Polar Code

The Polar Code is the IMO's mandatory International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (in force 2017), setting additional design, equipment, operational and environmental requirements for ships in Arctic and Antarctic waters. It was adopted as amendments to SOLAS (the new Chapter XIV) and MARPOL, categorises ships as A, B or C by their ice capability, and requires a Polar Ship Certificate together with a Polar Water Operational Manual (PWOM). Officers on such ships must hold the training set out in IMO Model Courses 7.11 (basic) or 7.12 (advanced) for ice operations.