The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) is mandatory under both SOLAS and MARPOL for vessels operating in defined Arctic and Antarctic waters, covering safety and environmental protection requirements specific to polar operations.

Polar Ship Certificate: Required for applicable vessels, classifying the ship into Category A, B, or C based on the ice conditions it's designed to operate in.

Polar Water Operational Manual (PWOM): A ship-specific document detailing the vessel's operational capabilities and limitations in polar conditions, and the specific procedures to follow — this is the actual operational reference, not this general guide.