The text of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters has now been adopted by both the Maritime Safety Committee and the Marine Enviornment Protection Committee, together with the amendments to SOLAS and MARPOL that are necessary to make it mandatory.
The Code will apply to internationally trading ships operating in polar regions and contains measures addressing design, construction, equipment, operational measures, training, search and rescue and environmental protection.
It will enter into force on 1 January 2017, with existing ships being required to comply by the first intermediate or renewal survey, whichever occurs first, after 1 January 2018.
The text of the Code can be found in the Members’ Area