1.1.1 These Guidelines provide guidance for ships
while operating in Arctic ice-covered waters as defined in paragraph
G-3.2 and while engaged in international voyages.
1.1.2
Part A of
the Guidelines provides guidance for Polar Class ships as defined
in paragraph G-3.18.
1.1.3 Parts B and C of these Guidelines provide guidance
for Polar Class and Non-Polar Class ships.
Table 1.1 Class
descriptions
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(It should be noted that the IACS Unified Requirements which these class
descriptions are based on are not yet completed and are subject to
change)
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POLAR CLASS
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
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| PC 1
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Year-round operation in all Arctic
ice-covered waters
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| PC 2
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Year-round operation in moderate
multi-year ice conditions
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| PC 3
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Year-round operation in second-year
ice which may include multi-year ice inclusions
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| PC 4
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Year-round operation in thick
first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions
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| PC 5
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Year-round operation in medium
first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions
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| PC 6
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Summer/autumn operation in medium
first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions
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| PC 7
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Summer/autumn operation in thin
first-year ice with which may include old ice inclusions
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| Note:
Ice descriptions follow WMO Sea Ice Nomenclature.
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1.1.4 All Polar Class ships and the equipment
to be carried in accordance with these Guidelines should be designed,
constructed and maintained in compliance with applicable national
standards of the Administration or the appropriate requirements of
a recognized organization which provide an equivalent level of safetyfootnote for its intended service.
1.1.5 The structures, equipment and arrangements
essential for the safety and operation of the ship should take account
of the expected air temperatures.
1.1.6 The life-saving and fire-extinguishing equipment
specified in part B of the Guidelines,
when stored or located in an exposed position, should be of a type
that is rated to perform its design functions at a minimum air temperature
of -30°C, or at any appropriate lower temperature in accordance
with paragraph 1.1.5. In particular, attention is drawn to the inflation
of life-saving equipment and the starting of engines in lifeboats
and rescue boats.
1.1.7 Operations in Arctic ice-covered waters
should take due account of factors such as: ship class, environmental
conditions, icebreaker escort, prepared tracks, short or local routes,
crew experience, support technology and services such as ice-mapping,
communications, safe ports, repair facilities and other ships in convoy.
1.1.8 The provisions of these Guidelines do not
apply to any warship, naval auxiliary, other vessels or aircraft owned
or operated by a State and used, for the time being, only on government
non-commercial service. However, each State should ensure, by the
adoption of appropriate measures not impairing operations or operational
capabilities of such vessels or aircraft owned or operated by it,
that such vessels or aircraft act in a manner consistent, so far as
is reasonable and practicable, with these Guidelines.