Introduction 



This is the 73'" annual report of the International Ice 

 Patrol Service in the North Atlantic. This report contains infor- 

 mation on Ice Patrol operations, environmental conditions, and 

 ice conditions for 1987. 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 initiated 

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



Commander, International Ice Patrol, working under 

 Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, directs the International 

 Ice Patrol from offices located at Groton, Connecticut. The Inter- 

 national 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 D. C. Thompson was Commander, Atlantic 

 Area, and LCDR S. R. Osmer was Commander. Internationa! Ice 

 Patrol, during the 1987 ice season. 



