What is Ice Class 1 A?

Ice Class 1A: Capable of trodding in difficult ice conditions, with icebreaker escort. Ice Class 1B: Moderate ice conditions with an icebreaker. Ice Class 1C: Light ice conditions, with icebreakers.

How are icebreaker ships different?

What is an icebreaker ship? The significant features that make the ice-breakers different from other vessels are its strengthened hull to resist ice waters, a specially designed ice-clearing shape to make a path forward and extreme power to navigate through sea ice.

What is the best avoided to prevent being beset in ice?

Avoid backing in ice whenever possible. If you must move astern, do so with extreme caution at dead slow. The easiest way to avoid being beset Is to avoid areas of Ice under pressure. The absence of sea clutter also may indicate that ice is present.

How do icebreaker ships break ice?

Icebreakers clear paths by pushing straight into frozen-over water or pack ice. The bending strength of sea ice is low enough that the ice breaks usually without noticeable change in the vessel’s trim. In cases of very thick ice, an icebreaker can drive its bow onto the ice to break it under the weight of the ship.

What are the traffic restrictions around the Baltic Sea?

The Authorities and Administrations of countries around the Baltic Sea may set traffic restrictions for the safety of vessels sailing in ice conditions. Adequate ice strengthening is required for ships sailing in ice conditions. Even more stringent traffic restrictions than required by ice strengthening may be applied for operational reasons.

When is the ice chart of the Baltic Sea published?

The ice chart of the whole Baltic Sea (pdf) is published in the autumn twice a week (Monday and Thursday) and daily when the amount of ice increases until until ice break-up in spring. It represents current ice situation, ice breaker positions and assistance restrictions in the Baltic Sea.

What is ice class 2 and 3?

III. Ice classes II and III are vessels that do not meet the requirements of the ice class regulations. A ship that has Finnish ice class II may have a classification notation indicating ice strengthening that is meant for easier ice conditions than those encountered in the Northern Baltic.

What are the ice class regulations (fsicr)?

The aim of the rules is to ensure that ships engaged in trade in the Northern Baltic Sea have sufficient capability in ice to maintain safe and efficient navigation year round to Finnish and Swedish ports. Finland has implemented the FSICR by issuing national Ice Class Regulations.