Polar class refers to the ice class assigned to a ship by a classification society. A Polar class ship refers to a ship for which a Polar class has been assigned.[1]
In August 2006, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) released a document titled the "Unified Requirements for Polar Ships" which standardized global ice classification specifications.
The IACS established seven different Polar classes, with each level representing changes with respect to the operational capability and strength of steel ships.
| Polar class | Ice description (based on WMO Sea Ice Nomenclature) |
|---|---|
| PC 1 | Year-round operation in all Polar waters |
| PC 2 | Year-round operation in moderate multi-year ice conditions |
| PC 3 | Year-round operation in second-year ice which may include multiyear ice inclusions. |
| PC 4 | Year-round operation in thick first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions |
| PC 5 | Year-round operation in medium first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions |
| PC 6 | Summer/autumn operation in medium first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions |
| PC 7 | Summer/autumn operation in thin first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions |