To promote safe and environment-friendly navigation in polar regions, IMO has developed the Polar Code. The code covers a broad range of matters related to polar navigation, including ship design, construction and equipment; operational and training concerns; search and rescue; and the protection of the unique environment and eco-systems of the polar regions. A technical overview of the code was presented by IMO’s Mikhail Gappoev to the NEVA 2015 maritime conference in in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation(22 -25 September). Mr. Gappoev also delivered the conference opening address.