Seven-tier ice class (PC1–PC7) under IACS UR I assigning ice-going capability from year-round in all polar waters (PC1) to summer-only thin first-year ice (PC7).
Regulatory detail & full definition
Seven-tier classification published as IACS Unified Requirements UR I, ranking ice-going capability from PC1 (year-round operation in all polar waters, including multi-year ice) to PC7 (summer/autumn operation in thin first-year ice with old ice inclusions). Each tier prescribes hull scantlings, propeller and shafting strength, machinery winterisation, and minimum bollard pull where applicable. Class assignment is required for SOLAS XIV-compliant Polar Ship Certificate Categories A and B, and PC7 is the lowest IACS class accepted under Finnish-Swedish ice class equivalence as published by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency.
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