The draft mandatory international code for ships
operating in polar waters (Polar Code), currently
under preparation, which will apply to passenger
ships and cargo ships of 500 GT and above, covers
the full range of design, construction, equipment,
operational, training, search and rescue, and
environmental protection matters relevant to ships
operating in the inhospitable waters surrounding the
two poles. It includes mandatory measures covering
safety (part I-A) and pollution prevention (part II-A)
and recommendatory provisions for both (parts I-B
and II-B).62 The Code would require ships intending
to operate in the waters of the Antarctic and Arctic
to apply for a Polar Ship Certificate, which will require
an assessment taking into account the anticipated
range of operating conditions and hazards the ship
may encounter in the polar waters, as well as to carry
a Polar Water Operational Manual.63