Icing caused by freezing sea spray or snow forming a layer of ice on deck and superstructure when operating in low temperatures may have major impact on the safety and general operation of a vessel.
Ice accumulation can completely disrupt the functioning of certain deck equipment. The typical icing problems to be encountered are the impairment of stability due to the lifted center of gravity, limitation of safe navigation caused by antennae and radar equipment being out of operation and icing on wheelhouse windows.
Note: For any ship operating in areas where ice accretion is likely to occur, icing allowances should be included in the analysis of conditions of loading. Allowance for ice accretion and guidance relating to ice accretion can be found in the 2008 IS Code.
