Havsis och temperaturer under fryspunkten kan förekomma i svenska vatten från november till maj. Det är viktigt att ombordanställda känner till de potentiella felfunktioner på utrustningar och system som orsakas av is och att de är beredda att lösa de problem som uppstår för att garantera säker navigering. Felfunktioner i system och utrustningar kan leda till elektrisk eller framdrivningsblackout, nedsatt manöverförmåga etc. och därmed risk för grundstötning, kollisioner, utsläpp till miljön, personskador och förlust och skador på last.

Sea ice and temperatures below freezing may occur in Swedish waters from November to May. It is important that seafarers are aware of potential malfunctions in onboard equipment and systems caused by ice and that they are prepared to solve any encountered problems to ensure safe navigation. This report is intended to provide basic guidelines for the safe operation of some vital onboard systems that may be affected by low temperatures and ice. It also refers some design aspects of critical systems and call attention to a few general recommendations for ship handling in ice. It is proposed that this first version of the guidelines, in a near future, will be further refined and complemented. Some of the main recommendations and guidelines of this report are addressing the following issues: Design and operation of cooling water inlet – recirculation to prevent ice clogging of strainers and practical measures for de-icing of blocked inlets and strainers; Preventive measures to ensure safe operation of LSA and vital deck equipment; Preventive measures to ensure safe operation of navaids and other vital bridge equipment; General recommendations for safe ship handling in ice infested waters.