Russian Maritime Register of Shipping authorised to survey ships for compliance with Polar Code
Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) has been authorised by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation to carry out surveys of ships flying the flag of the Russian Federation for compliance with the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code).
Upon authorization of the Maritime Administration of the Russian Federation, RS will carry out surveys for compliance with the Polar Code of passenger and cargo ships as well as offshore installations registered in the Russian National Shipping Register, bareboat-charter register, Russian International Shipping Register or the register of ships under construction. The RS authorisation will cover approval of documentation, performance of the prescribed surveys and issue of a Polar Ship Certificate.
From 1 January 2017, the Polar Code requirements will apply to new ships constructed on or after this date. The ships constructed prior to this date shall comply with the Polar Code not later the date of the first renewal (special) or intermediate survey after 1 January 2018. From the above dates, the ships shall comply with the Polar Code requirements on safe navigation (structure, machinery, equipment) and environmental protection (absolute prohibition for discharge of oil and oily waters, noxious liquid substances, operational restrictions for sewage and garbage discharge, etc.).
Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is an internationally recognized classification society. RS was established in 1913. Since 1969 RS has been a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). RS is recognized by maritime administrations of 70 flag states, including 16 EC member states, that allow to carry out surveys of ships for compliance with the requirements of international codes and conventions and issue the appropriate documents.
RS is a world leader in classification of items intended for operation in the severe ice conditions. Over 3000 ice ships are classed by RS. Development of the RS rules is based on the long-term experience of ice ship operation, engineering innovations and compliance with all the applicable national and international requirements.
The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) has been adopted by the UNO International Maritime Organization. It enters into force on 1 January 2017. Upon the Polar Code entry into force, the shipowner shall be required to evaluate the ship's ability to perform voyages in polar waters and receive all the necessary documents from the flag administration or its recognized organization.
Polar Code will not apply to the non-SOLAS ships and ships engaged only in internal voyages, as well as to the warships and ships intended for state non-commercial purposes. In the Arctic the Polar Code covers the area east of Cap Kanin Nos to Bering Strait and in Bering Sea north of latitude 60°N. In the Antarctic, the Polar Code covers the area south of latitude 60°S.
