scope:

General

Application

The requirements for Polar Ships apply to vessels constructed of steel and intended for navigation in ice-infested polar waters, except ice breakers [see 6-1-1/1.3 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels (Steel Vessel Rules)].

Vessels that comply with the requirements of this Guide can be considered for a Polar Class notation as listed Section 1, Table 1. The requirements of this Guide are in addition to the open water requirements. If the hull and machinery are constructed such as to comply with the requirements of different Polar Classes, then both the hull and machinery are to be assigned the lower of these classes in the classification certificate. Compliance of the hull or machinery with the requirements of a higher Polar Class is also to be indicated in the classification certificate or an appendix thereto.

Ice Breaker Class

Requirements of this Guide do not cover the requirements for the class notation, Ice Breaker. Vessels that are to receive the Ice Breaker notation should have additional requirements and are to comply with the requirements of 6-1-1/1.5 of the Steel Vessel Rules.