Sunday, November 22, 2009

Indonesian Ferry Incidents

Two recent ferry tragedies in Indonesia underscore the continued need for Amver. MSNBC reports over 240 people have been rescued after one ferry sank of Sumatra. The other ferry ran aground with no loss of life.

These incidents demonstrate the need for coordinated mass rescue plans and resources. The United States Coast Guard Office of Search and Rescue has a robust Mass Rescue Operations program. The program focuses on passenger vessel safety as well as natural disaster incidents that may result in large scale evacuations. Thankfully, the Mass Rescue program and industry have collaborated and exercised the response to passenger vessel incidents.

Planning for such incidents as a ferry sinking doesn't change the fact that you may need more resources to rescue survivors than you typically have. That's where Amver can have a major impact. First, however, your organization needs to know how to request Amver data. You can read how your RCC requests Amver data here. Not sure what an Amver surface picture is? You can learn more about what an Amver surface picture (SURPIC) is here.

The Amver system isn't just a United States Coast Guard system. It is designed and maintained for the world. Recognizing you need additional help isn't an admission of defeat and requesting Amver information isn't an admission your response assets are sub par. Amver acts as a force multiplier increasing the likelihood maritime accident survivors will be rescued alive.

Have your rescue authorities used Amver successfully? Tell us about it.


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