Sailing across ocean waters in winter months, especially in the northern hemisphere, is brutal. Severe storms formed one after another, associated with low visibility conditions in long dark hours, offer a navigator his worst nightmare at sea. The most common hazards are sea ice and freezing spray in gale wind force that can cause severe ice accretion on deck. Ice on weather decks also reduces ships' positive stability.
In many circumstances, a shipmaster prefers to sail in lower latitudes expecting favorable weather and found that was not the case. Navigation in cold weather needs some careful consideration, especially where ice is expected to be formed. It is summarized below some necessary check items which might be useful before entering in a cold region. These procedures are only indicative, not exhaustive, and must always be guided by practices of good seamanship.
Ice accretion on deck may damage equipment
and reduce ship stability
-
Confirmation of draining freshwater & seawater pipelines of the vessel and displaying an appropriate notice at pump starting locations
- Confirmation of removing all steam and exhaust pipelines
- Pipelines which can not be drained, are kept circulating & monitored
- Protection of air driven motors & other pneumatic equipment (motors covered, water drained, antifreeze lub oil used)
- Continuous (no-load) operation of steering gear and deck machinery
- Adding antifreeze to emergency generator cooling water
- Using correct grade of hydraulic oil in pumps and other hydraulic equipment (specially designed for cold districts)
- Allowing sufficient ullage space for expansion in all water tanks (Including LifeBoat FW tanks)
- Isolation and draining of bridge front window washing line and surrounding accommodation fresh water pipelines
- Providing crew with appropriate equipment and warm clothing
- Instructions to all personnel instructed on hazards of working in cold areas
- Confirmation of adequate heating in
- Adequate stock of antifreeze (deicing salt) available on board
- Confirmation of operation of bridge de-fogger system, clear view screen heating system and heating system for fog signal motor
- Continuous operation of radar scanners (subject to terminal regulations for tankers)
- Adding deicing salt to ballast sounding pipes to facilitate sounding and avoid cracking
- Confirmation of operation of space heaters for electrical panels and motors
Additionally for Tankers only: - Draining of tank cleaning line / branch lines, steam manifold & heating coils (flush drain)
- Filling of PV breaker with anti-freeze liquid
- Starting of heating steam for deck seal water
- Added anti-freeze liquid to lifeboat cooling water
- Confirm steam trace lines, where fitted and in use have continuous supply of flowing steam and pipeline temperatures frequently monitored
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