Ships sailing the world’s coldest waters follow a single international safety code. It is not a territorial treaty, and not a research-only rulebook.
✊ Must Know
What the Polar Code Is
- Definition The Polar Code is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.
- Issuing body It was developed by the International Maritime Organization, the IMO.
What It Covers
- Scope It covers ship design, construction, equipment, operations, training, search and rescue, and environmental protection for polar voyages.
- In force The Polar Code entered into force on 1 January 2017.
💡 Good to Know
Legal Backing
- Mandatory status The Polar Code is mandatory under two treaties.
- Which ones Those are SOLAS, for safety of life at sea, and MARPOL, for pollution prevention.
Who It Applies To
- Coverage It applies to cargo ships of 500 gross tonnes or more, and to all passenger ships operating in polar waters.
Test Yourself
🌟 Great to Know
Not a Territorial or Research Treaty
- Common wrong guesses The Polar Code is not a territorial-demarcation agreement, and not a research-norms treaty.
- What it is instead It is purely a ship-safety code, not an Arctic Council trade pact either.
📝 Previous Year Questions
UPSC CSP 2022 — What the Polar Code Actually Is
- UPSC 2022 The correct answer is (a). It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters. See UPSC CSP 2022 GS Paper I, Q77 View this question.
Beyond the answer
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