Ice

Question 1

What is the Polar code

Answer 1

Code developed to supplement existing IMO instruments, in order to increase the safety of ships and mitigate the impact of people on the environment in the remote polar regions

Question 2

Goal of the polar Code

Answer 2

Provide for safe ships operation and to protect the Polar environment by addressing risks not adequately mitigated in other instrument.

Question 3

Reporting requirements of ICE

Answer 3

SOLAS ch V reg 31
Master are obliged to report sighting
- ice
- sub freezing temp associated with gale force winds causing ice accretion
- And winds above force 10 where no warning has been issued

Type of ice

• Position, time and date of observation
• Time and date of last observation

Sub freezing temps with ice accretion

• Air and sea tremps
• Force and direction
• Position of ship
• Date and time

Question 4

Problems imposed by ice

Answer 4

Dead reckoning
Pilotage
Nav aid - Bouys cannot be maintained
Effect radio propagation
Radar return poor
Celestial - obscured horizon, severe refraction
Position fixing -
i. Lines of lat and long inaccurate due to proximity and curvature
ii. Time zones
iii. Fog common
iv. Charts are not frequently updated due to production via satellite imagery
V. Compass inaccurate : Magnetic no use near magnetic poles, GYRO not reliable above 75
vi. GPS: not functional above 70

Question 5

Causes of Ice accretion

Answer 5

Fog
Freezing rain and wet snow
Sea spray

Question 6

How to prevent ice accretion

Answer 6

Housings, Shields and covers - protect form spray/precipitation 
Heating- windows, seals, sea chests
Change heading to reduce spray
Reduce speed
Head for lower latitudes
Seek shelter

Question 7

Winterising a vessel

Answer 7

Crew PPE
Ice Class
- Vessel INsured
- Adequate supplies: Fuel, food, stores, spares
- Ice proof equipment
- Low temp lubricants: Greases and oils
- Fuel: Heating and additives
- Window heating 
- Radar always running 
- Batteries spares
- Draughts in accordance with Polar Code
- Rudder in good order
- Protect mooring equip
- Fire fighting equip
- Drain fire mains
- LSA for sub freezing temps
- Anti slip on deck.