Winter Navigation Advisory for the Marshall Islands Flagged Ships in Canadian Waters

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator renewed the Marine Safety Advisory (MSA-05-19) regarding ships operating in the winter months of the St. Lawrence Seaway (Eastern Canada).

This advisory was renewed on 31 January 2024.

Marshall Islands flagged ships operating in the extreme cold winter climate of the Canadian Gulf of St. Lawrence, St. Lawrence River, and St. Lawrence Seaway are reminded of the importance of adequate preparation prior to and during transiting these waters. Weather-related deficiencies such as frozen water within fire lines and congealed fuel preventing the operation of emergency generators have caused unsafe conditions and resulted in International Maritime Organization reportable detentions.

Canadian regulations require that vessels navigating in ice protect crew from frigid temperatures, prevent vital system malfunctions, and prevent icing of sea chests. There is also a phenomenon known as “Frazil Ice” which is loose, randomly oriented, plate or ice crystals formed in super-cooled turbulent water. Forming at air temperatures lower than −6 °C (21 °F), frazil ice is notorious for blocking water intakes and clogging sea water strainers which may lead to a sudden and unexpected blackout condition.

Important Instructions for Masters, Officers, and Crew Members

Masters, Officers, and all Crew Members should take note of “Mandatory Winter Navigation Information on Sea Water Cooling Types - Canadian Regulations Concerning Ships Operating in Ice-Covered Waters” (Transport Canada - November 21, 2018). This document includes:

• Canadian Regulations concerning ships operating in ice-covered waters
• Information about mandatory and recommended publications to be onboard during winter transit in Canadian waters
• Pre-arrival information requested concerning the arrangement and type of sea water cooling system installed aboard the ship
• Information on receiving advisories and points of contact for ships bound for the St. Lawrence Seaway
• Marine Safety Checklist for operating in ice-covered waters

The document is attached to this Advisory for ease of reference.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Ships Operating in the Winter Months of the St. Lawrence Seaway (Eastern Canada)