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Marine order 53—Vessels in polar waters

Requirements for vessels travelling in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Current Marine Order 53 (Vessels in polar waters) 2026
Commenced
About

Marine order 53 sets out the requirements for the:

  • certification of vessels to meet polar code survey requirements
  • safe operation of vessels in polar waters.
Announcement

An updated version of MO53 is in effect from 1 June 2026.

Find out more about what changed and way in the consultation feedback report.
Assistance and tools

Legislation and incorporated material
Superseded
Refer to the Federal Register of Legislation for previous versions of this marine order.
Reference
  • International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) (access)
  • International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), IMO Resolution MSC. 385(94) as in force from time to time (access)
  • IMO Resolution MSC.532(107) as in force from time to time (access)
  • Amendments to the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), IMO Resolution MSC.538(107) (access)
Author

Policy and Regulation
Last updated: 1 June 2026

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