Development of an international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters (Polar Code), IMO is developing a draft mandatory International Code of safety for ships operating in polar waters (Polar Code). The work is being coordinated by the Sub-Committee on Ship Desgin and Construction (SDC) - formerly the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Equipment (DE). During 2013, the DE sub-Committee made significant progress in further developing the draft Polar Code, in particular with the finalization of a draft chapter on environmental protection.