1 Introduction
1.1 In order to maintain an acceptable level of risk under different ice regimes and
types of operation in ice, voyage planning and operation should take into account
ship structural capability, ship characteristics, type of operation and current and
expected ice conditions. Where applicable, the Polar Ship Certificate should
reference a practical methodology for assessing the operational capabilities and
limitations in ice.
1.2 Ice class, if any, is included in the Polar Ship Certificate and gives
information on structural capability. This provides the basis for assessing limiting
ice conditions and determining acceptable safe operating procedures.
1.3 This guidance addresses the development of methodologies for assessing the
structural capabilities and limitations in different ice regimes and operational
modes when the ship is operating in ice. It may also be used as a tool for voyage
planning. At the design stage, ice class selection may also be assessed by matching
the anticipated ice conditions to this guidance
1.4 Any system or methodology for assessing structural capabilities and limitations
based on this guidance should not be interpreted as a "Go/No Go" tool but as a
decision support tool. The decision for operating in specific ice regimes should be
based on the consideration of personnel on board qualified in accordance with
chapter 12 of the Polar Code, taking into account the condition and characteristics
of the ship; current and forecasted environmental conditions, including type and
concentration of ice, sea state and visibility; and an understanding of the
anticipated ship-ice interactions.
1.5 Currently, there are well established national shipping systems such as Canada's
Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System and the Russian Ice Certificate. This guidance is
aimed at making use of that experience to assist shipboard personnel, companies and
administrations.
2 Definitions
For the purpose of this guidance, in addition to the definitions in the Polar Code,
the following definition applies:
3 General
3.1 Ships operating in ice should be provided with a practical methodology to assess
their limitations for specific operational conditions. The methodology should take
into account:
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.1 hull structural capability to resist ice load and the capability of the
propulsion machinery, rudders and steering gear to resist ice loads;
-
.2 ice regimes;
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.3 independent or escorted operations; and
-
.4 ice decay in warmer ambient temperatures.
3.2 To determine and record the limitations for operating in ice in the Polar Ship
Certificate, acceptance criteria should be established whereby the risk of
structural damage and/or loss of watertight integrity are effectively assessed
against the ice conditions and modes of operation for the intended area of
operation.
3.3 Assessments should be practical and intended to be used on board prior to, and
during polar water operation and/or transit. Masters, chief mates and officers in
charge of a navigational watch should receive suitable training in the use of any
system or methodology used for assessing the ship's limitations in ice. Practical
examples on the use of the methodology should be included in the Polar Water
Operational Manual (PWOM).
3.4 Where applicable, the methodology used for setting operational limitations should
be referenced on the Polar Ship Certificatefootnote.
4 Acceptance of methodologies
4.1 The appendix includes an acceptable methodology for assessing limitations for
ships operating in ice.
4.2 Alternative methodologies to that contained in the appendix may be accepted
provided that they meet the content described above.
4.3 Alternative methodologies should have a means to describe limiting ice conditions
using tables and/or curves based on ice concentration, ice type and stage of ice
decay.
4.4 For ships with no ice class, measures that will keep the ship from coming into
contact with ice may be adopted instead of this type of methodology.footnote