MGN 637 (M) Amendment 1 - International code for ships operating in polar waters (Polar Code)
Updated guidance on the above regulations following amendments by the IMO to the requirements regarding new vessel types added to some of the requirements
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Notice to all shipowners and operators, recognised organisations, certifying authorities, shipbuilders, ship repairers, masters, officers and surveyors.
This Note replaces Marine Guidance Note 637 and introduces amendments to SOLAS Chapter XIV and the Polar Code introduced by IMO resolution
This notice should be read with: the Merchant Shipping (Polar Code) (Safety) Regulations 2025; Chapter XIV (safety measures for ships operating in polar waters) in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS), together with the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code); IMO MSC.1/Circ.1641 (Guidelines for Safety Measures for Fishing Vessels of 24 m in Length and over Operating in Polar Waters) and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1642 (Guidelines for Safety Measures for Pleasure Yachts of 300 gross tonnage and above not engaged in trade operating in Polar Waters).
The requirements relating to polar ship survey and certification are contained in the Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/508), which have been amended by the Merchant Shipping (Polar Code) (Safety) Regulations 2025 (see Part 1 of the Schedule in those Regulations).
The requirements relating to polar seafarer training are contained in the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1342), which have been amended by the Merchant Shipping (Polar Code) (Safety) Regulations 2025 Regulations (see Part 1 of the Schedule in those Regulations).
Updates to this page
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