Polar Code - 2016 Edition

The Code acknowledges that polar water operation may impose navigational demands beyond the existing requirements of SOLAS, MARPOL and any relevant binding IMO instruments. The key principles for developing the Polar Code have been to use a risk based approach in determining scope and to adopt a holistic approach in reducing risks. Detail is given on ship structure to ensure integrity is retained in ice conditions and during both global and structural loads. Although the Code is intended to apply to both Arctic and Antarctic waters, the legal and geographical differences between the two areas have been taken into account.

The present International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) was adopted by Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its ninety-fourth session, by resolution MSC.385(94), and by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), at its sixty-eighth session, by resolution MEPC.264(68). It results from strenuous work of various IMO bodies over a five year period. The Polar Code, which enters into force on 1 January 2017, is mandatory under both the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). In this context, the safety related requirements are mandatory under the new Chapter XIV of SOLAS, adopted by resolution MSC.386(94), and the marine environment protection related requirements are mandatory under amendments to Annexes I, II, IV and V of MARPOL, adopted by resolution MEPC.265(68).

The Polar Code has been developed to supplement existing IMO instruments in order to provide a more comprehensive set of provisions to address the increased interests and traffic in the polar regions, and the unique operational, environmental and search and rescue concerns peculiar to these areas, taking into account that the consequences of any major safety or pollution incident in polar waters are likely to cause widespread harm to these pristine environments.

The Polar Code covers the full range of design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue and environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in waters surrounding the two poles. It includes mandatory measures covering safety (Part 1A) and pollution prevention (Part 2A) and recommendatory provisions for both (Parts 1B and 2B).

MSC.385(94) International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code)

MEPC.264(68) International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code)

Part 1A Safety measures
Chapter 1 General

Chapter 2 Polar Water Operational Manual (PWOM)

Chapter 3 Ship structure

Chapter 4 Subdivision and stability

Chapter 5 Watertight and weathertight integrity

Chapter 6 Machinery installations

Chapter 7 Fire safety/protection

Chapter 8 Lifesaving appliances and arrangements

Chapter 9 Safety of navigation

Chapter 10 Communication

Chapter 11 Voyage planning

Chapter 12 Manning and training

Part 1B Additional guidance regarding the provisions of the Introduction and Part 1A

Part 2A Pollution prevention measures

Chapter 1 Prevention of pollution by oil

Chapter 2 Control of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk

Chapter 3 Prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form

Chapter 4 Prevention of pollution by sewage from ships

Chapter 5 Prevention of pollution by garbage from ships

Part 2B Additional guidance regarding the provisions of the Introduction and Part 2A

A??s a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.