International Maritime Organization

The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) has been developed to supplement existing IMO instruments in order to provide a more comprehensive set of provisions to address the increased interests and traffic in the polar regions, and the unique operational, environmental and search and rescue concerns peculiar to these areas, taking into account that the consequences of any major safety or pollution incident in polar waters are likely to cause widespread harm to these pristine environments.

The Polar Code covers the full range of design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue and environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in 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).

This publication concerns the carriage of passengers and their luggage by sea and the establishment of a regime of liability for damage suffered by passengers carried on a seagoing vessel. It includes:

Final Act of the International Legal Conference on the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage on Board Ships, 1974; Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea (PAL), 1974; Understanding of the Conference in Relation to Participation in the Convention and the Performance of Depositary Functions in Relation thereto by the Secretary-General of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO); Final Act of the International Conference on the Revision of the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea, 1974; Protocol of 2002 to the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea, 1974.

The model course is designed to provide trainees with knowledge and skills in managing crowds. This covers the mandatory competences and the required knowledge, understanding and proficiencies specified in paragraph 3 of section A-V/2 and table A-V/2-1 of the STCW Code. On completion, the trainee should be able to demonstrate the ability to contribute to the implementation of shipboard emergency plans and procedures to muster and evacuate passengers as well as assisting passengers en route to muster and embarkation stations.

As a result of the modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) in 2022, several performance standards have been revised, consolidated, revoked or newly adopted. Most of these performance standards will be implemented as from 1 January 2024, in line with the entry into force of the amendments to SOLAS chapter IV and other related instruments.

The latest developments under SOLAS chapter V include amendments to the performance standards for shipborne voyage data recorders and simplified voyage data recorders, and revised performance standards for electronic chart display and information systems, which will introduce new IHO S-100 product specifications.

The present publication incorporates all performance standards for shipborne radiocommunications and navigational equipment and systems, including revisions or amendments thereto adopted up to June 2023.

The purpose of this publication is to provide easy reference to IMO resolutions on shipboard pollution-prevention equipment that are required under MARPOL.

The present publication is a revised and updated version of the 1997 edition and contains those resolutions on pollution-prevention equipment which are currently applicable to new installations on board ships.

Following the continuing loss, sometimes without a trace, of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes and the heavy loss of life caused by such accidents, the IMO Assembly, in the early 90s, requested the Maritime safety Committee (MSC) to develop requirements for the design, construction, operation, maintenance and survey of Bulk carriers and specific precautionary measures with respect to type of cargoes. Consequently, extensive deliberations of the issues involved took place at the MSC meetings over a number of years and a raft of measures, many derived from Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) studies conducted by various Member States of IMO, were considered. One of the many items on the list was “Improved coatings: Controls and/or performance standards for protective coatings, in relation to compatibility with cargoes”.

This publication contains performance standards and guidelines developed as a result of the above considerations.

This 2010 Edition reproduces English, French and Spanish official texts.

La présente section du Manuel sur la pollution par les hydrocarbures vise à fournir des indications pratiques relatives à la prévention de la pollution par les hydrocarbures, en décrivant les procédures relatives à la manipulation des cargaisons d’hydrocarbures, au mazoutage et aux opérations de transfert de navire à navire, de transfert faisant intervenir des unités au large et dans les eaux couvertes de glace. Elle donne également un aperçu des diverses pratiques de prévention employées en complément des normes détaillées du secteur maritime et des codes de conduite actuellement en vigueur. Les renseignements fournis dans le présent document ne visent pas à annuler ni à remplacer les informations, législations ou réglementations contenues dans d’autres publications relatives aux eaux et aux zones auxquelles ils se rapportent.

La présente publication contient :

• la résolution MEPC.107(49) - Directives et spécifications relatives au matériel de prévention de la pollution destiné aux eaux de cale de la tranche des machines des navires
• la résolution MEPC.108(49) - Directives et spécifications révisées pour les dispositifs de surveillance continue et de contrôle des rejets d'hydrocarbures à bord des pétroliers
• la résolution MEPC.159(55) - Directives révisées sur l'application de normes relatives aux effluents et sur les essais de performance des installations de traitement des eaux usées
• la résolution MEPC.76(40), telle que modifiée par la résolution MEPC.93(45) - Spécification normalisée des incinérateurs de bord
• la résolution MEPC.130(53) - Directives sur les dispositifs d'épuration des gaz d'échappement (SOx) à bord

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has developed the model courses on oil pollution preparedness, response and cooperation (OPRC) to provide guidance for preparedness and response to marine oil spills from ships.

The courses take into particular account the training needs of developing countries and include sufficient flexibility so that they may be easily tailored to address specific national and regional needs. Collectively, the suite of courses has been designed to address all aspects of oil spill planning, response and management. Each course comprises an instructor’s manual, a participant’s manual and PowerPoint presentations and exercises for each course module.

The contents of this course can be downloaded from the "Supplements" tab and include:

• OPRC Introductory Level (Model course 4.01);
• OPRC Level 1: First Responder (Model course 4.02);
• OPRC Level 2: Supervisor/On-Scene Commander (Model course 4.03);
• OPRC Level 3: Administrator and Senior Manager (Model course 4.04);
• A set of Supplementary material, comprising a video presentation, and a document with useful links.