Introduction 



This is the 78th annual report of the International ice Patrol (IIP). 

 It contains information on Ice Patrol operations, environmental condi- 

 tions, and ice conditions for the 1992 IIP season. The U.S. Coast 

 Guard conducts the International Ice Patrol Service in the North 

 Atlantic underthe provisions of U.S. Code, Title 46, Sections 738, 738a 

 through 738d, andthe International Convention forthe Safety of Life at 

 Sea (SOLAS), 1 974, regulations 5-8. This service was initiated shortly 

 after the sinking of the RMS TITANIC on April 15,1912 and has been 

 provided seasonally since that time. 



Commander, International Ice Patrol, working under Com- 

 mander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, directs the IIP from offices located 

 in Groton, Connecticut. IIP analyzes ice and environmental data, 

 prepares daily ice bulletins and facsimile charts, and responds to 

 requests for ice information. IIP uses aerial Ice Reconnaissance 

 Detachments and, when necessary, surface patrol cutters to survey 

 the southeastern, southern, and southwestern regions of the Grand 

 Banks of Newfoundland for icebergs. IIP operates an iceberg drift and 

 deterioration model to produce twice-daily radio broadcasts to warn 

 mariners of the limits of all known ice. 



Vice Admiral P. A. Welling was Commander, Atlantic Area and 

 Commander J. J. Murray was Commander, International Ice Patrol, 

 untilJuly24, 1 992, when he was relieved by Commander A. D.Summy. 



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