New London — The U.S. Coast Guard International Ice Patrol opened the 2013 ice season Feb 1, marking the centennial year of the Coast Guard conducting the maritime safety mission.

The International Ice Patrol monitors iceberg danger near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and provides iceberg warnings to mariners.

April was the centennial anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. The ice patrol was established by an international convention as a result of the sinking. 

The ice patrol, in a partnership with the Canadian Ice Service and U.S. National Ice Center, issues daily iceberg information between Feb. 1 and Aug. 31 under the North American Ice Service. The Canadian Ice Service issues daily iceberg information for the rest of the year.