1.1.1 Except where specifically stated otherwise,
these Guidelines provide guidance for ships operating in Antarctic
waters or while engaged in international voyages in Arctic waters.
1.1.2 Part A of the Guidelines provides guidance
for new Polar Class ships.
1.1.3 Parts B, C and D of the Guidelines provide
guidance for Polar Class and all other ships.
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POLAR CLASS
|
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
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| PC 1
|
Year-round operation in all ice-covered waters
|
| PC 2
|
Year-round operation in moderate multi-year ice conditions
|
| PC 3
|
Year-round operation in second-year ice which may include multi-year ice
inclusions
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| PC 4
|
Year-round operation in thick first-year ice which may include old ice
inclusions
|
| PC 5
|
Year-round operation in medium first-year ice which may include old ice
inclusions
|
| PC 6
|
Summer/autumn operation in medium first-year ice which may include old
ice inclusions
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| PC 7
|
Summer/autumn operation in thin first-year ice which may include old ice
inclusions
|
|
Note: Ice descriptions follow the WMO Sea Ice Nomenclature
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1.1.4 All Polar Class ships and the equipment
to be carried in accordance with the 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. Special attention
should be drawn to the need for winterization aspects. Ships intending
to operate as an icebreaker are to receive special consideration.
1.1.5 The structures, equipment and arrangements
essential for the safety and operation of the ship should take account
of the anticipated temperatures.
1.1.6 Special attention should be given to essential
operating equipment and systems and safety equipment and systems.
For example, the potential for ice building up inside the ballast
tanks and sea chests should be considered. 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 the minimum anticipated
air temperature. 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 polar 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, availability
of hydrographic information, communications, safe ports, repair facilities
and other ships in convoy.
1.1.8 Equipment, fittings, materials, appliances
and arrangements may deviate from the provisions of the Guidelines
provided that their replacement is at least as effective as that specified
in the Guidelines.
1.1.9 The provisions of the 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 the Guidelines.