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The Coast Guard intends to add a Polar Ship Certificate to the list of certificates required, if applicable, by the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Additionally, the Coast Guard intends to add this certificate to the list of SOLAS certificates that recognized classification societies are authorized to issue on behalf of the Coast Guard. The Polar Ship Certificate is a requirement to SOLAS pursuant to the adoption of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) by the International Maritime Organization. This rulemaking only addresses an amendment to SOLAS that requires certain ships to carry a Polar Ship Certificate. The requirement will apply to commercial cargo ships greater than 500 gross tons engaging in international voyages, and passenger ships carrying more than 12 passengers engaging in international voyages, when these ships operate within polar waters as defined by the Polar Code. Vessels that remain in U.S. waters and do not travel internationally are not affected.