Introduction 



This is tine 74"^ annual report of the Internationa! Ice Patrol 



Service in the North Atlantic. This report contains information on Ice 

 Patrol operations, environmental conditions, and ice conditions for 1988. 

 The U.S. Coast Guard conducts the International Ice Patrol Service in 

 the North Atlantic under the provisions of U.S. Code, Title 46, Sections 

 738, 738a through 738d, and the International Convention for the Safety 

 of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, regulations 5-8. This service was initi- 

 ated shortly after the sinking of the RfvlS TITANIC on April 15, 1912. 



Commander, International Ice Patrol, working under Com- 

 mander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, directs the International Ice Patrol 

 from offices located at Groton, Connecticut. The International Ice Patrol 

 analyzes ice and environmental data, prepares the daily ice bulletins 

 and facsimile charts, and replies to any requests for special ice informa- 

 tion. It also controls the aerial Ice Reconnaissance Detachment and 

 any surface patrol cutters when assigned, both of which patrol the 

 southeastern, southern, and southwestern limits of the Grand Banks of 

 Newfoundland for icebergs. The International Ice Patrol makes twice- 

 daily radio broadcasts to warn mariners of the limits of iceberg distribu- 

 tion. 



Vice Admiral D. C. Thompson was Commander, Atlantic Area, 

 until June 29, 1988, and Rear Admiral J. C. Irwin was Commander, 

 Atlantic Area, from June 29, 1988, to the end of the 1988 ice year. CDR 

 S. R. Osmer was Commander, International Ice Patrol, during the entire 

 1988 ice year. 



