Introduction 



This is the 89'^^ annual report of the International Ice Patrol. It contains infornnation 

 on IIP operations, environmental conditions, and iceberg conditions for the 2003 season 

 in the North Atlantic. IIP is supported by 17 member nations and conducted by the U. S. 

 Coast Guard. IIP 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. IIP 

 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, 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 M/V BERGE 

 NORD who provided the most ship reports during the 2003 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 James D. Hull was Commander, U. S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. 

 CDR Robert L. Desh was Commander, International Ice Patrol through 15 August 2003 

 when he was relieved by CDR Michael R. Hicks. 



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. 



INTERNATIONAL 

 ICE PATROL 



