46 U.S.C. § 80302 — Patrol services

(a) General Requirements. Unless an agreement under section 80301 says otherwise, the ice patrol must run all through ice season. It guards the southeastern, southern, and southwestern edges of the iceberg region near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. It tells ships crossing the Atlantic, by radio and other means, about ice conditions and how big the dangerous area is. During ice season, the patrol must also study ice and current conditions, help ships and crews that need it, and remove and destroy floating derelicts. Any of these services can continue during the rest of the year too, if that makes sense.

(b) Warnings to Vessels. The ice patrol must warn any ship it knows is heading toward a dangerous area, and suggest a safer route.

(c) Recording and Reporting Incidents.
(1) Recording. The patrol must write down a ship's name and the facts, when it sees or learns that the ship: (A) is not on a regular, recognized route across the North Atlantic; (B) crossed the Newfoundland fishing banks north of 43 degrees latitude during fishing season; or (C) passed through waters known or believed to be dangerous because of ice, while heading to or from North American ports.
(2) Reporting. If that ship's home country's government asks, the patrol must report the ship's name and all relevant details about the incident to that government.

(d) Administration. The Commandant runs this patrol, under the direction of the Secretary of the department that oversees the Coast Guard, and must assign the aircraft, equipment, and staff needed. If that Secretary asks, the head of another federal agency^* can lend staff, equipment, or other help.

(e) Annual Report. The Commandant must publish a yearly report on what the patrol did. A copy goes to each foreign government that's interested and to each agency that helped.