Marine Operations Manual Appendix BSM

Operation in Sub-Zero Conditions

These procedures apply to ships that are not specifically equipped for operation in sub-zero temperatures. Ice class ships must
apply and adapt these procedures as necessary to supplement any special equipment fitted.
Before entry into cold weather (when the temperature may fall below zero) the Master must:

• Ensure that all personnel are fully aware of:

- The hazards of operating in sub-zero temperatures
- Additional precautions to prevent damage to equipment.
• Ensure that deck and engineering officers regularly check equipment, particularly safety equipment, whilst in cold
weather. Carry out daily checks to ensure that equipment remains fit for purpose.
Deck and Superstructure Icing
Deck and superstructure icing is a complicated process which depends upon several conditions. These include meteorological
conditions, the condition of loading and the behaviour of the ship in heavy weather.
The most common cause of ice formation is the deposit of water droplets on the ship’s structure and deck. These droplets come
from spray driven from wave crests by wind and the action of the ship. Check weather forecasts for possibility of encountering
freezing spray.
Ice formation may also occur during:

• Snowfall,
• Sea fog,
• A sudden fall in ambient temperature,
• Raindrops freezing when they come into contact with the ship’s structure.
It is difficult to provide accurate forecasts as to the effects of icing, as individual ship characteristics give different results.
Exercise caution when the following occur at the same time:

• Winds of 17 knots or more

• Air temperatures below -2C
As a rule of thumb use:

• Winds of Beaufort Force 5 = light icing

• Winds of Beaufort Force 7 = moderate icing
• Winds of Beaufort Force 8 and above = severe icing.
Under these conditions, the most intensive ice formation takes place when wind and sea come from ahead. In beam and
quartering winds, ice accumulates more quickly on the windward side of the ship. This will lead to a constant list that is extremely
dangerous.
Icing is a function of the ship’s course relative to the wind and sea and generally is most severe in these areas:

• The bow,
• Bulwarks and rails,
• Windward side of the superstructure and deckhouses,
• Hawse pipes, anchors,
• Deck gear,
• Forecastle and upper decks,
• Freeing ports,
• Aerials,

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• Masts and associated rigging.

Minimise the effects of freezing spray by:

• Reducing speed in heavy seas

• Running with the sea
• Seeking more sheltered conditions
It is important to try to maintain the windlass free of ice so that the anchor may be dropped in an emergency.
Severe Icing and the Effect on Stability
Under severe icing conditions manual removal of ice becomes important because of the effect on stability.
The Master and Chief Officer must be fully aware of the effect of icing on the stability of the ship, and must have pre-calculated
how much may be allowed to accrue on deck before the stability is affected enough to warrant taking preventive action.
Such action must be taken well before stability becomes of concern. The manual removal of ice is a long and difficult process and
the best course of action is to avoid the accretion of ice in the first place. An important factor will obviously be how long the icing
conditions are expected to continue for.
Removal of Ice
Remove of ice on deck only when necessary. Prior to this operation complete a risk assessment and hold a tool box meeting with
the crew. Use wooden tools are preferred to prevent damage to equipment. Use steam hoses but ensure adequate precautions to
prevent injury to personnel are in place.
Ice removal equipment includes

• Wooden mallets
• Shovels
• Crow bars
• Hammers including sledge hammers
• Spikes
• Steam or hot water hoses
• Portable heavy duty hot air blowers with suitable length of hoses
Carry out an RA before using ice removal equipment like hot air blowers.
Arrange for an adequate supply of sand and salt for decks to be stored in readily available locations, particularly forward and
around the accommodation decks. Maintain walkways safe for personnel as far as is possible.
Crew Protection
Winter clothes – suitable jackets, gloves, boots, balaclavas etc. must be available for the crew who are expected to work outside.
Forward plan to ensure these are obtained prior to entering cold areas.
Brief the crew on the dangers of exposure to freezing conditions, and the significant effect that wind can have on increasing the
chill factor. Emphasise the importance of keeping walkways ice-free or coated in sand or salt.
Accommodation and Internal Spaces
Keep all external doors closed:

• Accommodation
• Stores
• Pump room
• Emergency escapes
• Emergency generator room
• Safety equipment stores
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• Forecastle space
Close vents, where not required for ventilation.
Maintain the accommodation and critical spaces at an adequate temperature for crew comfort and to prevent damage to
equipment. Where equipment is liable to damage from freezing conditions it must be moved to another appropriate location.
Check that space heaters are fit for purpose and use as required. These include the bow thruster compartment, forecastle space,
emergency generator room, emergency fire pump compartment, under deck passages and duct keels. Use oil tank heaters.
Navigation Bridge
The following precautions must be taken:

• Ensure bridge window heating is fully operational and that it remains in use during periods of sub-zero temperatures. If
heating is not available transparent heat shrink film may assist in the prevention of frost and condensation. Portable fans
or improvised ducting fed from the bridge heating system may also be used. Care must be taken to avoid significant
temperature changes which might cause windows to crack.
• Provide equipment such as scrapers, de-icing spray and salt on the bridge
• Keep wheelhouse heaters switched on. Provide portable heaters where needed that meet safety requirements. It is
important that an adequate temperature is maintained in the wheelhouse to protect sensitive electronic equipment.
• Leave the bridge window wash water line drained with the drains left open
• Ensure that the whistle heater is operational, remains on at all times and that compressed air is moisture free. Drain any
water traps.
• Slack down all signal halyards
• Keep radar scanners running at all times whilst in sub-zero temperatures
• Ensure that navigation and deck lights remain fit for purpose and ice-free
• Switch on duct heaters
• Run clear-view screens at all times
• Check searchlights are fit for purpose
Any mechanical means to clear moisture from the outside of a window must have an operating mechanism protected from
freezing or ice accumulation that could impair its effective operation. Avoid humidity from the heating system to prevent window
fogging.
Fire, Foam and Deck Lines
Prior to entry into cold weather address the following:

• Isolate and drain fire, foam and fresh water lines leaving drain valve plugs open
• Display the Cold Weather Precautions notice on the Bridge, in the Cargo and Engine Control Rooms and at each fire and
foam operating positions. These state that the fire lines have been isolated and drain valves plugs are open.
• Crack open all exposed valves to prevent moisture freezing the valve seat and the valve together rendering the valve
impossible to open. It is possible that with some fire line configurations additional drains may need to be fitted to allow
adequate draining.
If unavoidable to use the fire line in below freezing temperatures, ensure that water flows continuously to the farthest and highest
hydrant. Soonest after use, drain the fire lines and blow through with air to clear water from the main line, drain line and all
branch lines.
Use the anchor cable washing only if there is no possibility of significant ice accumulations in the hawse pipe.
Holds and Other Spaces
Holds and bilges in all areas liable to freezing must be stripped dry. This includes the chain locker and forecastle spaces.

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Where sounding pipes are exposed, the level in the associated tank must be lowered as far as possible to prevent freezing of the
sounding pipe. Anti-freeze may be used where the pipe cannot be drained.
When receiving freshwater alongside, water is to be left running continuously. Ensure that the end of the hose is pushed well
down inside the freshwater tank-filling pipe to prevent freezing.
Deck Equipment
Lubricate all moving equipment prior to entering into cold weather conditions to prevent seizure. Mixing anti-freeze with grease
has proven effective. This equipment includes:

• Mooring winches,
• Roller and pedestal leads,
• Cargo lashings,
• Vent flaps,
• Hatches,
• Door hinges and dogs,
• Track ways,
• Sounding pipes,
• Hydrants and valves,
• Ship’s side railing openings,
In addition:

• Stow all loose equipment away

• Cover exposed electric and air motors
• Keep pilot ladders under cover and protected against icing. Pilot ladders must not be deployed overboard too early in
order to prevent them becoming slippery and dangerous
Cargo Equipment – Tankers
Take the following precautions:
Drain and blow through the following where not in use and leave drain valves open:

• Cargo and COW lines

• Steam and condensate lines such as heating coils and deck heaters
• IGS pipework including water seal
• Decontamination showers and Eyewashes should remain operable in all ambient conditions.
If cargo heating is required the heating system must be in operation before entering cold weather and must remain in operation
until finally clear.
Pressure – vacuum valves
• Heating of p/v valves must be operational and used as necessary
• All p/v valves must be regularly checked for correct operation whilst in cold weather
• IGS p/v breakers must be filled with a suitable anti-freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Mooring Equipment
The following precautions must be taken:

• Keep mooring ropes on drums covered until required for mooring operations. In severe conditions consider removing
ropes from drums and storing them internally.

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• Operate windlass and mooring winches in advance of mooring operations. Hydraulic tank heaters must be turned on. In
severe conditions and whilst alongside consider keeping mooring winches in operation at slow speed.
• Synthetic ropes are best suited for severe temperature use – natural fibre ropes become stiff and difficult to handle.
Anchors
Verify the means to free hawse pipes and windlasses of ice where freezing spray conditions are likely before entering sub-zero
conditions.
Leave anchors slightly lowered where freezing spray conditions are likely. The hawse pipe may then be cleared by heaving the
anchor as well as by lowering it. Consider the effect of ice accretion on windlass brakes resulting in loss of grip. De-ice brakes
before lowering anchors.
Hydraulic Machinery Rooms and Systems
Take the following precautions:

• Fill hydraulic systems with fluid designed for cold weather operation
• Check space heaters for correct operation
• Use oil tank heaters
• Close or shield compartment vents
• A small quantity of 70% Isopropyl alcohol will remove moisture in hydraulic oil and ease control mechanisms - check the
equipment manufacturer’s instructions first
Cold Weather Precautions with Ballast
Seawater freezes at about -3ᵒC (28ᵒF) therefore take the following precautions:

• Operate wing ballast tank heating, including the empty tanks

• Allow sufficient ullage for expansion due to freezing
• When alongside, if practicable, lower the level in ballast tanks below the waterline to prevent freezing – ballast water
will not freeze below the waterline except in extreme conditions
• Where sounding pipes are exposed lower the level in the associated tanks to prevent freezing. Where the pipe cannot be
drained consider using anti-freeze
• Carry out ballasting and de-ballasting operations only after confirming that air-pipes are clear. Monitor all operations
very carefully. Strip each tank completely to prevent freezing of any small volumes of water
• Operate heating in fresh water tanks, including empty tanks. Regularly monitor the temperature of fresh water tanks
Safety Equipment
Lifeboats
Take the following precautions:

• Fill fuel tanks of lifeboats with winter grade fuel. The ignition quality of particular fuel is important for starting in cold
conditions. Fuels with higher octane numbers have better ignition qualities. Obtain instruction on the acceptable ignition
quality from the lifeboat engine manufacturer’s manual.
• Replace regular engine oil with an appropriate winter grade type. Synthetic oils are preferred for use in cold weather.
Obtain instruction on the proper viscosity for lubricating oil from the lifeboat engine manufacturer’s manual.
• Use engine heaters. A suitable temporary heater may be used that meets safety requirements.
• Operate lifeboat engines daily in cold weather to ensure continued satisfactory operation.
• Add antifreeze to water cooling systems of lifeboat engines. The antifreeze mixture must prevent freezing up to
temperatures of at least -35C to avoid damage to the cylinder block.

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• Drain all lifeboat seawater lines as far as is practicable

• Take precautions to prevent freezing to lifeboat fixed fresh water containers. Ensure that there is sufficient space for
expansion due to freezing. Move portable water containers to an internal location and assign personnel temporarily to
load the water into the boats in the case of an emergency.
• Check equipment in the lifeboats such as the bilge pump and rudder regularly to ensure that they remain free to move
• Lubricate lifeboat davits, blocks, sheaves, micro-switches, release equipment and all other running gear
• Replace emulsified or contaminated oil in a davit gearbox to prevent solidification under cold conditions.
Other Survival Craft
Protect uncovered survival craft and their associated access ladders.
Avoid material made from natural fibre for painters, embarkation ladders, ropes and protective covers. Natural fibres absorb
moisture resulting in a loss of flexibility and durability under cold weather conditions.
Ice must be regularly removed from lifeboats and launching equipment. Keep a wooden mallet available near the lifeboats.
Emergency Generator
Take the following precautions:

• Turn the emergency generator room space heater on

• Fill the emergency generator fuel tank with winter grade fuel where no space heating is available
• Add antifreeze to water cooling systems of emergency generator engines. The antifreeze mixture must prevent freezing
up to temperatures of at least -35C to avoid damage to the cylinder block
• Run the emergency generator regularly in cold weather to ensure continued satisfactory operation
Emergency generating sets are required to be capable of being readily started at a temperature of 0ᵒC. Make provision for heating
arrangements if lower temperatures are likely to be encountered.
Even though the emergency generator space may be heated, engineers must be aware that if the fuel tank is located on an outside
bulkhead the temperature of the fuel can be lowered below its cloud point.
Emergency Diesel Driven Fire Pump
Take the following precautions:

• Start emergency fire pump space heating

• Fill the emergency fire pump fuel tank with winter grade fuel where no space heating is available
• Add antifreeze to water cooling systems of emergency fire pump. The antifreeze mixture must prevent freezing up to
temperatures of at least -35C to avoid damage to the cylinder block.
• Run the emergency fire pump regularly in cold weather to ensure continued satisfactory operation.
CO₂ Rooms, Foam Rooms and Other Fire-Fighting Spaces
Ensure that equipment is not affected by sub-zero temperatures. CO₂ systems usually only operate in temperatures above -16ᵒC so
it is important that provision is made for ensuring that such systems are maintained above that temperature. Review the
manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Engine Room
Take the following precautions:

• Close all external doors to the engine room, associated stores and emergency escapes. Close vents unless required for
ventilation
• Maintain all parts of the engine room at an adequate temperature to prevent freezing. Use heating as necessary,
particularly in adjacent compartments such as the steering flat. Provide temporary heating where necessary

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• Run the minimum number of ventilation fans to maintain positive pressure in the engine room. Ensure that equipment
directly below ventilation intakes is not subject to unduly low air temperatures
• Close engine exhaust uptake dampers when the engine is not in use to prevent condensation build up
• Heat oil tanks to ensure that the oil remains at a usable temperature
• Test heating systems for seawater service systems to ensure they are fit for purpose. Use heating systems as necessary
when in cold weather
• Fill the aft peak above the level of the stern tube. If this additional water will affect the trim and draft significantly
consult your Technical Superintendent for alternative measures. Regular checks are essential to ensure this water does
not freeze
• Operate heating systems for sump and lubricating oil storage tanks, fresh water cooling systems and hydraulic systems
as necessary in cold weather
• Keep bilge wells dry
• Use heaters for generators and electric motors as necessary in cold weather
• Operate the main engine air heater
• Consider maintaining a flow of water through the sanitary system and associated drains
• Operate the heating for the sanitary holding tank and overboard line if the temperature falls below 5C (41F). Prior to
arrival in sub-zero conditions purge air or steam through all wash water outlets that do not drain to a level well below
the water line. If necessary, add antifreeze to unused drain traps and toilets.

Caution: Ensure antifreeze poured into sewage lagoon does not harm the bacteria responsible for
sewage treatment.

Sea Inlets
Use the lower engine room seawater suctions to reduce the risk of ice and slush blocking seawater flow to the cooling system.
Monitor seawater flow for any signs of reduction from system blocking. Use steam heating for sea inlets where provided.
Make sure sea chest vent is not choked (frozen) and its valve is left open. Do not use compressed air to clear sea chest in
operation, this will create an airlock in the SW cooling system. Open steam to standby sea suction to maintain it free of frazil / ice.
Have all the tools and lifting gear ready to clean sea water strainer.

Note: Steam will not be able to keep sea water suction ice free during normal operational flow.

Warning!

Do not use the sea suction with the strainer basket out.
Do not use compressed air to clear sea chest in operation.

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