Arctic Shipping
Ice Navigation, Routing and Requests For Icebreaker Assistance
1 Hudson Strait and Canadian Arctic
Arctic Canada Traffic System (NORDREG Canada)
Mariners should be aware of the existence of the Arctic Canada Traffic System (NORDREG CANADA) and the advantages of reporting to this system, which is a voluntary Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system covering the waters of Ungava Bay, Hudson Bay and James Bay south of the parallel of 60° North Latitude and the waters to which the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act applies. Ice operations support to NORDREG is provided through the Regional Operations Centre in Sarnia ( ON ). Icebreaker assistance, when requested, may be arranged through the Ice Operations Officer. For more detailed information on this VTS system, the definition of waters it covers and the requirements to make certain reports and obtain clearance, mariners should refer to Part 3 of the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation (Atlantic, St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg and Eastern Arctic).
For general information on ice conditions:
Address: NORDREG CANADA,
P.O.
Box 189,
Iqaluit (
NU
)
X0A 0H0
Telephone: (867) 979-5724 or 979-5269
Facsimile: (867) 979-4264
Radiogram: NORDREG CANADA
1.1 Ice Regime Routing Message
When the Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System is used, the Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention Regulations (ASPPR) requires that an Ice Regime Routing Message be sent to the NORDREG . This message can be brief, however, if the vessel’s route includes areas on ice analysis charts with ice concentrations that may have negative Ice Numerals, the message should include additional pertinent information explaining the voyage plan e.g. expectations of changes in conditions and/or other considerations. This message should be updated if the plan and/or ice conditions change significantly.
Ice Regime Routing Message
- the ship’s name,
- the ship’s call sign and IMO number,
- the ice strengthening of the ship (Type / CAC / Arctic Class / etc. ),
- the date and UTC time,
- the ship’s current position, course, and speed,
- the anticipated destination,
- the intended route,
- a listing of the ice regimes and their associated Ice Numerals,
- the source(s) of ice information,
- any other pertinent information / comments,
- the name of any escorting vessel, and
- the name(s) of the Ice Navigator(s) on board.
1.2 After Action Report
When the Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System is used an After Action Report is to be submitted, in accordance with ASPPR . The report can be brief; however, in cases where the voyage has involved difficulties or unexpected occurrences, it will be valuable to include additional information. Unlike the routing message, the After Action Report is to be sent to Transport Canada.
Transport Canada
Prairie and Northern Region, Marine
344 Edmonton St.
PO Box 8550
Winnipeg,
MB
R3C 0P6
Tel.: (204) 983-7498
Fax: (204) 984-8417
After Action Report
- the ship’s name,
- the ice strengthening of the ship (Type / CAC / Arctic Class / etc. ),
- a description of the actual route, including the; ice regimes encountered, transit speeds, and the Ice Numerals for each,
- copies of the ice information used,
- escort information, if applicable
- duration of the escort,
- the ice regime under escort, and
- the characteristics of the track,
- weather conditions and visibility, and
- any other important information.