IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu has opened the 94th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) on Monday, which is being chaired by Mr.Christian Breinholt of Denmark.

The MSC is expected to consider and adopt the Polar Code and related amendments to SOLAS to make it mandatory; approve SOLAS amendments to make the IGF Code mandatory; continue passenger ship safety work and consider other items submitted by the sub-committees.

The Polar Code contains additional design, construction, equipment, operational, training, and search and rescue requirements for ships operating in the harsh environment of Arctic and Antarctic waters, with the aim of preventing accidents and pollution, and protecting ships, seafarers and passengers.