In 1953, at the request of Commander, International Ice Patrol, 

 the Commander, Eastern Area, USCG, conducted a survey of trans- 

 atlantic shipping in the port of New York. Questionnaires were 

 sent to vessels inviting comments and criticism of the services of the 

 ice patrol. A similar sm*vey among ships using the port of Halifax 

 was conducted in 1952 by the Canadian Department of Transport. 

 While these surveys cannot be considered all-inclusive, it is believed 

 that a good cross section of ship operator's opinion was obtained. 

 The suggestions and criticisms received are an aid to Commander, 

 International Ice Patrol in improving the services of the ice patrol. 

 Suggestions and criticisms from mariners are always welcome and 

 should be addressed to the Commandant, U. S. Coast Guard, Wash- 

 ington 25, D. C. 



ICE CONDITIONS 1953 

 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 



The first ice sighting in the Newfoundland area was on 15 February 

 showing scattered patches of field ice westward from 52°10' W., be- 

 tween 48''39' N., and 49°45' N. On 20 February the pack ice extended 

 as far south as 49°00' N., and eastward to 51°25' W., which was 

 normal for this time of year. 



On 21 and 22 February close pack ice extended eastward to 50°40' 

 W., between latitudes 51°30' N., and 52°30' N., and eastward to 

 50°00' W., between latitudes 49°00' N., and 49°30' N. Also on 

 the 22d numerous bergs and growlers, the southermost in position 

 49°25' N., 50°45' W., were sighted. On the 23d an extensive area 

 of field ice at 48°24' N., 50°07' W., was reported. The pack ice was 

 on the move to the east and south. Scattered strings and patches 

 were reported as far south as 46°08' N., at 49°10' W., on 24 February. 

 This was the most southed}^ and most easterly ice reported for Janu- 

 ary and February. The pack now extended east to 49°30' W., at 

 latitude 48°00' N., and was close pack west of 51°30' W. On 29 

 February scattered field ice was reported east to 49°32' W., at 49°16' 

 N., and east to 49°16' W., at 48°21' N. On 28 February the limits 

 of close pack ice were determined to be a line from 50°20' N., 50°50' 

 W., to 52°22' N., 51°00' W., and showed an easterly movement of 

 about 30 miles in the past week. 



There were no known icebergs south of 49°00' N. Limits of pack 

 ice and berg ice were about average with the exception that there was 

 no pack ice or field ice along the east coast of Avalon Peninsula, New- 

 foundland. Distribution of ice for February is shown in figure 7. 



MARCH 



The results of preseason aerial ice reconnaissance and other ice 

 reports in February 1953 showed the possibility of a normal ice year, 

 year. If the pack ice continued to move southeast along the east 



10 



