COMDTINST 16151.1D — Domestic Icebreaking Policy

COMDTINST 16151.1D governs policy and reporting requirements for Coast Guard units engaged in domestic ice operations.

Search COMDTINST 16151.1D

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 16151.1D
  • Title: DOMESTIC ICEBREAKING POLICY
  • Date: 12/21/2011
  • Proponent: CG-WWM-3

View COMDTINST 16151.1D on armypubs.army.mil


The publication defines domestic icebreaking terms, establishes operational priorities, and introduces a four-tiered waterway priority system. It requires districts to collect performance data and submit annual, weekly, MISLE, and AOPS reports.

Applies to: This Instruction prescribes policy and reporting requirements for all units engaged in domestic ice operations.

Topics covered

  • Domestic icebreaking operations
  • Icebreaking assistance requests
  • Waterway priorities and restrictions
  • Urgent vessel response
  • Exigent community services
  • Ice season measurements
  • Ice operations reporting

Questions and answers

Do vessel trip or sail plans count as a request for icebreaking assistance?

Simply recording or logging these trip/sail plans does not constitute an assist or a request for assistance.

What situations receive priority for Coast Guard domestic ice operations?

The mission of U.S. Coast Guard domestic ice operations is to provide icebreaking services to assist vessels in emergency or urgent situations, to assist communities in exigent need, and to facilitate navigation on domestic icecovered waterways. (paragraph 8)

When will the Coast Guard respond to an urgent vessel situation?

The Coast Guard will respond to vessels in urgent situations which, if left unassisted, have a high probability of deteriorating into a hazardous situation. (paragraph 8)

Who determines whether icebreaking will help prevent or alleviate flooding?

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for flood control activities and will determine if icebreaking operations will assist in preventing or alleviating flood or flood conditions on a waterway. (paragraph 8)

When must districts submit the Annual Domestic Ice Operations Report?

Districts engaging in domestic icebreaking shall submit an "Annual Domestic Ice Operations Report" memo to Commandant (CG-552), thru Area Commanders, no later than 1 July each year.

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