Introduction 



This is the 87'^ annual report of the International Ice Patrol. It contains information 

 on Ice Patrol operations, environmental conditions, and iceberg conditions for the 2001 

 season in the North Atlantic. Ice Patrol is supported by 17 member nations and 

 conducted by the U. S. Coast Guard. Ice Patrol activities are delineated by U. S. Code, 

 Title 46, Sections 738, 738a through 738d, and the International Convention for the 

 Safety of Life at Sea, 1974. Ice Patrol was initiated shortly after the sinking of the RMS 

 TITANIC on April 15, 1912 and has been conducted yearly since that time with the 

 exception of brief periods during the two World Wars. 



Commander, International Ice Patrol is under the operational control of 

 Commander, U. S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. IIP conducts aerial reconnaissance from 

 St. John's, Newfoundland to search the southeastern, southern, and southwestern 

 regions of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland for icebergs. IIP also receives iceberg 

 location reports from ships and planes transiting its area of responsibility. We salute MA/ 

 Berge Nord who provided the most ship reports during the 2001 season. IIP analyzes 

 iceberg and environmental data at its Operations Center in Groton, Connecticut. IIP 

 predicts iceberg drift and deterioration using a computer model and produces twice-daily 

 iceberg warnings that are broadcast to mariners as bulletins and charts. IIP also 

 responds to requests for iceberg information. 



Vice Admiral John E. Shkor was Commander, U. S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

 through 27 June 2001 when he was relieved by Vice Admiral Thad W. Allen. 

 CDR Robert L. Desh was Commander, International Ice Patrol. 



For more information about International Ice Patrol, including iceberg bulletins and 

 charts, see MP's website at http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/iip/home.html. 



