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Polar Code requirements for ships entering Arctic or Antarctic waters, under the provisions of Chapter XIV of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended
Applicable to:
All Indian Ships including ships below non-convention size that intend to proceed to Polar Water areas
Effective Date:
2024-02-12
Superseded Circulars:
None
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Polar Code Requirements — SOLAS Chapter XIV
The Polar Code, adopted by IMO, introduces requirements for ships entering Arctic or Antarctic waters. This notice outlines key changes and requirements for Indian seafarers.
- Applicable Waters: Arctic waters (north of 60°N) and Antarctic area (south of 60°S)
- Ship Categorisation: Category A (medium first-year ice), B (thin first-year ice), or C (open water)
- Polar Ship Certificate: Mandatory for all ships operating in Polar Waters, issued after a successful survey
- Polar Waters Operation Manual (PWOM): Required for all ships, including risk assessments and operational measures
- Crew Training: Mandatory polar operations training for Master and navigational watch officers
- Pollution Prevention: Prohibited discharges of oil, noxious liquids, sewage, and garbage in Polar Waters, with specific requirements for new ships and MARPOL Annexes I, II, IV, and V
II/4 Guidance on methodologies for assessing operational capabilities and limitations in ice
Important Note
Port State Control will verify the availability of Polar Ship Certificates on board ships transiting through or arriving from Polar Waters.
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