ABSTRACT

In December 2002, IMO recommended new guidelines for arctic navigation. The recommendation included a two level training regime, where simulators can be used to some extent. Aalesund University College started therefore in 2002 development of a simulator for ice navigation. At present two modes of navigation can be performed:

  • Navigation in continuous level ice.

  • Navigation in various concentration of drift ice.

From the full scale bridge ice can be seen visually and on radar. The simulator uses results from the model tests that describe the reduction in forward motion a ship makes due to ice concentration and thickness. Two ship models explored were an ice-strengthened bulk-carrier and an ice-breaking coastguard vessel.

INTRODUCTION

Ice navigation is probably the most difficult and challenging mode of navigation possible. Few other areas of maritime operation are exposing the ship and its crew for more dangerous situations. Since the first explorers started the quest for a northern passage between Europe and the Far East many ships have ended in the hostile Arctic environment where no help could be expected. The most famous ship accident ever, was related to impact with sea-ice as well. In 1912 the Titanic hit an iceberg outside Newfoundland and sank. This accident initiated the foundation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) convention, which still is the most important international framework dealing with ship safety. Today ice-navigation is taking place on a regular basis in many areas of the northern hemisphere and in Antarctica (Fig. 1). Due to strict regulatory regimes many countries control the shipping in their ice-infested waters very efficient and safe. In spite of this there is on a global basis annually accidents resulting in sinking, pollution and severe damages.

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