Polar Code

The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters is mandatory under SOLAS Chapter XIV (safety) from 1 January 2017 and under MARPOL (environmental) for the safety and pollution-prevention of Arctic and Antarctic operations. It requires a Polar Ship Certificate by ice category (A, B, or C), a Polar Water Operational Manual, and provisions for ice strengthening, machinery, stability in ice, communications, voyage planning, and crew training to STCW polar standards. Environmental chapters restrict oil, noxious liquid, sewage, and garbage discharges; a 2021 amendment bans heavy fuel oil use and carriage in the Arctic from 1 July 2024.