Report of the International Ice Patrol in the North Atlantic

• Main Authors: M. R. Hicks, U. S. Coast Guard
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.423.7241; http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/iip/2005_IIP_Annual_Report.pdf

services and ice conditions during the 2005 season. With only 11 icebergs crossing 48 o N, this was one of the lightest seasons on record, equaling 1924 as the sixth lightest in Ice Patrol’s history. Though a light season offers substantial benefits in terms of more economical transatlantic shipping routes and overall reduction in the cost to conduct the patrol, it poses significant challenges toward maintaining Ice Patrol’s readiness. Reviewing the historical variability in season severity proves that a light ice season in 2005 does not predict future light seasons. This variability coupled with the steady increase of waterborne commerce into east-coast North American ports underscores the fact that the risk of iceberg collision near the Grand Banks still exists. Thus, vigilant monitoring and rigorous training are key to ensuring Ice Patrol’s readiness to facilitate the safe passage of hundreds of vessels. This Bulletin shows the hard work performed by Ice Patrol personnel and their partners to monitor iceberg danger and prepare for future severe