Ships have been trading in and through ice for over a century. Knowledge has been passed on from Captain to Captain. In today's shipping industry, where time and profit is of essence, one sometimes see that the basic level of knowledge is somewhat lacking as the ice season is cyclically shorter and most crew don't trade in ice every year.
Norwegian Hull Club has acknowledged this challenge and we have produced a Maritime Arctic Competence Course for crew and office employees or other personnel being involved in the planning of ice passages. Duration of this interactive course would usually be from 2 - 3 hrs and is conducted at the ship owner's location or at facilities as part of a crewing conference.
The objective of this course is to refresh or gain basic knowledge of making voyages through ice infested waters. To make them as safe as possible and without any claims due to lack of understanding of Ice Trade.
A typical agenda is as follows:
Statistical data. Is there a climate change in process?
Ice class refresher. What does the different classes mean?
Insurance implications when trading in ice.
Passage planning pre entering ice infested waters.
Logistical issues when trading in ice.
Technical preparations of vessel / object.
Ballast considerations.
Icing on hull and superstructure. Are there any implications?
HSE in the Arctic.
Modern vessels constructed for Arctic operations.
All services are subject to availability.
