Operation in Ice

Operation in ice is broken out into four subchapters:

• Operator guidance for safe operation
• Icebreaking capabilities
• Maneuvering in ice
• Special features

Operator guidance for safe operation

This subchapter of the PWOM will discusses the ways in which decisions regarding safe operations are made. This includes topics such as whether ice conditions exceed the ship's design limits, as well as how those situations are to be addressed.

This subchapter also explains and identifies the system used for decision support. Preferred choices are the Russian Rules of Navigation in the Water Area of the Northern Sea Route and/or Canada's Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System. All bridge personnel must be trained in the use of the support system selected.

Ships that plan to operate in areas that are ice free must establish a set of procedures that ensure the ship is kept from encountering ice.

Icebreaking capabilities

This subchapter of the PWOM discusses the ice conditions in which the ship is expected to make continuous progress. There are multiple ways to attain this information;

• Through numerical analysis, or
• Model test, or
• Ice trials

Any information applicable to ice being encountered and snow cover may also be included.

While not discussed in further detail within the code itself, there are basic maneuvering rules that must be followed. Examples of these include entry into ice at a slow speed and approaching at right angle, preferably where ice is loose or broken.

Special features

This subchapter of the PWOM includes the results of any analyses used to determine polar ship category and ice class. If any specialized systems have been fitted to assist in ice operations, all of the details regarding the use of the system must also be included in the PWOM.

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