Commandant
2100 Second Street S.W.
United States Coast Guard
Washington, DC 20593-0001
Staff Symbol: (G-NIO)
Phone: (202) 267-1450
COMDTINST 16151.1C
16 MAR 1993
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 16151.1C
Subj: Domestic Icebreaking Policy and Reporting Requirements
1.
PURPOSE: This instruction prescribes policy and reporting requirements for all units
engaged in domestic icebreaking operations.
2.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED: Commandant Instructions 16151.1B and 16155.1B are
cancelled.
3.
DISCUSSION: Domestic icebreaking is normally conducted for three basic purposes: search
and rescue and other emergency situations, prevention of flooding caused by ice, and
facilitation of navigation. Evaluation of new concepts through research and development may
require icebreaking activity beyond that undertaken in normal operations. The Coast Guard
uses domestic ice operations report data for evaluating past and present efforts, making cost-
benefit determinations, planning future operations, and responding to Congressional,
Departmental, and public inquiries.
4.
POLICY:
a.
Search and Rescue: The Coast Guard will conduct icebreaking required for search and
rescue missions. Other emergency missions may also require domestic icebreaking
operations. Examples include opening channels to icebound communities which are in
immediate need of food, heating fuel, or medical assistance; and restoring access to
island communities when their own efforts fail. These operations are conducted in
direct support of the general public and are not to be construed as assistance to
commercial activities.
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