PREFACE 



This Bulletin is No. 54 in a series of annual reports on the Interna- 

 tional Ice Observation and Ice Patrol Services. The authority for the 

 mission, forces assigned, and method of operation of the International 

 Ice Patrol during the 1968 season are described. 



Aerial ice observation and communication statistics are presented. 



All ships reporting ice and weather to the International Ice Patrol 

 in 1968 are tablulated. Figures illustrating ice conditions for the Grand 

 Banks are included. Two hundred and nineteen bergs drifted south of lat- 

 itude 48°N. during the season. The most southerly berg of the season was 

 reported on 12 May in position 42°27'N., 48°50'W. The duration and ex- 

 tension of the pack ice to the south and east of Newfoundland was well 

 below average, the southernmost extension occurring on 26 April at 48°40' 

 N., 52°30'W. 



Rear Admiral A. J. CARPENTER, U.S.C.G. was Commander, Inter- 

 national Ice Patrol. Commander J. E. MURRAY, U.S.C.G. was directly 

 responsible for the management of the Patrol. 



The author of this Bulletin, Commander J. E. MURRAY, U.S.C.G. ac- 

 knowledges the assistance provided in the preparation of the illusti'ations 

 and manuscript by Chief Aerographer's Mate W. F. VAN GAASBECK, 

 U.S.C.G., Yeoman First Class H. M. KERN, U.S.C.G., and Aerographer's 

 Mate Third Class J. A. THAW, U.S.C.G. 



