Introduction 



This is the 72"" annual report of the International Ice Patrol Service 

 in the North Atlantic. It contains information on ice conditions and Ice 

 Patrol operations for 1986. The U.S. Coast Guard conducts the Interna- 

 tional 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 initiated shortly after the sinking of the RMS TITANIC on 

 April 15, 1912. 



Commander, International Ice Patrol, under Commander, Coast 

 Guard Atlantic Area, directed the International Ice Patrol from offices 

 located at Groton, Connecticut. International Ice Patrol analyzes ice and 

 environmental data, prepares the daily ice bulletins and facsimile charts, 

 and replies to any requests for special ice information. 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 distribution. 



Vice Admiral P.A. Yost was Commander, Atlantic Area from the 

 start of the 1986 season, March 27. Vice Admiral D.C.Thompson 

 became Commander, Atlantic Area on May 27,1986. Commander 

 Norman C. Edwards, Jr., U.S. Coast Guard, was Commander, Interna- 

 tional Ice Patrol during the Ice Patrol season. 



