1 The Ice Patrol contributes to safety of life
at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the
marine environment in the North Atlantic. Ships transiting the region
of icebergs guarded by the Ice Patrol during the ice season are required
to make use of the services provided by the Ice Patrol.
2 The Contracting Governments undertake to continue
an ice patrol and a service for study and observation of ice conditions
in the North Atlantic. During the whole of the ice season, i.e. for
the period from February 15th through July 1st of each year, the southeastern,
southern and south-western limits of the region of icebergs in the
vicinity of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland shall be guarded for the
purpose of informing passing ships of the extent of this dangerous
region; for the study of ice conditions in general; and for the purpose
of affording assistance to ships and crews requiring aid within the
limits of operation of the patrol ships and aircraft. During the rest
of the year the study and observation of ice conditions shall be maintained
as advisable.
3 Ships and aircraft used for the ice patrol service
and the study and observation of ice conditions may be assigned other
duties provided that such other duties do not interfere with the primary
purpose or increase the cost of this service.
4 The Government of the United States of America
agrees to continue the overall management of the ice patrol service
and the study and observation of ice conditions, including the dissemination
of information therefrom.
5 The terms and conditions governing the management,
operation and financing of the Ice Patrol are set forth in the Rules
for the management, operation and financing of the North Atlantic
Ice Patrol appended to this chapter which shall form an integral part
of this chapter.
6 If, at any time, the United States and/or Canadian
Governments should desire, to discontinue providing these services,
it may do so and the Contracting Governments shall settle the question
of continuing these services in accordance with their mutual interests.
The United States and/or Canadian Governments shall provide 18 months
written notice to all Contracting Governments whose ships entitled
to fly their flag and whose ships registered in territories to which
those Contracting Governments have extended this regulation benefit
from these services before discontinuing providing these services.