INTERNATIONAL ICE PATROL 1957 



The services of the International Ice Patrol for 1957 were carried out 

 by the United States Coast Guard in accordance with the provisions of 

 the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1948, and 

 title 46, U. S. Code, sections 738-738 (D). The mission of the Inter- 

 national Ice Patrol as included in the latter authority states : 



* * * an ice patrol shall be maintained during the whole of the ice season in 

 guarding the southeastern, southern and southwestern limits of the region of icebergs 

 in the vicinity of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, and the patrol shall inform 

 trans-Atlantic and other passing vessels by radio and such other means as are available 

 of the ice conditions and the extent of the dangerous region. A service for the study 

 of ice and current conditions * * * shall be maintained during the ice season 

 and any or all such services may be maintained during the remainder of the year as 

 may be advisable. 



Commander, International Ice Patrol, Capt. Kenneth S. Davis, United 

 States Coast Guard, was assigned the following forces for carrying out 

 the Ice Patrol services to shipping during the 1957 season: three long- 

 range PB1G type (B-17) aircraft, the United States Coast Guard Cutter 

 Acushnet and the United States Coast Guard Cutter Evergreen. These 

 forces were based at the United States Naval Station, Argentia, New- 

 foundland. Radio and landline facilities at Argentia were utilized by 

 Commander, International Ice Patrol for communications with shipping 

 and interested shore activities. The International Ice Patrol office at 

 Argentia was organized and opened on 15 February. 



Preseason aerial ice reconnaissance as recommended by Commander, 

 International Ice Patrol was commenced by the United States Coast 

 Guard Air Detachment at Argentia on 9 January to detect the first 

 encroachment of ice into the Grand Banks area. By 28 January the 

 field ice progressing southward on the northeast shoulder of the Grand 

 Banks was a definite threat to the North Atlantic Track "E" which 

 was then in effect. On that day United States Coast Guard Radio 

 Argentia began twice-daily broadcasts to shipping of ice warnings. Upon 

 the recommendation of Commander, International Ice Patrol, the North 

 Atlantic Track Agreement authorities placed Canadian Seasonal Track 

 "D" in effect on 4 February, 11 days ahead of schedule, because of the 

 field ice in Track "E." 



On the 9th and again on the 19th of February it was necessary to 

 advise southward diversions of shipping using Tracks "C" and "D" to 

 avoid the encroachment of field ice and bergs onto these lanes. And on 

 5 March, on the recommendation of Commander, International Ice 

 Patrol, the United States-European Track "B" was placed in effect 11 



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