Preparing Ships for Navigation in Polar Waters and ice

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Category: Marina Mercante

Published on Monday, 27 October 2025 19:35

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Key Guidelines for Safe and Environmentally-Friendly Polar Navigation

Preparing Ships for Navigation in Polar Waters

 

The harsh conditions of polar regions demand specialized preparation for vessels operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters. To ensure safety and environmental protection, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, commonly known as the Polar Code. This code, implemented under both the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Marine Pollution) conventions, took effect on January 1, 2017, and sets the standard for polar ship operations.

Key Guidelines of the Polar Code

The Polar Code is designed to address risks unique to polar waters that are not fully covered by other international regulations. It applies to all ships operating in polar waters, from the Arctic Circle (60°N latitude) to the North Pole and from 60°S latitude to the South Pole. The code covers several critical aspects, including ship construction, equipment, and procedures to ensure safe navigation and environmental protection in these extreme environments.

Vessel Equipment and Structural Requirements

Ships operating in polar regions must be equipped with specialized tools to deal with the challenges posed by icy conditions. These include:

• Ice removal equipment to handle ice accumulation on deck and structures.

• Bridge equipment adapted for low visibility and harsh weather conditions.

• Firefighting and life-saving equipment designed to function at sub-zero temperatures.

Moreover, vessels must be constructed using materials suitable for operation in polar temperatures. Every ship must also carry a Polar Ship Certificate and a Polar Waters Operational Manual (PWOM), which outlines the vessel’s operational guidelines in these regions. 

Polar Ship Certificate

All ships subject to the Polar Code are required to have a valid Polar Ship Certificate. This certificate is issued by the ship's administration following an initial or renewal inspection to confirm compliance with the code’s standards. It serves as official proof that the ship is equipped and prepared for polar conditions.

 

Polar Waters Operational Manual (PWOM)

Each vessel must develop a Polar Waters Operational Manual (PWOM), detailing the procedures for safe navigation in icy waters. Key procedures include:

• Voyage planning, taking into account weather conditions and ice forecasts.

• Equipment maintenance under low-temperature conditions.

• Emergency response procedures, including communication with relevant authorities during ice-related incidents.

The PWOM also outlines restrictions and safety measures related to potential environmental impacts, such as pollution prevention, which is critical for protecting these fragile ecosystems.

 

Crew Requirements and Preparation for Operations in Polar Waters

Operating in polar waters necessitates a well-prepared crew capable of meeting the specific demands of these extreme environments.

• Crew Composition: It is essential to have an adequate number of personnel trained for polar conditions to ensure the complete watch schedule is fulfilled. Captains and chief mates are required to have advanced qualifications, while deck officers on watch must have undergone basic training for polar waters. Competence gained from such training must be demonstrated through practical evaluations or simulated scenarios, with successful candidates receiving certification.

• Familiarization: Every crew member should be thoroughly acquainted with the procedures and equipment relevant to their responsibilities, as outlined in the applicable polar operations guidelines.

   

Requirements for Shipboard Equipment

To ensure the safety of vessels operating in polar waters, certain equipment and supplies must be included:

• Lighting and Signaling:

  • Two remotely controlled, 360-degree rotating searchlights with narrow beam focus.

  • A manually operated red flashing light visible from the stern up to 2 nautical miles, indicating the vessel's stoppage during icebreaker escort.

• Visibility and Ice Prevention:

  • Unobstructed visibility from the stern.

  • Systems to prevent ice buildup on antennas and methods for clearing ice from the bridge windows to maintain visibility both ahead and astern.

  • Protective measures for sensors extending beyond the hull to shield them from ice impacts.

• Navigation:

  • Two independent non-magnetic devices for determining and indicating course, powered by primary and emergency sources. For vessels operating above 80 degrees latitude, a satellite compass linked to a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is also required.

  • Two independent echo sounders or one echo sounder with two separate sensors to monitor underwater conditions.

     

Proximity Indicators to Ice

Recognizing the signs of approaching ice is crucial for safe navigation:

• Visual Indicators:

  • Ice blink: A white or yellowish glow in the sky caused by ice reflecting light beneath low cloud cover.

  • Frost smoke: Fog-like vapors appearing above the horizon when cold air interacts with relatively warm water, also observable above areas of open water among the ice.

• Temperature Changes:

  • A noticeable drop in seawater temperature indicating proximity to ice.

  • A decrease in air temperature observed when nearing extensive ice fields from the leeward side.

• Wave Characteristics:

  • Changes in wave patterns, such as short waves or confusion when approaching ice from the windward side.

  • The presence of small ice fragments or "slush" in reduced quantities.

• Sound Indicators:

  • Sounds of cracking or rustling as vessels near ridged ice.

  • Echoes from the ship's whistle or gunshots reflecting off nearby ice masses or large icebergs.

• Wildlife Presence:

  • Sightings of walruses, seals, and flocks of birds often indicate nearby ice.

• Water Sky: Dark bands on the underside of low clouds suggesting open water amidst sea ice.

Preparation for Ice Navigation

Preparing a vessel for ice navigation and planning such a voyage aims to equip the shipping company, captain, and crew with the necessary information to operate safely, considering both vessel integrity and crew safety while adhering to environmental protection regulations.

• Ice Class Requirements: Only vessels with the appropriate ice class certification are permitted for ice navigation. The ice class denotes a ship's capability to operate in varying ice conditions and is categorized based on specific parameters, allowing differentiation between Arctic and non-Arctic regions.

• Ship Categories: Ships are classified under three main categories based on their ice capabilities:

  • Category A: Designed for operations in at least medium first-year ice, possibly containing old ice inclusions (Ice classes Arc9, Arc8, Arc7, Arc6).

  • Category B: Not classified as Category A, suitable for at least thin first-year ice with potential old ice inclusions (Ice classes Arc5, Arc4).

  • Category C: Designed for open water or areas with scattered ice where the concentration does not exceed 1/10.

     

Pre-Voyage Preparation Procedures

In addition to standard pre-voyage procedures, specific preparations include:

• Dry Dock Inspection: Examination of the underwater parts of the hull, rudder, propellers, and bottom fittings. Special attention should be given to the forefoot, propeller-rudder group, and variable waterline areas, as these are most susceptible to ice damage. Where possible, steel propellers with removable blades should be installed. Based on inspection results, cleaning, painting, and repair of the underwater hull should be conducted. Annual dry dock inspections are mandatory for vessels operating in northern conditions.

• Water Pump and Kingston Inspections: Ensuring stationary and portable bilge pumps are operational. Additionally, both hull and side kingstons must be inspected to prevent ice blockage.

• Fire System Preparation: Insulating fire mains that run along open decks to prevent damage in low temperatures. After use, water should be drained from these systems to avoid pipe bursts.

• Additional Supplies: It is essential to secure specialized supplies, including:

  • Spare shafting.

  • Two ice anchors for securing vessels to ice fields.

  • A portable pump as an auxiliary emergency dewatering tool and for collecting fresh water from ice.

  • Associated hoses for intake and discharge.

 

Essential Equipment for Ice Navigation and Safety Measures

When preparing for operations in icy waters, certain equipment is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the vessels involved. Key items include:

• Picks with Handles

• Shovels

• Pickaxes

• Emergency Supplies for Ice-Going Vessels

• Fast-Setting Cement

• Sand in Proportion to the Cement Quantity

   

Loading Considerations

While loading cargo, it is essential to create a cargo plan that maintains a constant trim and complies with the vessel’s draft requirements. This ensures the safety of the propeller and rudder from ice impacts.

• Trim at the Stern: It is critical to maintain stern trim for the safety of the rudder and propeller during unloading operations.

• Discharge Flexibility: The loading plan should allow for unloading at any intended port without the need to rearrange the cargo in the hold, particularly if conditions at the first port of call do not permit unloading.

• Navigating Shallow Waters: If the vessel is to navigate close to shore in shallow waters, there is a risk of grounding. In this case, a slight bow trim should be considered during loading.

• Access to Damage: Cargo placement in the holds should facilitate quick access to damaged areas of the hull and ice formations.

Heavy Cargo Placement: It is advisable not to stow heavy oversized cargo close to the hull in the forehold. This precaution ensures that, in the event of hull damage from ice, access to the breach is possible.

Internal Arrangements for Bulk Cargoes: For Arctic transport of bulk cargoes, it is recommended to install a lining along the internal edges of the frames in the holds. This allows any water entering the hold to drain freely towards the designated bilge areas and into the discharge system.

Pre-Voyage Preparations

Before embarking on voyages through ice, captains must ensure that the devices for obtaining environmental forecasts are operational. Essential information to review includes:

• Current Ice Coverage: Data on the area covered by ice, ice types, and the presence of icebergs in the planned route.

• Historical Data: Statistical information on ice conditions and temperatures from previous years.

• Shelter Locations: Knowledge of nearby shelter options in case of emergencies.

• Navigation Information: Up-to-date information on shipping routes, recommended speeds, and vessel traffic management services in the planned area.

• Operational Guidelines for Polar Waters: Familiarity with the rules and guidelines for navigating in polar regions (NЭПВ).

• Icebreaker Regulations: Compliance with rules for vessels escorted by icebreakers.

• Local Indicators: Awareness of local signs indicating imminent changes in ice conditions.

• Emergency Procedures: Familiarity with procedures for requesting assistance from authorities during emergencies.

• International Communication Signals: Understanding the signals used for communication between icebreakers and escorted vessels.

Preliminary Route Planning: Based on the gathered information, a preliminary route should be established.

 

Instructions for Icebreaker Support Navigation

When approaching the starting point of the voyage as part of an ice convoy or while being escorted by an icebreaker, vessels must:

1. Establish Radio Contact: Set up radio communication with the icebreaker on channel 16 VHF and follow its instructions.

2. Follow Icebreaker Command: The icebreaker will form a convoy of vessels needing assistance and will command the convoy.

3. Position and Speed Management: The icebreaker will determine the position of the vessels in the convoy, their speed, and the distance between them.

4. Continuous Communication: Vessels in the convoy must maintain communication with the icebreaker on the designated VHF channel and adhere to its instructions.

5. Report Difficulties: Any challenges in maintaining position, speed, or distance within the convoy must be reported immediately to the icebreaker.

6. Report Damage: Any damage incurred must be promptly communicated to the icebreaker.

7. Sound Signals: When operating in the convoy, sound signals (refer to Table 7) must be understood by all navigators involved.

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