Section: DP-004
Date of Issue: 01-07-2002
Fleet Management BRIDGE & DECK Issue No.: 1
Department PROCEDURES Revision No.: 0
Page: 1 of 3
4.0 COLD WEATHER PRECAUTIONS AND OPERATIONS
Cold and freezing weather conditions combined with wind chill factors and ice
accretion, do frequently disrupt the safe and efficient operation of vessels at
sea or working cargo in port. It is important that all equipment is maintained in
the best possible condition, and precautions are taken prior to and during the
operation all ships equipment. The following information should be used to
minimize the effect of cold weather. Vessels of special construction and
trading patterns (St. Lawrence Seaway etc.) have "in-house" good practices
which are encouraged.
1) Reference shall be made to the recommendations given in The Mariners
Handbook Chapters 6 and 7, the International Convention For the
Safety of Life at Sea Chapter V for Navigation in Ice and to the Code of
Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.
2) It shall be the responsibility of the Bridge to inform all Department
Heads of the possibility of cold and freezing weather being
encountered and precautions to be taken.
3) All Fire Lines shall be drained, checking that all isolating valves have
been opened to ensure full drainage. Frequent checks shall be made to
ensure that lines do not refill due to a leaky valve at times when the pump
is run.
4) Trace Heating if fitted shall be tested and activated prior to arrival in the
cold area.
5) Life-Boat Fresh Water Tanks shall be lowered to prevent damage during
freezing.
6) Life-Boat Engines with water cooling system require the addition of anti-
freeze, the amount dependent on vessels trading conditions.
7) All external Accommodation Fresh Water lines shall be isolated and
drained wherever possible.
8) Any ships side tanks that contain Fresh Water shall be lowered. On
vessels fitted with steam heating this shall be activated prior to arrival in
the cold area.
9) Space heaters fitted in winch rooms and stores shall be in use and checked
often that they are working.
Section: DP-004
Date of Issue: 01-07-2002
Fleet Management BRIDGE & DECK Issue No.: 1
Department PROCEDURES Revision No.: 0
Page: 2 of 3
10) Any hydraulic machinery that is fitted with heaters shall have them
switched on, and the machinery running. A check on the oil temperatures
shall be maintained. Space heaters should also be run where fitted.
11) Electrical machinery shall be checked that supply is maintained, and the
heating elements are on. Space heaters shall also be run where fitted.
12) Radar Scanners shall be kept turning.
13) Overflow of ballast shall be avoided.
14) Accumulations of water in spaces not frequently visited shall not be
allowed to occur, soundings and visual checks shall be made prior to
arrival in the cold weather area.
15) Rock Salt and Sand shall be used to keep the decks clear.
16) Radio Aerials, Mast Stays and any other Standing Rigging shall be kept in
good condition.
17) Drain Bridge Window Washers after use (consider use of anti-freeze).
18) Mooring ropes shall be brought onto the deck at the last possible moment.
Ropes that touch the water will freeze immediately.
19) Keep soft ropes off the steel decks, wooden gratings to be used.
20) During heavy snowfall in port, bulldozers are frequently used to clear the
snow on hatch covers. This often results in damage to Twist lock
Foundations, Spreader Lifting Points, Lashing Points and other fittings. A
careful note shall be made in the Cargo Log of the times and locations of
this procedure. If necessary, follow up with “ Report of Ship Damage by
Stevedore”.
21) Container stowage shall be arranged, wherever possible, to cover hatch
tops, especially in forward areas.
22) Cargo hold bilge shall be pumped out prior to arrival in the cold areas.
23) On departure from a cold area it is always the case that containers loaded
in frozen conditions provide melt water which accumulates in holds. Hold
bilge shall be pumped out as soon as the bilge's defrost.
24) Ships crew must be trained in the dangers associated with cold weather
operations especially Wind Chill Factor and Frostbite.
Section: DP-004
Date of Issue: 01-07-2002
Fleet Management BRIDGE & DECK Issue No.: 1
Department PROCEDURES Revision No.: 0
Page: 3 of 3
25) Cold weather apparel shall be readily available at all times.
26) Bridge Wing Gyro Repeaters on open Bridge Wings shall be covered
when not in use and the bowl illumination lamp left on.
27) Gangways in use in port shall be kept clear of ice and snow at all times.