Polar Code (Safety Part)

The safety part of the Polar Code sets the design, construction, equipment, operational, and crew requirements for ships in Arctic and Antarctic waters. It is mandatory through SOLAS Chapter XIV, added by resolution MSC.386(94), with the Code itself adopted by MSC.385(94), in force 1 January 2017. It applies to passenger ships and cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and above on international voyages. Compliant ships hold a Polar Ship Certificate and carry a Polar Water Operational Manual that records ice, temperature, and latitude limits. Ships built before 2017 comply at the first intermediate or renewal survey after 1 January 2018. The pollution part sits in MARPOL.