Operations

Cruise ships may be ice-strengthened vessels, but often not icebreakers. The ice concentrations and thickness of broken pack ice that cruise ships can travel through will depend on their classification. The International Maritime Organization has produced guidelines for passenger ships to help them operate in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Operators should refer to the publication Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters for more information.

Route Planning

When planning a voyage, it is the cruise ship operators' responsibility to compare the ship’s itinerary to the Zone/Date Entry Table to determine compliance and whether the Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System (AIRSS) needs to be invoked. Should AIRSS be invoked, there are several implications including the carriage of a qualified Ice Navigator. The Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention Regulations stipulates when an Ice Navigator is required. No guarantee can be made for a successful voyage regardless of the ice conditions and the vessel’s ice classification.

Fuel and Water

 

Cruise ship operators need to ascertain that the ship has adequate fuel for the intended voyage in accordance with the requirements of the Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention Regulations (ASPPR) . The quantity of fuel needed, amongst other things, must be reported to NORDREG prior to entering the first Shipping Safety Control Zone. The ASPPR requires all vessels operating in the Zones to have sufficient fuel and water on board to complete their intended voyages and to leave all Zones. A vessel’s capability of making its own fresh water will be taken into account in this regard. The cruise operator must make special arrangements in advance if they will require more fuel or water during the voyage since there are no refuelling or watering facilities in the Arctic.

Searchlights

There is always considerable risk involved when ice is encountered in twilight or darkness. Searchlights can be useful in helping a vessel move from an area of risk to a safer position. It is recommended that cruise ships be equipped with powerful Zenon searchlights positioned above the bridge and operated from the bridge. Night navigation is not recommended. It is usually safer to stop the vessel and await first light.