Introduction 



This is the 88**" annual report of the International Ice Patrol. It contains information 

 on Ice Patrol operations, environmental conditions, and iceberg conditions for the 2002 

 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, 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 HMCS 

 FREDERICTON who provided the most ship reports during the 2002 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 Thad W. Allen was Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

 through 14 May 2002 when he was relieved by Vice Admiral James D. Hull. 

 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. 



