Introduction 



This is the 83nd annual report of the International Ice Patrol (IIP). It 

 contains information on Ice Patrol operations, environmental conditions, 

 and ice conditions for the 1 997 IIP season. The U.S. Coast Guard conducts 

 the Ice Patrol 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. The IIP is supported by 17 mem- 

 ber nations (Appendix A). It was initiated shortly after the sinking of the 

 RMS TITANIC on April 15, 1912 and has been conducted yearly since that 

 time. 



Commander, International Ice Patrol (CMP) is under the operational 

 control of Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area. CMP directs the Ice 

 Patrol from its Operations Center in Groton, Connecticut. IIP receives ice- 

 berg location reports from ships and planes transiting its patrol area and 

 conducts aerial Ice Reconnaissance Detachments (ICERECDETs) to sur- 

 vey the southeastern, southern, and southwestern regions of the Grand 

 Banks of Newfoundland for icebergs. IIP analyzes ice and environmental 

 data and employs an iceberg drift and deterioration model to produce twice- 

 daily iceberg warnings, which are broadcast to mariners as ice bulletins and 

 facsimile charts. IIP also responds to requests for iceberg information. MP's 

 ICERECDETs were based in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada during the 

 1997 season. 



The cover graphic shows the hand-drawn ice chart based on obser- 

 vations made by the U.S. Revenue Cutter SENECA during the ice seasons 

 1913 and 1914. 



Vice Admiral Kent H. Williams was Commander, Atlantic Area until 

 May, 1997, when he was relieved by Vice Admiral Roger T Rufe, Jr. CDR 

 Ross L. Tuxhorn was Commander, International Ice Patrol until July, 1997, 

 when he was relieved by Commander Stephen L. Sielbeck. 



