An Introduction to the Polar Code

1. An Introduction POLAR CODE to the VICTOR OLERSKIY Member of the Board of Directors at Russian Fishery LLC

2. The Polar Code is the name commonly given to the International Code for Ships Operating in International Waters. This Code is an international regime that establishes shipping regulations in the two polar regions, the Arctic and the Antarctic, principally relating to ship design and the navigation of ice floes. Risk Protection The objective of the Polar Code is the protection of the two polar re- gions of the world from maritime risks. It includes both regulations and voluntary guidelines and stems from previous documents from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Code Enforcement The Polar Code does not apply to ships with sovereign immunity, to fishing vessels or to vessels with less than 500GT. A lot of the envi- ronmental protections included are not yet in force in the Arctic, although they are in the Antarc- tic, such as a MARPOL regulation preventing Antarctic pollution by heavy-grade oils. Arctic water pol- lution prevention requirements in the Polar Code have been criti- cised by many as being too lax. Existing Treaties The Polar Code was developed with existing treaties for environ- mental protection and safety un- der consideration. These include SOLAS and MARPOL. Victor Olerskiy

3. Victor Olerskiy

4. Victor Olerskiy Learn more about MARPOL by visiting the blog of Victor Olerskiy, Russia’s previous Deputy Minister for Transport.