Infographic: What the Polar Code Means for Ship Safety

Last month, the International Maritime Organization adopted the landmark “Polar Code”, the first mandatory blanket legislation for the improved safety of ships operating in the world’s polar regions. The new Code specifically addresses potential hazards unique to arctic and antarctic environments, such as ice, remoteness and rapidly changing and severe weather conditions.

But what exactly does the new Polar Code mean for ship safety? This infographic explains it:

Click image for high-res

The Polar Code will be mandatory under both SOLAS and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

The expected date of entry into force of the Polar Code and related SOLAS amendments is 1 January 2017 for new ships constructed after that date. Ships constructed before 1 January 2017 will be required to meet the relevant requirements of the Polar Code by the first intermediate or renewal survey, whichever occurs first, after 1 January 2018.

You can read more about the Polar Code HERE.

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