Introduction 



This is the 90''' annual report of the International Ice Patrol, which is under the operational 

 control of Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. The report contains information on IIP 

 operations, environmental conditions, and iceberg conditions in the North Atlantic during the 

 2004 season. Funded by 17 member nations and conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard, Ice Patrol 

 was formed soon after the RMS Titanic sank on 15 April 1912. Since 1913, except for periods of 

 the World Wars, Ice Patrol has been monitoring iceberg danger near the Grand Banks of 

 Newfoundland and broadcasting the Limit of All Known Ice to mariners. The activities and 

 responsibilities of IIP are delineated in U.S. Code, Title 46, Sections 738, 738a-738d and the 

 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974. 



The International Ice Patrol conducted aerial reconnaissance from St. John's, 

 Newfoundland to search for icebergs in the southeastern, southern, and southwestern regions of 

 the Grand Banks. In addition to IIP reconnaissance data. Ice Patrol received iceberg reports from 

 other aircraft and mariners in the North Atlantic. (Ice Patrol salutes M/V Berge Nord for 

 providing the most ship reports during the 2004 season.) At the Operations Center in Groton, 

 Connecticut, personnel analyzed iceberg and environmental data and used a computer model to 

 predict iceberg drift and deterioration. Based on the model's prediction, IIP produced iceberg 

 warnings that were broadcast twice a day to mariners as text bulletins and charts. In addition to 

 these routine broadcasts, IIP responded to individual requests for iceberg information. 



Vice Admiral James D. Hull was Commander, U. S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area through 

 16 July 2004, when he was relieved by Vice Admiral Vivien S. Crea. CDR Michael R. Hicks was 

 Commander, International Ice Patrol. 



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

 charts, visit our website at http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/iip/home.html. 



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