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Ice navigation & master–pilot relationship

Master

times asked: 5; times asked
question: 1; question
last asked: 2026; last asked

AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.

Slide 1 · LEARN

LEARN PREPARE SAIL FORWARD ICE NAVIGATION & MASTER-PILOT RELATIONSHIP Navigate Ice Safely. Lead with Clarity. THE PRINCIPLES, PREPARATION & RULES THAT KEEP YOU AHEAD

Slide 2 · LEARN

LEARN PREPARE SAIL FORWARD SAFE ICE NAVIGATION Principles Before Manoeuvring 1. KNOW THE ICE Assess the key characteristics: • Concentration – percentage of sea surface covered by ice • Stage of development / thickness – new, first year, multi year ice • Form – fast ice, drifting ice and floe sizes • Dynamics – ridging, pressure, drift, leads and cracks • Icebergs – location and characteristics where relevant 2. KNOW YOUR SHIP Your ship's ice capability depends on its assigned ice class / Polar Class, where applicable. POLAR CLASS PC1 – PC7 ≠ POLAR SHIP CATEGORIES A, B, C The Polar Code uses the Category A / B / C framework for certification and operational assessment. 3. MONITOR CONTINUOUSLY Ice conditions must be continuously assessed during navigation. The Polar Code requires appropriate polar training and qualifications for masters, chief mates and officers in charge of a navigational watch. The Polar Code does not establish a universal mandatory onboard position titled "Ice Navigator"; IMO polar navigation Guidelines recommend an Ice Navigator for ships operating in polar ice-covered waters. 4. USE THE FULL INFORMATION PICTURE Use analysis and forecast ice charts together with weather forecasts. Longer range (7–30 days and seasonal) predictions support voyage planning. 5. UNDERSTAND THE NAVIGATION CHALLENGES Ice affects position fixing, communications, sensors, horizon visibility, compass performance, logs and chart accuracy. Stay aware. Stay prepared. SailR logo

Slide 3 · LEARN

LEARN PREPARE SAIL FORWARD ICE NAVIGATION SERIES BEFORE ENTERING ICE Voyage Planning & Equipment 1. REGULATORY PLANNING Where required, obtain the necessary regional or national permission / authorization for ice navigation and coordinate with applicable icebreaking services. 2. RISK ASSESSMENT Key factors to assess: • Ice conditions and forecast • Ship's ice capability • Weather • Icebreaker escort / prepared tracks • Crew experience • Remote operating environment • Ports of refuge and support limitations 3. USE THE INFORMATION PICTURE Combine for better decisions: Ice Charts + Weather Forecasts + Ice Forecasts • Tactical information: ~24 to 144 hours • Longer range: ~7 to 10 days to 30 days & seasonal • Ice is strongly influenced by weather prediction. 4. CREW & TRAINING • Ensure as many deck and engine officers are ice-trained as possible. • Polar Code requires appropriate polar training for masters, chief mates and officers in charge of a navigational watch. 5. BRIDGE EQUIPMENT CHECKS For applicable Polar Code ships, ensure the following are in place: Two independent non magnetic means to determine and display heading. Connected to main and emergency sources of power. GNSS compass or equivalent for ships proceeding above 80° latitude. Two independent echo sounding devices, or one echo sounder with two separate independent transducers, where the applicable Polar Code requirement applies. Appropriate means for visual detection of ice in darkness. NOTE The Polar Code does not require two radar systems or two speed/distance measuring devices as a general requirement. MANOEUVRING MINDSET Take due account of: ship class, environmental conditions, icebreaker escort or prepared tracks, short/local routes, crew experience and the lack of shore and support infrastructure.

Slide 4 · LEARN

LEARN PREPARE SAIL FORWARD SLAIR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY. CLEAR COMMUNICATION. MASTER–PILOT RELATIONSHIP Different Roles. Shared Safety Responsibility. THE KEY IMO PRINCIPLE The pilot's presence on board does not relieve the master or OOW of their duties and obligations for the safety of the ship. The master, bridge officers and pilot share responsibility for good communication and understanding of each other's role. The master and bridge team must support the pilot and monitor the pilot's actions at all times. Source: IMO Resolution A.960(23), Annex 2, Paragraphs 2.1 to 2.3 CONTINUOUS INFORMATION EXCHANGE Begins before pilotage commences and continues throughout the pilotage. PILOT → MASTER Local navigation procedures, rules and conditions Tides, currents and depths Traffic situation Navigational hazards and reporting systems Weather and visibility Pilot's intended passage and pilotage plan MASTER → PILOT Ship's characteristics – dimensions, draught, manoeuvring, engine power Engine / propulsion capability and any limitations Defects, deficiencies or operational limitations Bridge team details and communication arrangements Cargo related constraints and special requirements Ship's passage plan and contingency arrangements SUPPORTING TOOL Pilot Card, checklist or form may assist the exchange of information. It supplements communication, it does not replace verbal exchange. Source: IMO A.960(23), Annex 2, Paragraph 5.3.3 THE PILOT PROVIDES SPECIALIST LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND PILOTAGE EXPERTISE. The pilot's presence on board does not relieve the master or OOW of their duties and obligations for the safety of the ship. Source: IMO A.960(23), Annex 2, Paragraph 2.1 REMEMBER COMMUNICATE EARLY. EXCHANGE FULLY. AGREE THE PLAN. MONITOR CONTINUOUSLY.

Slide 5 · LEARN

LEARN PREPARE SAIL FORWARD ICE NAVIGATION SERIES PILOT BOARDING POINT Safe Boarding + Time to Exchange Information The competent pilotage authority should establish and promulgate safe pilot embarkation and disembarkation points. Source: IMO Resolution A.960(23), Annex 2, Section 3 TWO KEY REQUIREMENTS 01 SAFE BOARDING The boarding point should be sufficiently far from the commencement of pilotage to allow safe boarding conditions. 02 SUFFICIENT SEA ROOM The boarding point should provide sufficient time and sea room to complete the master–pilot information exchange before pilotage proceeds. EXAMINER'S KEY POINT Pilot boarding does not transfer command of the ship to the pilot. The master remains responsible for the safety of the vessel within the framework of applicable law and duties, while the pilot provides specialist pilotage expertise. BOARD SAFELY Ensure safe pilot boarding conditions. EXCHANGE INFORMATION Share all relevant information. AGREE THE PLAN Confirm the passage plan and contingencies. MONITOR CONTINUOUSLY Monitor pilot's actions and vessel's progress at all times. NOTE The master, bridge officers and pilot share responsibility for good communication and understanding of each other's role. Source: IMO Resolution A.960(23), Annex 2, Sections 2 & 5

In exams

Asked 5 times across 1 different question, most recently in 2026. Asked most in Master (5).

Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.

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