This points up a problem that must be faced soon if it is to be solved 

 in orderly fashion. Icebreaking is rough duty. By definition carried 

 out only in the bitterest weather, it consists simply of patrolling navi- 

 gation channels, ramming with brute force into ice sometimes several 

 feet thick, backing off and battering it again and again until it shatters 

 into chunks small enough to be brushed aside by any moving vessel. 

 Use of major seagoing icebreakers compares favorably with that of 

 general duty cutters. Considering the rigors of their duty, the record 

 is exceptionally good. 



However, of the eight seagoing icebreakers, three are 15 years old 

 and four are 18. The Coast Guard reports increasingly severe hull 

 damage and mechanical wear and contends that the vessels are ap- 

 proaching obsolescence. The Navy's "Program Packages and Ele- 

 ments — Shipbuilding and Conversion Plans for the Fiscal Years 

 1962-67," as approved by both the Secretary of the Navy and the 

 Secretary of Defense, indicate that the Navy plans to construct one 

 icebreaker each year beginning in 1964 through 1967 — a total of 

 four for replacement purposes. It is believed that now is the time 

 to think about planning for replacement and possible additions. In 

 order to plan properly, the existing operation of icebreakers and the 

 future requirements must be considered together from the viewpoint 

 of the national interest, as well as from the viewpoints of the operating 

 agencies. However, a less than complete understanding, at top level, 

 of each agency's role and responsibility in meeting national require- 

 ments, could result in an unnecessarily low priority for replacement 

 vessels. 



Some of the scientific endeavor of the National Science Foundation's 

 new research vessel, the EUanin^ requires icebreaking assistance this 

 year. Also, while oceanographic research is but one of many fields of 

 science being pursued in the polar regions, no single effort is more 

 dependent upon the icebreaker than oceanography. Icebreakers are 

 utilized as the research platform or in company with other research 

 vessels. In view of the increasing interest in the polar regions, it may 

 become necessary to augment the number of major U.S. operated ice- 

 breakers. Because of dual responsibilities, it will be difficult to decide 

 whether the increase should be Coast Guard's or Navy's. 



Although domestic icebreaking needs are expanding, incorporating 

 icebreaking features in new Coast Guard vessels should meet this need. 



Recommendations 



If the reasonable demands of commerce are to be met, the Treasury 

 Department should give high priority to an adequate and timely 

 schedule for modifying or replacing necessary vessels and equipment. 

 Also the Secretaries of Treasury and Defense should determine the 

 extent of dual Coast Guard-Navy polar operation of icebreakers, and 

 how the two Services should plan for replacement and augmentation. 



41 



U.S. GOVERNMENT PRFNTING OFFICE: 1963 O — 670544 



