Consultation outcome

Implementation of the international code for ships operating in polar waters (Polar Code)

From:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Published
17 March 2021
Last updated
9 September 2021 — See all updates
This consultation has concluded

Download the full outcome

Consultation responses and final outcome

PDF, 824 KB, 17 pages

Detail of outcome

Please see above the consultation responses received and final outcome report.

Original consultation

Summary

This consultation seeks the views of industry on the implementation of the safety related requirements in the Merchant Shipping (Polar Code) (Safety) Regulations 2021.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

The international code for ships operating in polar waters (Polar Code) was agreed in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and is mandatory under both the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS) (Chapter XIV) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL). In accordance with its international obligations, the UK is now in the process of implementing the provisions of Chapter XIV of SOLAS and the safety provisions in the Polar Code (which is incorporated into SOLAS by reference to it in Chapter XIV) into domestic law.

The Polar Code applies to ships operating in polar waters. It covers the full range of design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue and environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in the inhospitable waters surrounding the two poles. The proposed regulations apply to United Kingdom ships, and also to non-United Kingdom ships commencing or ending a voyage in the United Kingdom and as part of that voyage operating in polar waters.

The move to develop a mandatory code followed the adoption by the IMO Assembly, in 2009, of guidelines for ships operating in polar waters (Resolution A.1024(26)), which were intended to address those additional provisions deemed necessary for consideration beyond existing requirements of the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions. The guidelines were recommendatory.

However, the safety of ships operating in the harsh, remote and vulnerable polar areas, and the protection of the pristine environments around the two poles, have always been matters of concern for the IMO. Trends and forecasts indicate that polar shipping will grow in volume and diversify in nature over the coming years. These challenges need to be met without compromising either safety of life at sea, or the sustainability of the polar environments.

Documents

Polar code consultation document

PDF, 333 KB, 20 pages

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Annex A Polar code regulations

PDF, 296 KB, 16 pages

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Annex B Polar code marine guidance note

PDF, 138 KB, 5 pages

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Published 17 March 2021
Last updated 9 September 2021 + show all updates

  1. uploaded revised version of feedback responses and final outcome

  2. Uploading responses and final outcome of the consultation

  3. First published.