Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?

UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?

a) It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.

b) It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.

c) It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole.

d) It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.

Correct Answer: Option a) It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters

Learn more about International Maritime Organisation in the given explanation below.

Explanation:

International Maritime Organization's International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) is mandatory under both the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). 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 the inhospitable waters surrounding the two poles.

About International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

• IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships.
• IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping.
• Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
• It has an integral role in meeting the targets set out in United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
• Formation: It was established as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) in 1948, became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1959 and was renamed International Maritime Organization in 1982.
• Membership: It currently has 174 Member States.
• Headquarters: London.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

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