极地规则预计在2017年1月1日起开始生效，这是IMO组织工作中具有里程碑意义的历史节点。在两极海域及其周围的恶劣环境中，极地规则将为保护船舶和船上的船员及乘客的生命财产安全积极发挥重要作用。

2014年11月，国际海事组织海上安全委员会（MSC）第94届会议通过了极地规则和SOLAS修正案。2015年5月，海洋环境保护委员会（MEPC）第68届会议通过了相关环保规定和MARPOL修正案。

Shippingin polar waters

Developmentof an international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters (Polar Code)

IMOhas adopted the International Code for Ships Operating in PolarWaters (Polar Code) and related amendments to make it mandatory underboth the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships(MARPOL).

ThePolar Code is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2017. Thismarks an historic milestone in the Organization’s work to protect shipsand people aboard them, both seafarers and passengers, in the harsh environmentof the waters surrounding the two poles.

ThePolar Code and SOLAS amendments were adopted during the 94th session of IMO’sMaritime Safety Committee (MSC), in November 2014; the environmental provisionsand MARPOL amendments were adopted during the 68th session of the MarineEnvironment Protection Committee (MEPC) in May 2015.