FAQ · Ice advisor
Ice advisor questions, answered
How an ice advisor works with your Master, how the advisor joins the vessel, what you receive, and what we need to quote.
What does an ice advisor do on a bulk carrier?
The ice advisor, also called an ice navigator, joins the bridge team for the ice passage and advises the Master on route, speed and engine load. The role is advisory. The Master remains in command and responsible for every navigational decision.
Who is responsible for navigation, the advisor or the Master?
The Master. The advisor advises; the Master commands. Pilots handle local pilotage; the advisor handles the ice.
How does the advisor join the vessel?
By launch at a roadstead such as Skagen, Kalundborg, Copenhagen or Gedser Roads, at the Kiel Canal or at Ventspils, or in any European port. In Busan the advisor boards and leaves the vessel at anchorage. We arrange the transit: launch or port boarding, transfers and travel documents.
Is the advisor signed on as crew?
Yes. The advisor joins the ship’s articles as Ice Navigator or Ice Advisor, not as a passenger, with sea time recorded accordingly.
What do we receive at the end of the passage?
Completed POLARIS or AIRSS risk assessments, ice charts and a voyage report with observations and recommendations for future passages.
Which areas do you cover?
The Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia in the ice season, November to May, and Busan, South Korea, where we have a base. The Arctic and Antarctic are available on request.
What do you need to prepare a quotation?
The vessel name and IMO number, ice class, vessel type, route and ports, and the ETA at the boarding point or port. Tell us whether you need a launch or port boarding.
Do you also clean cargo holds and fuel tanks?
Yes. Our teams clean cargo holds and fuel tanks and prepare tanks for the change from heavy fuel oil to lighter fuel, in the Baltic. Crew and equipment arrive via Ventspils or Liepāja.
What is a hull condition record, and is it a class survey?
It is an underwater inspection at Skagen anchorage before the ice area and a second one on the way out, so the two records can be compared. It is an inspection and a record of condition. It is not a class survey and does not replace one.
How do I reach you?
Write to info@reisin.ee or call +372 509 9577. The phone line is open 24/7 through the ice season. Or use the request form on any page.
Ice advisory · Boarding points · Hull condition record · Holds and tanks
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