Russian port.

7. The following should be attached to the application:

  1. a)

    transit plan of the foreign ship;

  2. b)

    crew list;

  3. c)

    list of passengers (if any).

8. The applicant, on his own initiative, can attach to the application a copy of the permission for transportation and towing in the coasting trade, as well as for other types of activity in the sphere of commercial navigation by foreign ships (hereinafter – permission for transportation and towing) (if the availability of such permission is required by the legislation of the Russian Federation).

9. If a copy of the permission for transportation and towing is not submitted by the applicant on his own initiative, the information needed thereof for the taking of the decision as to the issue of permission for the repeated crossing by foreign ships of the State Border of the Russian Federation is requested by the border authorities with the state bodies participating in rendering public services that have the relevant information, including that within the framework of the interdepartmental information interaction.

10. The decision as to the issue or denial in granting permission for the repeated crossing by foreign ships of the State Border of the Russian Federation is to be taken by the head of the border authorities or the public officer of the border authorities (hereinafter – the public officer of the border authorities) within 8 working days after receipt of the application.

11. Permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation is presented in the form according to annex № 2, signed by an official of the border authorities and sealed. The forms of the above permissions are documents of strict accountability, having registration series and numbers.

12. Permission for the repeated crossing by foreign ships of the State Border of the Russian Federation is granted for the time indicated in the application (but not exceeding 1 year) and within the time of validity of the permission for transportation and towing (if availability of the permission for transportation and towing is required by the legislation of the Russian Federation).

Permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation is valid within the specified route of the navigation of the foreign ship and (or) the area where the repeated crossing of the State Border of the Russian Federation by a foreign ship is anticipated.

13. Permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation is to be sent to the applicant by post, with a delivery receipt dated within 2 days after the decision is taken about its issue. At the same time, a copy of the above permission is to be sent to the applicant by facsimile or by e-mail.

During the whole period of the validity of permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation, its copy and a copy of the permission for transportation and towing (if the availability of such permission is required by the legislation of the Russian Federation) must be in the possession of the captain of the ship.

Copies of the permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation are also to be sent to a customs body, depending on the location of the port out of which the foreign ship is to depart for the purpose of the repeated crossing of the State Border of the Russian Federation and to the master of this port by facsimile or by e-mail within 1 day after the decision is taken about the issue of the above permission.

14. Notification about the denial of the issue of permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation is presented in a form in accordance with annex № 3 and is to be sent to the applicant by post, with a delivery receipt dated within 2 days after the decision is taken for the denial to issue such permission. At the same time, a copy of such notification is to be sent to the applicant by facsimile or by e-mail.

15. Reasons for the denial of the issue of permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation are as follows:

  1. a)

    filing of the application in violation of the requirements established by items 6 and 7 of the present Rules;

  2. b)

    inadequate or incomplete information in the application;

  3. c)

    endangering of the Russian Federation;

  4. d)

    violation of the legislation concerning the State Border of the Russian Federation committed by the captain of the foreign ship or the shipowner during the period of a year preceding the date of the application for permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation.

16. Validity of the permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation is terminated in the following cases:

  1. a)

    denial of the applicant of the possibility of the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation. The applicant must, in advance, notify the border authorities issuing the permission for the repeated crossing by foreign ships of the State Body of the Russian Federation of his decision by facsimile or by e-mail.

  2. b)

    termination of the validity of permission for transportation and towing (if the availability of such permission is specified by the legislation of the Russian Federation);

  3. c)

    submission of unreliable information about the location of the foreign ship;

  4. d)

    violation by the captain of the foreign ship within the period of validity of the permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation of international agreements and legislation of the Russian Federation concerning the State Border, including unfulfilled requirements specified by items 21–26 of the present Rules.

17. Validity of the permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation is suspended in cases of cessation of the transmission by technical facilities of the control of the location of the ship of the information of the location of the foreign ship for a period longer than 6 hours.

18. After the decision about the cessation (suspension) of the validity of the permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation, a public officer of the border authorities must immediately send to the applicant and the captain of the foreign ship, by facsimile or e-mail, the notification concerning the cessation (suspension) of the validity of the permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation in a form in accordance with annex № 4, with the indication of the reasons for such decision.

The captain of the foreign ship, having received the information about the cessation (suspension) of the validity of the permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation, must engage in the appropriate logging.

If the validity of the permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation ceases when the foreign ship is outside of the territorial sea of the Russian Federation, she must, in the shortest time, call at the nearest port of the Russian Federation en route.

19. The validity of the suspended permission for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation can be restored by the decision of a public officer of the border authorities after elimination of the reason at the basis of the suspension of permission.

20. Registration and, taking account of the permissions for the repeated crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation, notifications of denials of the issue of permissions or of termination (suspension) of their validity should be noted by the border authorities in the log book and the border authority information systems established by the legislation of the Russian Federation.

21. The captain of the foreign ship or the applicant, no later than 24 hours prior to the departure of the foreign ship out of the Russian port, must send, by facsimile or by e-mail, notification of the departure of the foreign ship out of the Russian port (hereinafter – notification of the departure of ship out of the port) to the border authorities in a form according to annex № 5, depending on the location of the port (the nearest border authority), including submitting a list of crew members, as well as a list of passengers (if any).

22. The captain of the foreign ship or the applicant, within 1 hour after sending the notification about the departure of ship out of the port to the border authorities, must verify its receipt by the border authorities by telephone.

23. Departure of the foreign ship out of the Russian port earlier than at the time stated in the notification of the departure of ship out of the port is not allowed.

24. In case of a one-off denial of the intention to cross the State Border of the Russian Federation, the captain of the foreign ship or the applicant must immediately, by facsimile or by e-mail, inform the border authorities to which the notification of the departure out of the port was sent of that fact, and, after one hour, verify by telephone the receipt by the border authorities of the indicated information.

25. The captain of ship must notify the border authorities, depending on the location of the port (its nearest border authorities), by facsimile or by e-mail about all changes to the lists of crew members and (or) passengers (if any) at the moment of the departure of the foreign ship out of the Russian port.

26. Any change of the stated route of navigation, as well as of the date, time and geographical coordinates of the location of the crossing by a foreign ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation, without agreement with the border authorities, depending on the location of the crossing point of the State Border of the Russian Federation, is prohibited.

27. At the actual crossing of the State Border of the Russian Federation, the captain of the foreign ship must transmit, by radio communication, facsimile or e-mail, to the border authorities within the responsibility zone of which the crossing point of the State Border of the Russian Federation is situated the information about the foreign ship, and the time and geographic coordinates of the location of the crossing point by this ship of the State Border of the Russian Federation, and the appropriate entry must be introduced into the log book […].