The evaluation of the Polar Code by the survey conducted with those who have sailed in polar regions, and suggestions for further improvement

There is much evidence that ongoing global climate change has tremendous impacts on the Arctic and Antarctic environment. One of the significant effects of global climate change on polar regions is diminishing sea ice extent (SIE). Decreased SIE results in accessibility for maritime activities, which pose more threats to the fragile polar environment. For the preservation of the polar environment and the safety of the ships, International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code (PC)). The mandatory PC took a long time to develop from guidelines for Arctic waters to compulsory Code of both polar regions. Although there are similarities between the Arctic and Antarctic, such as the remoteness and harshness of the environment, the differences in physical, political, and legal conditions raise questions about the PC's adequacy. In this study, we evaluate the PC within the survey scope we conducted with the people who have sailing experience in these regions and make suggestions to develop the PC further.