Development of an international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters (The Polar Code) The two poles have always been a matter of concern to IMO and many relevant requirements, provisions and recommendations have been developed over the years for the safety of the ships operating in harsh, remote and vulnerable polar areas. Ships operating in the Arctic and Antarctic environments are exposed to a number of unique risks and, over the coming years, polar shipping will grow in volume and diversify in nature. Because of the current guidelines, Guidelines for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Resolution A. 1024(26)), are recommendatory and the polar shipping is growing, a move towards a mandatory code seemed to be necessary. In November 2014, IMO adopted the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), and related amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) to make it mandatory. The Polar Code is expected to be entered into force of the SOLAS amendments on 1 January 2017. It will apply to new ships constructed after that date. Ships constructed before 1 January 2017 will be required to meet the relevant requirements of the Polar Code. Mandatory The Polar Code will contain both safety and environmental related provisions and will be mandatory under both SOLAS and the International Convention for the Prevention of the Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). IMO's Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) is expected to adopt the Code and associated MARPOL amendments at its next session in May 2015. The entry-into-force date will be aligned with the SOLAS amendments. Scope The draft Polar Code covers the full range of design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue as well as environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in the inhospitable waters surrounding the two poles. It also includes mandatory measures covering safety part (Part I-A) and pollution preventio