diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_diagnostics.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_diagnostics.F90
index d4e7066fb..23f39634f 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_diagnostics.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_diagnostics.F90
@@ -1706,7 +1706,7 @@ subroutine print_state(plabel,i,j,iblk)
 ! dynamics (transport and/or ridging) causes the floe size distribution to become non-normal
 !         if (tr_fsd) then
 !         if (abs(sum(trcrn(i,j,nt_fsd:nt_fsd+nfsd-1,n,iblk))-c1) > puny) &
-!            print*,'afsdn not normal', &
+!            write(nu_diag,*) 'afsdn not normal', &
 !                 sum(trcrn(i,j,nt_fsd:nt_fsd+nfsd-1,n,iblk)), &
 !                     trcrn(i,j,nt_fsd:nt_fsd+nfsd-1,n,iblk)
 !         endif
diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history.F90
index 2859b3291..dea07af63 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history.F90
@@ -93,8 +93,7 @@ subroutine init_hist (dt)
       integer (kind=int_kind), dimension(max_nstrm) :: &
          ntmp
       integer (kind=int_kind) :: nml_error ! namelist i/o error flag
-      character(len=char_len_long) :: tmpstr2 ! for namelist errors
-      
+
       character(len=*), parameter :: subname = '(init_hist)'
 
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -123,40 +122,27 @@ subroutine init_hist (dt)
       if (icepack_warnings_aborted()) call abort_ice(error_message=subname, &
          file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
 
-      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
       if (my_task == master_task) then
-         open (nu_nml, file=nml_filename, status='old',iostat=nml_error)
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading icefields_nml'
+
+         call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+         open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
          if (nml_error /= 0) then
-            nml_error = -1
-         else
-            nml_error =  1
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_nml open file '// &
+               trim(nml_filename), &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
+
+         nml_error =  1
          do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=icefields_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
          end do
-         !if (nml_error == 0) close(nu_nml)
-
-         ! check if there was an error.
-         ! Write out errorneous line.
-         if (nml_error == 0) then
-            close(nu_nml)  ! no error. close file
-         else              ! nml_error not zero
-            ! backspace, re-read erroneous line
-            backspace(nu_nml)
-            read(nu_nml,fmt='(A)') tmpstr2
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
-
-      endif
-      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
-      call broadcast_scalar(nml_error, master_task)
-      call broadcast_scalar(tmpstr2,   master_task)
-      if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         close (nu_nml)
-         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: reading icefields_nml: ' // &
-              trim(tmpstr2), &
-              file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         close(nu_nml)
+         call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
       endif
 
       ! histfreq options ('1','h','d','m','y')
diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_bgc.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_bgc.F90
index 1a9e7d8d5..8802cf431 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_bgc.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_bgc.F90
@@ -283,7 +283,6 @@ subroutine init_hist_bgc_2D
           tr_bgc_DON,    tr_bgc_Fe,    tr_bgc_hum,   &
           skl_bgc, solve_zsal, z_tracers
 
-      character(len=char_len_long) :: tmpstr2 ! for namelist errors
       character(len=*), parameter  :: subname = '(init_hist_bgc_2D)'
 
       call icepack_query_parameters(skl_bgc_out=skl_bgc, &
@@ -305,39 +304,27 @@ subroutine init_hist_bgc_2D
       ! read namelist
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
-      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
       if (my_task == master_task) then
-         open (nu_nml, file=nml_filename, status='old',iostat=nml_error)
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading icefields_bgc_nml'
+
+         call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+         open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
          if (nml_error /= 0) then
-            nml_error = -1
-         else
-            nml_error =  1
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_bgc_nml open file '// &
+               trim(nml_filename), &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
+
+         nml_error =  1
          do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=icefields_bgc_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
          end do
-
-         ! check if there was an error.
-         ! Write out errorneous line.
-         if (nml_error == 0) then
-            close(nu_nml)  ! no error. close file
-         else              ! nml_error not zero
-            ! backspace, re-read erroneous line
-            backspace(nu_nml)
-            read(nu_nml,fmt='(A)') tmpstr2
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_bgc_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
-
-      endif
-      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
-      call broadcast_scalar(nml_error, master_task)
-      call broadcast_scalar(tmpstr2,   master_task)
-      if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         close (nu_nml)
-         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: reading icefields_bgc_nml: ' // &
-              trim(tmpstr2), &
-              file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         close(nu_nml)
+         call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
       endif
 
       if (.not. tr_iso) then
diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_drag.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_drag.F90
index 3fee6f8dc..c0a1f99bd 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_drag.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_drag.F90
@@ -68,7 +68,6 @@ subroutine init_hist_drag_2D
       integer (kind=int_kind) :: ns
       integer (kind=int_kind) :: nml_error ! namelist i/o error flag
       logical (kind=log_kind) :: formdrag
-      character(len=char_len_long) :: tmpstr2 ! for namelist errors
 
       character(len=*), parameter :: subname = '(init_hist_drag_2D)'
 
@@ -81,40 +80,27 @@ subroutine init_hist_drag_2D
       ! read namelist
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
-      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
       if (my_task == master_task) then
-         open (nu_nml, file=nml_filename, status='old',iostat=nml_error)
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading icefields_drag_nml'
+
+         call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+         open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
          if (nml_error /= 0) then
-            nml_error = -1
-         else
-            nml_error =  1
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_drag_nml open file '// &
+               trim(nml_filename), &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
+
+         nml_error =  1
          do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=icefields_drag_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            ! if (nml_error > 0) read(nu_nml,*)  ! for Nagware compiler
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
          end do
-
-         ! check if there was an error.
-         ! Write out errorneous line.
-         if (nml_error == 0) then
-            close(nu_nml)  ! no error. close file
-         else              ! nml_error not zero
-            ! backspace, re-read erroneous line
-            backspace(nu_nml)
-            read(nu_nml,fmt='(A)') tmpstr2
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_drag_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
-
-      endif
-      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
-      call broadcast_scalar(nml_error, master_task)
-      call broadcast_scalar(tmpstr2,   master_task)
-      if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         close (nu_nml)
-         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: reading icefields_drag_nml: ' // &
-              trim(tmpstr2), &
-              file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         close(nu_nml)
+         call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
       endif
 
       call broadcast_scalar (f_Cdn_atm, master_task)
diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_fsd.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_fsd.F90
index 153706eaa..c64ecbefa 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_fsd.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_fsd.F90
@@ -81,8 +81,7 @@ subroutine init_hist_fsd_2D
       integer (kind=int_kind) :: nml_error ! namelist i/o error flag
       real    (kind=dbl_kind) :: secday
       logical (kind=log_kind) :: tr_fsd, wave_spec
-      character(len=char_len_long) :: tmpstr2 ! for namelist errors
-      
+
       character(len=*), parameter :: subname = '(init_hist_fsd_2D)'
 
       call icepack_query_tracer_flags(tr_fsd_out=tr_fsd)
@@ -97,38 +96,27 @@ subroutine init_hist_fsd_2D
       ! read namelist
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
-      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
       if (my_task == master_task) then
-         open (nu_nml, file=nml_filename, status='old',iostat=nml_error)
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading icefields_fsd_nml'
+
+         call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+         open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
          if (nml_error /= 0) then
-            nml_error = -1
-         else
-            nml_error =  1
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_fsd_nml open file '// &
+               trim(nml_filename), &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
+
+         nml_error =  1
          do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=icefields_fsd_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
          end do
-
-         ! check if there was an error.
-         ! Write out errorneous line.
-         if (nml_error == 0) then
-            close(nu_nml)  ! no error. close file
-         else              ! nml_error not zero
-            ! backspace, re-read erroneous line
-            backspace(nu_nml)
-            read(nu_nml,fmt='(A)') tmpstr2
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_fsd_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
-      endif
-      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
-      call broadcast_scalar(nml_error, master_task)
-      call broadcast_scalar(tmpstr2,   master_task)
-      if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         close (nu_nml)
-         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: reading icefields_fsd_nml: '// &
-              trim(tmpstr2), &
-              file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         close(nu_nml)
+         call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
       endif
 
       call broadcast_scalar (f_afsd, master_task)
diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_mechred.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_mechred.F90
index a98ad1e53..920a83b47 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_mechred.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_mechred.F90
@@ -89,7 +89,6 @@ subroutine init_hist_mechred_2D
       integer (kind=int_kind) :: nml_error ! namelist i/o error flag
       real    (kind=dbl_kind) :: secday
       logical (kind=log_kind) :: tr_lvl
-      character(len=char_len_long) :: tmpstr2 ! for namelist errors
 
       character(len=*), parameter :: subname = '(init_hist_mechred_2D)'
 
@@ -103,40 +102,27 @@ subroutine init_hist_mechred_2D
       ! read namelist
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
-      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
       if (my_task == master_task) then
-         open (nu_nml, file=nml_filename, status='old',iostat=nml_error)
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading icefields_mechred_nml'
+
+         call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+         open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
          if (nml_error /= 0) then
-            nml_error = -1
-         else
-            nml_error =  1
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_mechred_nml open file '// &
+               trim(nml_filename), &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
+
+         nml_error =  1
          do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=icefields_mechred_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
          end do
-
-         ! check if there was an error.
-         ! Write out errorneous line.
-         if (nml_error == 0) then
-            close(nu_nml)  ! no error. close file
-         else              ! nml_error not zero
-            ! backspace, re-read erroneous line
-            backspace(nu_nml)
-            read(nu_nml,fmt='(A)') tmpstr2
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_mechred_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
-
-
-      endif
-      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
-      call broadcast_scalar(nml_error, master_task)
-      call broadcast_scalar(tmpstr2,   master_task)
-      if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         close (nu_nml)
-         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: reading icefields_mechred_nml: ' // &
-              trim(tmpstr2), &
-              file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         close(nu_nml)
+         call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
       endif
 
       if (.not. tr_lvl) then
diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_pond.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_pond.F90
index 558c3f051..365bd4410 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_pond.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_pond.F90
@@ -73,8 +73,7 @@ subroutine init_hist_pond_2D
       integer (kind=int_kind) :: ns
       integer (kind=int_kind) :: nml_error ! namelist i/o error flag
       logical (kind=log_kind) :: tr_pond
-      character(len=char_len_long) :: tmpstr2 ! for namelist errors
-      
+
       character(len=*), parameter :: subname = '(init_hist_pond_2D)'
 
       call icepack_query_tracer_flags(tr_pond_out=tr_pond)
@@ -86,40 +85,27 @@ subroutine init_hist_pond_2D
       ! read namelist
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
-      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
       if (my_task == master_task) then
-         open (nu_nml, file=nml_filename, status='old',iostat=nml_error)
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading icefields_pond_nml'
+
+         call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+         open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
          if (nml_error /= 0) then
-            nml_error = -1
-         else
-            nml_error =  1
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_pond_nml open file '// &
+               trim(nml_filename), &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
+
+         nml_error =  1
          do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=icefields_pond_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
          end do
-
-         ! check if there was an error.
-         ! Write out errorneous line.
-         if (nml_error == 0) then
-            close(nu_nml)  ! no error. close file
-         else              ! nml_error not zero
-            ! backspace, re-read erroneous line
-            backspace(nu_nml)
-            read(nu_nml,fmt='(A)') tmpstr2
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_pond_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
-
-         
-      endif
-      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
-      call broadcast_scalar(nml_error, master_task)
-      call broadcast_scalar(tmpstr2,   master_task)
-      if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         close (nu_nml)
-         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: reading icefields_pond_nml: ' // &
-              trim(tmpstr2), &
-              file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         close(nu_nml)
+         call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
       endif
 
       if (.not. tr_pond) then
diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_snow.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_snow.F90
index 5a590af2b..090759759 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_snow.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/analysis/ice_history_snow.F90
@@ -87,30 +87,32 @@ subroutine init_hist_snow_2D (dt)
 
       if (tr_snow) then
 
-      !-----------------------------------------------------------------
-      ! read namelist
-      !-----------------------------------------------------------------
-
-      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
-      if (my_task == master_task) then
-         open (nu_nml, file=nml_filename, status='old',iostat=nml_error)
-         if (nml_error /= 0) then
-            nml_error = -1
-         else
+         !-----------------------------------------------------------------
+         ! read namelist
+         !-----------------------------------------------------------------
+
+         if (my_task == master_task) then
+            write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading icefields_snow_nml'
+
+            call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+            open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
+            if (nml_error /= 0) then
+               call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_snow_nml open file '// &
+                  trim(nml_filename), &
+                  file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+            endif
+
             nml_error =  1
+            do while (nml_error > 0)
+               read(nu_nml, nml=icefields_snow_nml,iostat=nml_error)
+            end do
+            if (nml_error /= 0) then
+               call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: icefields_snow_nml reading ', &
+                  file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+            endif
+            close(nu_nml)
+            call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
          endif
-         do while (nml_error > 0)
-            read(nu_nml, nml=icefields_snow_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-         end do
-         if (nml_error == 0) close(nu_nml)
-      endif
-      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
-      call broadcast_scalar(nml_error, master_task)
-      if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         close (nu_nml)
-         call abort_ice('ice: error reading icefields_snow_nml')
-      endif
 
       else ! .not. tr_snow
           f_smassice = 'x'
diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/dynamics/ice_transport_remap.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/dynamics/ice_transport_remap.F90
index 070f3b7ad..89c0609ef 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/dynamics/ice_transport_remap.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/dynamics/ice_transport_remap.F90
@@ -2962,17 +2962,17 @@ subroutine locate_triangles (nx_block,     ny_block,   &
             i = indxid(ij)
             j = indxjd(ij)
             if (abs(areasum(i,j) - edgearea(i,j)) > eps13*areafac_c(i,j)) then
-               print*, ''
-               print*, 'Areas do not add up: m, i, j, edge =',   &
+               write(nu_diag,*) ''
+               write(nu_diag,*) 'Areas do not add up: m, i, j, edge =',   &
                         my_task, i, j, trim(edge)
-               print*, 'edgearea =', edgearea(i,j)
-               print*, 'areasum =', areasum(i,j)
-               print*, 'areafac_c =', areafac_c(i,j)
-               print*, ''
-               print*, 'Triangle areas:'
+               write(nu_diag,*) 'edgearea =', edgearea(i,j)
+               write(nu_diag,*) 'areasum =', areasum(i,j)
+               write(nu_diag,*) 'areafac_c =', areafac_c(i,j)
+               write(nu_diag,*) ''
+               write(nu_diag,*) 'Triangle areas:'
                do ng = 1, ngroups   ! not vector friendly
                   if (abs(triarea(i,j,ng)) > eps16*abs(areafact(i,j,ng))) then
-                     print*, ng, triarea(i,j,ng)
+                     write(nu_diag,*) ng, triarea(i,j,ng)
                   endif
                enddo
             endif
@@ -3029,18 +3029,18 @@ subroutine locate_triangles (nx_block,     ny_block,   &
             do i = ib, ie
                if (abs(triarea(i,j,ng)) > puny) then
                   if (abs(xp(i,j,nv,ng)) > p5+puny) then
-                     print*, ''
-                     print*, 'WARNING: xp =', xp(i,j,nv,ng)
-                     print*, 'm, i, j, ng, nv =', my_task, i, j, ng, nv
-!                     print*, 'yil,xdl,xcl,ydl=',yil,xdl,xcl,ydl
-!                     print*, 'yir,xdr,xcr,ydr=',yir,xdr,xcr,ydr
-!                     print*, 'ydm=',ydm
+                     write(nu_diag,*) ''
+                     write(nu_diag,*) 'WARNING: xp =', xp(i,j,nv,ng)
+                     write(nu_diag,*) 'm, i, j, ng, nv =', my_task, i, j, ng, nv
+!                     write(nu_diag,*) 'yil,xdl,xcl,ydl=',yil,xdl,xcl,ydl
+!                     write(nu_diag,*) 'yir,xdr,xcr,ydr=',yir,xdr,xcr,ydr
+!                     write(nu_diag,*) 'ydm=',ydm
 !                      stop
                   endif
                   if (abs(yp(i,j,nv,ng)) > p5+puny) then
-                     print*, ''
-                     print*, 'WARNING: yp =', yp(i,j,nv,ng)
-                     print*, 'm, i, j, ng, nv =', my_task, i, j, ng, nv
+                     write(nu_diag,*) ''
+                     write(nu_diag,*) 'WARNING: yp =', yp(i,j,nv,ng)
+                     write(nu_diag,*) 'm, i, j, ng, nv =', my_task, i, j, ng, nv
                   endif
                endif   ! triarea
             enddo
diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/general/ice_init.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/general/ice_init.F90
index b9e518f4d..e3030ec55 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/general/ice_init.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/general/ice_init.F90
@@ -551,73 +551,154 @@ subroutine input_data
       nml_filename  = 'ice_in'//trim(inst_suffix)
 #endif
 
-      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
       if (my_task == master_task) then
-         open (nu_nml, file=nml_filename, status='old',iostat=nml_error)
+
+         call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+         open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
          if (nml_error /= 0) then
-            nml_error = -1
-         else
-            nml_error =  1
-         endif 
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: open file '// &
+               trim(nml_filename), &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
 
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading setup_nml'
+         rewind(unit=nu_nml, iostat=nml_error)
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: setup_nml rewind ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
+         nml_error =  1
          do while (nml_error > 0)
-            print*,'Reading setup_nml'
             read(nu_nml, nml=setup_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
+         end do
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: setup_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
 
-            print*,'Reading grid_nml'
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading grid_nml'
+         rewind(unit=nu_nml, iostat=nml_error)
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: grid_nml rewind ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
+         nml_error =  1
+         do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=grid_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
+         end do
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: grid_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
 
-            print*,'Reading tracer_nml'
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading tracer_nml'
+         rewind(unit=nu_nml, iostat=nml_error)
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: tracer_nml rewind ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
+         nml_error =  1
+         do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=tracer_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
+         end do
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: tracer_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
 
-            print*,'Reading thermo_nml'
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading thermo_nml'
+         rewind(unit=nu_nml, iostat=nml_error)
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: thermo_nml rewind ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
+         nml_error =  1
+         do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=thermo_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
+         end do
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: thermo_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
 
-            print*,'Reading dynamics_nml'
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading dynamics_nml'
+         rewind(unit=nu_nml, iostat=nml_error)
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: dynamics_nml rewind ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
+         nml_error =  1
+         do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=dynamics_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
+         end do
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: dynamics_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
 
-            print*,'Reading shortwave_nml'
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading shortwave_nml'
+         rewind(unit=nu_nml, iostat=nml_error)
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: shortwave_nml rewind ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
+         nml_error =  1
+         do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=shortwave_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
+         end do
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: shortwave_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
 
-            print*,'Reading ponds_nml'
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading ponds_nml'
+         rewind(unit=nu_nml, iostat=nml_error)
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: ponds_nml rewind ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
+         nml_error =  1
+         do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=ponds_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
+         end do
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: ponds_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
 
-            print*,'Reading snow_nml'
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading snow_nml'
+         rewind(unit=nu_nml, iostat=nml_error)
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: snow_nml rewind ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
+         nml_error =  1
+         do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=snow_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
+         end do
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: snow_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
 
-            print*,'Reading forcing_nml'
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading forcing_nml'
+         rewind(unit=nu_nml, iostat=nml_error)
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: forcing_nml rewind ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
+         nml_error =  1
+         do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=forcing_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
-            
-         end do ! while nml_error > 0 
-
-         ! check if there was an error.
-         if (nml_error == 0) then
-            close(nu_nml)  ! no error. close file
-         else              ! nml_error not zero
-            ! backspace, re-read erroneous line
-            backspace(nu_nml) 
-            read(nu_nml,fmt='(A)') tmpstr2 
-         endif
-      endif  ! if my_task == master_task
-
-      call broadcast_scalar(nml_error, master_task)
-      call broadcast_scalar(tmpstr2,   master_task)
-      if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: reading namelist: ' // &
-              trim(tmpstr2), &
-              file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         end do
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: forcing_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
+
+         close(nu_nml)
+         call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
       endif
-      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
 
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
       ! set up diagnostics output and resolve conflicts
diff --git a/cicecore/cicedynB/infrastructure/ice_domain.F90 b/cicecore/cicedynB/infrastructure/ice_domain.F90
index 1dfdd0428..c44e896ac 100644
--- a/cicecore/cicedynB/infrastructure/ice_domain.F90
+++ b/cicecore/cicedynB/infrastructure/ice_domain.F90
@@ -161,24 +161,27 @@ subroutine init_domain_blocks
    nx_global         = -1          ! NXGLOB,  i-axis size
    ny_global         = -1          ! NYGLOB,  j-axis size
 
-   call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
    if (my_task == master_task) then
-      open (nu_nml, file=nml_filename, status='old',iostat=nml_error)
+      write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading domain_nml'
+
+      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+      open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
       if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         nml_error = -1
-      else
-         nml_error =  1
+         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: domain_nml open file '// &
+            trim(nml_filename), &
+            file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
       endif
+
+      nml_error =  1
       do while (nml_error > 0)
          read(nu_nml, nml=domain_nml,iostat=nml_error)
       end do
-      if (nml_error == 0) close(nu_nml)
-   endif
-   call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
-   call broadcast_scalar(nml_error, master_task)
-   if (nml_error /= 0) then
-      call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: error reading domain_nml')
+      if (nml_error /= 0) then
+         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: domain_nml reading ', &
+            file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+      endif
+      close(nu_nml)
+      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
    endif
 
    call broadcast_scalar(nprocs,            master_task)
diff --git a/cicecore/drivers/mct/cesm1/ice_prescribed_mod.F90 b/cicecore/drivers/mct/cesm1/ice_prescribed_mod.F90
index e068a2892..0868ef2fa 100644
--- a/cicecore/drivers/mct/cesm1/ice_prescribed_mod.F90
+++ b/cicecore/drivers/mct/cesm1/ice_prescribed_mod.F90
@@ -168,23 +168,28 @@ subroutine ice_prescribed_init(compid, gsmap, dom)
    prescribed_ice_fill    = .false.          ! true if pice data fill required
 
    ! read from input file
-   call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+
    if (my_task == master_task) then
-      open (nu_nml, file=nml_filename, status='old',iostat=nml_error)
+      write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading ice_prescribed_nml'
+
+      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
+      open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
       if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         nml_error = -1
-      else
-         nml_error =  1
+         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: ice_prescribed_nml open file '// &
+            trim(nml_filename), &
+            file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
       endif
+
+      nml_error =  1
       do while (nml_error > 0)
          read(nu_nml, nml=ice_prescribed_nml,iostat=nml_error)
       end do
-      if (nml_error == 0) close(nu_nml)
-   endif
-   call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
-   call broadcast_scalar(nml_error,master_task)
-   if (nml_error /= 0) then
-      call abort_ice (subname//' ERROR: Namelist read error in ice_prescribed_mod')
+      if (nml_error /= 0) then
+         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: ice_prescribed_nml reading ', &
+            file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+      endif
+      close(nu_nml)
+      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
    endif
 
    call broadcast_scalar(prescribed_ice,master_task)
diff --git a/cicecore/shared/ice_init_column.F90 b/cicecore/shared/ice_init_column.F90
index f66946cc6..5643b4277 100644
--- a/cicecore/shared/ice_init_column.F90
+++ b/cicecore/shared/ice_init_column.F90
@@ -1070,7 +1070,6 @@ subroutine input_zbgc
          nml_error, & ! namelist i/o error flag
          abort_flag
 
-      character (len=char_len_long) :: tmpstr2
       character(len=*), parameter :: subname='(input_zbgc)'
 
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1302,39 +1301,29 @@ subroutine input_zbgc
       ! read from input file
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
-      call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
       if (my_task == master_task) then
+         write(nu_diag,*) subname,' Reading zbgc_nml'
+
+         call get_fileunit(nu_nml)
          open (nu_nml, file=trim(nml_filename), status='old',iostat=nml_error)
          if (nml_error /= 0) then
-            nml_error = -1
-         else
-            nml_error =  1
-         endif 
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: zbgc_nml open file '// &
+               trim(nml_filename), &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
+         endif
 
-         print*,'Reading zbgc_nml'
+         nml_error =  1
          do while (nml_error > 0)
             read(nu_nml, nml=zbgc_nml,iostat=nml_error)
-            if (nml_error /= 0) exit
          end do
-         if (nml_error == 0) then
-            close(nu_nml)  ! no error. close file
-         else              ! nml_error not zero
-            ! backspace, re-read erroneous line, then print
-            backspace(nu_nml)
-            read(nu_nml,fmt='(A)') tmpstr2
+         if (nml_error /= 0) then
+            call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: zbgc_nml reading ', &
+               file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
          endif
+         close(nu_nml)
+         call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
       endif
 
-      call broadcast_scalar(nml_error, master_task)
-      call broadcast_scalar(tmpstr2,   master_task)
-      if (nml_error /= 0) then
-         call abort_ice(subname//'ERROR: reading zbgc namelist: ' // &
-              trim(tmpstr2), &
-              file=__FILE__, line=__LINE__)
-      endif
-      call release_fileunit(nu_nml)
-
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
       ! broadcast
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------