Operational guide · Operational procedure

Passage Planning in Polar Waters (Polar Code)

From 1 January 2026 MSC.538(107) extends Polar Chapters 9-1 and 11-1 to the new non-SOLAS categories, not the full Polar Ship Certificate and PWOM regime.

Polar CodePWOMpolar waterspassage planning

Operational Explanation

Distinguish SOLAS Chapter I ships, subject to the relevant full Polar regime, from the added categories: fishing vessels at least 24 m, non-commercial pleasure yachts at least 300 GT and cargo ships 300–499 GT. For the latter MSC.538(107) introduces Chapters 9-1 and 11-1 on safety of navigation and voyage planning; it does not import certificate and PWOM requirements through that resolution.

Regulatory Reference

MSC.538(107), in force 1 January 2026: Polar Code Chapters 9-1 and 11-1 for the added categories. SOLAS XIV and Polar Code: full regime for ships certified under SOLAS Chapter I.

Scope of Application

Full regime for SOLAS Chapter I ships. Chapters 9-1/11-1 for fishing vessels ≥24 m, non-commercial pleasure yachts ≥300 GT and cargo ships 300–499 GT in polar waters.

Procedure / How to Complete It

Classify the ship and applicable regime before departure.
For SOLAS Chapter I verify Polar Ship Certificate, PWOM and relevant chapters.
For added categories apply 9-1/11-1 and prepare a documented polar-operation procedure where no SMS exists.
Integrate ice information, limitations, route, communications, SAR, environmental and contingency factors.
Apply construction dates only to individual equipment requirements that specify them; check the illumination exception for solely 24-hour daylight operations.

Practical Example

A 400 GT cargo ship receives 9-1/11-1 duties from 1 January 2026, but MSC.538(107) does not automatically require it to hold a Polar Ship Certificate or PWOM.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Extending the whole Polar Code to the added categories, imposing certificate/PWOM, or inventing a first intermediate/renewal survey transition after 2027.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake	Consequence	How to Avoid It
Extending the whole Polar Code to the added categories, imposing certificate/PWOM, or inventing a first intermediate/renewal survey transition after 2027.	Incorrect operational decision or regulatory status	Use the primary reference and ship-specific procedure

What the PSCO Checks

Ship classification, application date, voyage plan/procedure, specific equipment, ice information and absence of non-applicable certification requirements.

Operational Tips

Always separate the two regimes.
Do not use a non-existent survey transition.
Attach construction dates only to relevant equipment paragraphs.

Preparation checklist

Ship category checked
Full regime or 9-1/11-1 distinguished
1 January 2026 date
Documented procedures
No inferred certificate/PWOM
Equipment and daylight exception checked

FAQ

Do added categories need a Polar Ship Certificate and PWOM?

Not by virtue of MSC.538(107), which extends Chapters 9-1 and 11-1 to them.

Is there a first-survey transition after 2027?

No. The resolution entered into force on 1 January 2026.

Are two means of illumination always required?

Not for ships operating solely in 24-hour daylight, under the applicable requirement.

Passage Planning in Polar Waters (Polar Code)

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

Scope of Application

Procedure / How to Complete It

Practical Example

What Typically Goes Wrong

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

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