New Requirements for Ships Operating in Polar Waters

The amendments introduce new requirements for fishing vessels of 24 meters in length overall and above, pleasure yachts of 300 gross tonnage and upwards, as well as cargo ships between 300 and 500 gross tonnage.

For operations in Arctic waters beyond the flag State's territorial sea and throughout the Antarctic region, ships are required to meet the Polar Code's Chapters 9-1 and 11-1 standards for navigational equipment, voyage planning and documenting operational procedures.

• obtaining up-to-date information on ice conditions;
• providing an unobstructed view astern fr om the bridge;
• means for combating icing on the antennas of radio and navigational equipment;
• means of ice protection for underwater sensors protruding beyond the hull;
• installation of two searchlights for ice detection and two non-magnetic heading sensing and display devices;
• availability of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) compass (for ships operating on voyages beyond 80 degrees latitude).

Existing ships must comply with the requirements by January 1, 2027. For new ships constructed on or after January 1, 2026, the requirements apply immediately upon the amendment's entry into force and include several additional design provisions. For instance, Polar Code Category A and B vessels (ships with high ice class) must be fitted with enclosed bridge wings.

At the same time, the amendments grant broad discretion to flag States to approve alternative arrangements wh ere full compliance with the relevant requirements cannot be achieved on board.

In anticipation of these amendments, RS stands ready to assist shipowners in preparing for these regulatory developments.Specifically, RS offers a dedicated service to develop a Polar Water Operational Manual for its clients. This essential document - structured in accordance with Appendix 2 of Part II-B of the Polar Code - provides the shipowner, operator, master and crew with all required information and instructions for the safe operation of a specific vessel, as mandated by Chapter 2 of Part I-A.

Information on other amendments entering into force is available in the “About Register / International Activity / Changes in the international regulatory framework” section of the RS website.

Additional information:

Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.

Today, RS is actively expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys, management system certification and recognition of manufacturers. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.