🔍 Key Concepts

• Trim (difference between draft forward and aft) and how it affects a ship’s behavior in ice • Risk of propeller and rudder damage when backing or meeting ice • How a ship’s bow and stern interact differently with ice

💭 Think About

• Think about which part of the ship is most likely to strike heavy ice first when moving ahead, and which part is most vulnerable and difficult to repair at sea • Consider how trim will affect the ability of the propeller to stay fully submerged and maintain thrust in a seaway with ice • Ask yourself: in ice, do we want more weight forward or aft to best ride over, break, or push through ice without exposing vital gear?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which end of the ship (bow vs stern) normally engages the ice first in forward motion • Consider which components (propeller, rudder) you most want to keep away from heavy ice contact • Check whether even keel is generally preferred for maneuverability vs any deliberate trim forward or aft in special conditions like ice