"Introduction Ships operating in the Arctic and Antarctic environments are exposed to a number of unique risks. Poor weather conditions and the relative lack of good charts@ communication systems and other navigational aids pose challenges for mariners. The remoteness of the areas makes rescue or clean?up operations difficult and costly. Cold temperatures may reduce the effectiveness of numerous components of the ship@ ranging from deck machinery and emergency equipment to sea suctions. When ice is present@ it can impose additional loads on the hull@ propulsion system and appendages. Whilst Arctic and Antarctic waters have a number of similarities@ there are also significant differences. The Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents@ while the Antarctic is a continent surrounded by an ocean. The Antarctic sea ice retreats significantly during the summer season or is dispersed by permanent gyres in the two major seas of the Antarctic: the Weddell and the Ross. Thus@ there is relatively little multi-year ice in the Antarctic. Conversely@ Arctic sea ice survives many summer seasons@ and there is a significant amount of multi-year ice. Whilst the marine environments of both polar seas are similarly vulnerable@ response to such challenge should duly take into account specific features of the legal and political regimes applicable to their respective marine spaces. The Guidelines for ships operating in polar waters (hereinafter called ""the Guidelines"") are intended to address those additional provisions deemed necessary for consideration beyond existing requirements of the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions@ in order to take into account the climatic conditions of polar waters and to meet appropriate standards of maritime safety and pollution prevention. The Guidelines are recommendatory and their wording should be interpreted as providing recommendations rather than mandatory direction."