Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Wired Magazine's Pirate Game; Good or Exploitation?


Amver received a Tweet from one of our followers about a new game Wired Magazine is promoting. It's called Cutthroat Capitalism and, according to the site, "You are a pirate commander staked with $50,000 from local tribal leaders and other investors. Your job is to guide your pirate crew through raids in and around the Gulf of Aden, attack and capture a ship, and successfully negotiate a ransom."

What do you think of the game? Do you think this is responsible or irresponsible?

Photo credit: Fotolia

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United States Coast Guard Search and Rescue Controllers To The Rescue

Here is a great video about the United States Coast Guard 14th District search and rescue controllers. There is also some great Amver information in the video. Controllers are often the unsung heroes of the Coast Guard. We see rescue swimmers, aircraft, and cutters saving lives every day. It's the search and rescue controller, however, that coordinates things. Enjoy this video of our United States Coast Guard unsung heroes.


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Welcome Wednesday!


Another 37 vessels have joined Amver. Is your vessel listed below? Did you know once your vessel is enrolled you can begin reporting to Amver immediately? If you are wondering what the chances are you may be called on read this story (link to pdf). The Geden Lines tanker, the Action, had only been enrolled in Amver 5 days before they were called to rescue a British yachtsman in distress. It just goes to show how one vessel enrolling in Amver saved a life. Your ship could save the next life.

On with the latest members of Amver:
  • OCEAN PRIDE
  • BRO GARLAND
  • TANGGUH BATUR
  • MARIDA MARGUERITE
  • MARIDA MULBERRY
  • YAKUMOSAN
  • CATTLEYA
  • OCEAN BREEZE
  • TORM LOTTE
  • CLEAR
  • SUNSHINE
  • MINERVA GLORY
  • CMA CGM TOPAZ
  • ANTUINE
  • WORLD HARMONY
  • STAR TRUST
  • TEQUILA SUNRISE
  • OCEAN CREATION
  • CMA CGM CENDRILLON
  • CHANTAL
  • HYUNDAI PIONEER
  • CAPE BRITANNIA
  • STAR KIRKENES
  • KLIHYAM
  • KATHLEEN K
  • CROWN PRINCESS
  • PACIFIC JEWEL
  • AYRTON
  • MAERSK SEARCHER
  • SERENEA
  • ATHENIAN PHOENIX
  • MAERSK PROMISE
  • NS ARTARCTIC
  • NS ASIA
  • ORIENTAL TOPAZ
  • CLIPPER LIS
  • KELLY OVAYUAK
Are you a crew member of one of these vessels? If so tell us about yourself. We would like to hear from you.

Photo credit: Fotolia

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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Amver and Pole Star short listed for Lloyd's List Innovation Award


Amver, the voluntary global search and rescue system sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, and Pole Star, a supplier of marine asset tracking systems, have been short listed for the prestigious Lloyd's List Innovation award for their life saving information sharing agreement. The award will be presented a the Lloyd's List Global Awards at London's Royal Lancaster Hotel on September 8, 2009.

How does it work?

Shipping companies that subscribe to Pole Star's Fleet Management service can elect to have their vessel position reports forwarded to the Amver system automatically and at no cost.

Success!

The benefits to the arrangement are obvious. Since initiating the program the number of Amver messages received from Pole star has increased from approximately 175 vessel reports a year to over 700 a day. This incredible influx of position reports has driven the average number of Amver vessels available for search and rescue to over 3,600 a day.

"This innovative agreement leverages technology to automate information sharing and increase the number of vessels available, with the cumulative effect of a more robust volunteer safety network that saves lives by providing timely assistance to mariners in distress. I congratulate Pole Star and Amver on their collaborative efforts," said United States Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Thad Allen.

"We are very pleased with the Commandant's recognition of our efforts," said Pole Star CEO David Plumer, "We have worked with Amver for a number of years and are very proud of our association with an organization dedicated to saving lives at sea. We are delighted that Pole Star technology is able to make a significant contribution to marine safety."

You can enroll your vessel in the Amver system here. You can learn more about Pole Star's Fleet Management service here.

Are you a Pole Star Fleet Management subscriber? Tell us what you think.

Photo credit: Lloyd's List

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Monday, July 27, 2009

What Internet Applications Can You Access At Sea?


While Amver has been busy trying out various new media programs to share our stories we never asked how you are able to access the internet when at sea.
  • Do you have internet access?
  • Can you use a feed reader such as Google reader?
  • Are you able to watch YouTube or other online video services?
  • Can you access Facebook?
  • Have you used Twitter?
  • Can you upload photos/video to Flickr?
Leave a comment on your internet habits while underway. Tell us the best way to share our story with you.

Photo credit: Fotolia

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Friday, July 24, 2009

Amver Recognizes Australia


Earlier this week the HMAS Syndey and HMAS Ballarat steamed into New York City as part of Operation Northern Trident. The Australian Royal Navy ships, accompanied by the USS Mahan, are in New York as a reciprocal visit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet.

What does the arrival of Australian Navy ships have to do with Amver? The visit serves as an opportunity to recognize the Australian government for our strong partnership. Amver and Australia have an information sharing agreement where Australia's regional version of Amver, known as the Australian Ship Reporting System, AUSREP for short, allows participants to have their vessel position reports sent to Amver at no charge. Amver allows ships to have their position reports be sent to AUSREP.

Does it work?

Amver and AUSREP began sharing information in May, 2000. By 2008 over 94,000 vessel positions were shared. Today, approximately 360 messages are shared every day. This is one of the reasons the Amver plot has been at record highs.

Australia does more than share vessel traffic. Australian ships also participate in the Amver system. In 2008, 20 ships representing 9 companies earned Amver awards. There were a combined total of 142 years of participation by the award recipients.

Recent Example

Australian rescue authorities recently requested Amver data to assist in the search for a vessel in distress in the Tasman Sea. The case resulted in two lives saved.

Mr. Benjamin Strong, Amver Director, was pleased to present a framed Amver pennant to Mr. Phillip Scanlan, Australian Consul General, on July 21, 2009 to recognize Australia's support of the Amver system.

Amver Presentation

We are proud of the relationship we share with Australia. We wish the Syndey and Ballarat fair winds and following seas as they complete their mission. Are you an Australian merchant mariner participating in Amver? Tell us what you think.

Photo credit: USCG photo by Beverly Howard


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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Welcome Wednesday!


47 vessels joined the Amver ranks this week. Has your vessel enrolled? We hope so. If not you can enroll your ship here. What are the benefits to participation? Besides the fact your ships will be participating in the largest and oldest worldwide search and rescue program your ships are also part of a larger effort. Amver participation means you are part of the organized rescue effort. If search and rescue authorities determine your ships is not the best suited to respond you are released from your obligation. That saves you money.

Help us welcome the new participants.
  • D.S.V. DOLPHIN 11
  • ALTO ACRUX
  • ACX DIAMOND
  • PRISCILLA VENTURE
  • APL ILLINOIS
  • OCANUS
  • GRETE MAERSK
  • RAPALLO
  • TORM LOUISE
  • MELL SELETAR
  • HORIZON THEONI
  • BERMUDA ISLANDER
  • OCEANEX SANDERLING
  • CMA CGM ALACAZAR
  • SICHEM NEW YORK
  • WEST FORTUNE
  • SONGA EMERALD
  • KING DOUGLAS
  • DAGMAR AAEN
  • HUNTER
  • MAIPO RIVER
  • M.Y. ADRIATIC
  • ONEGO SENTINA
  • SEN-OKU
  • SPRING SAMCHEONPO
  • SEACOR MERCHANT
  • SATIGNY
  • AMITY
  • PAX
  • REPUBBLICA DI AMALFI
  • MARIANNA KOSAN
  • TOYOKUNI
  • HORIZON THEANO
  • BRITTANY
  • GHAZAL
  • AMYNTOR
  • BULK BRASIL
  • CHALLENGE PARAGON
  • BANGKOK HIGHWAY
  • SCIROCCO
  • PARANAGUA EXPRESS
  • CHEMSTAR KING
  • NOVOROSSIYSK STAR
  • CONTANTINOS
  • MINERAL DALIAN
  • MCP PAPHOS
  • RIO BLANCO
Welcome aboard shipsmates! Tell us your Amver stories.

Photo credit: Fotolia

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Monday, July 20, 2009

Amver, No Matter How You Say It

Alphabet 20

The Amver flag is the flag of all nations, the common denominator uniting those in distress with their rescuers. The Amver motto, saving lives at sea sea since 1958, can be said in almost as many ways as there are participants. We are trying a new translation tool and thought it would be fun to see just how well it translates our motto. Here we go.
  • Amver, Saving Lives At Sea Since 1958
  • Amver ,拯救生命海上自1958年以來
  • Amver, buhay pag-save sa Dagat Since 1958
  • Amver, sauver des vies en mer depuis 1958
  • Amver, Menschenleben auf See zu retten Seit 1958
  • Amver, σώζονται ζωές στη θάλασσα από το 1958
  • Amver, 1958 के बाद से समुद्र पर सहेजा जा रहा है रहता है
  • Amver, salvare vite umane in mare dal 1958
  • Amver 、 1958年以来の海での保存在住。
  • Amver, redde liv i havet siden 1958
  • Amver, сохранение жизни на море с 1958 года
  • Amver, rädda liv till sjöss sedan 1958

How do you say Amver?

Photo credit: uploaded to Flickr by Leo Reynolds

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Happy Birthday Amver

Amver is 51 years old today. In 2009 the Amver system continues to see record growth. The number of ships on plot routinely exceeds 3,600 ships per day. International rescue authorities have recognized the value of Amver data and are requesting data on an almost daily basis. Has Amver kept up with the technology of the 21st century? You bet it has.

21st Century Advancement

Today Amver has a presence on
Amver has partnered with Polestar, one of the leading commercial vessel tracking companies, to automatically collect an even greater number of vessel positions. Amver has been recognized by the International Maritime Organization and media such as Professional Mariner Magazine. Amver provides a web based method for international rescue coordinators to request critical search and rescue data.

Rescues Rescues Rescues

Amver is about saving lives. How many lives? Over 4,000 lives saved in the last 15 years. That's an impressive record for a voluntary system. You can read more about Amver's history and dramatic rescues.

A Picture Says A Thousand Words

We thought one of the best ways to share the Amver story with you is through pictures. Here is a sample of Amver photos from its humble beginnings in the Alexander Hamilton Customs House in lower Manhattan to the most recent Amver awards ceremony in Washington, DC.

AMVERUSA.img052

AMVERUSA.img054

AMVERUSA.img050

Yatch-Dally On

32

2009 U.S. Amver Award Recipients

Are you an Amver veteran? Are you an Amver survivor? Perhaps you are a crew member on an Amver participating ship. Share your story with us and help us celebrate 51 years of saving lives.

Photo Credit: All photos courtesy of the Amver office
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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Amver Awards In Montreal

The United States Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Vasilios Tasikas, tied up at Old Port, Montreal July 7 to recognize members of the Montreal shipping community that earned Amver participation awards in 2008.

Welcome Aboard

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United States Consul General Lee McClenny is piped aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay at Old Port, Montreal.

Congratulations

The Consulate hosted the United States Coast Guard cutter Mobile Bay. United States Consul General Lee McClenny and Lieutenant Commander Tasikas presented Amver awards to several members of the Montreal shipping community before an audience of provincial and city officials as well as the media. Consul General McClenny also discussed the Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay's operation and U.S./Canadian cooperation.

DSC_0068

DSC_0073
Montreal shipping companies receive Amver awards from U.S. Consul General McClenny and USCG Lieutenant Commander Tasikas.

Thank you Consul General McClenny, Lieutenant Commander Tasikas, crew of the Mobile Bay, and Consulate staff for supporting the Amver awards ceremony. Most importantly, however, we thank the Canadian shipping community for participating in the Amver system.

Congratulations on your awards!

For Our Canadian Friends

La United States Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay, sous le commandement du lieutenant-commandant Vasilios Tasikas attachés, au Vieux-Port, Montréal du 7 Juillet au reconnaissent les membres de la communauté de transport de Montréal qui a valu des prix Amver participation en 2008.

Le consulat a accueilli la United States Coast Guard cutter Mobile Bay. Consul général des États-Unis Lee McClenny et le lieutenant-commandant Tasikas présenté Amver prix de plusieurs membres de la communauté maritime de Montréal, devant un auditoire de fonctionnaires provinciaux et de la ville ainsi que les médias. Consul général McClenny également discuté de la Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay, le fonctionnement et l'US / la coopération canadienne.

Merci McClenny Consul général, le lieutenant commandant Tasikas, l'équipage de la baie de Mobile, et le consulat de personnel pour soutenir la cérémonie de remise des prix Amver. Plus important, cependant, nous remercions la communauté maritime du Canada pour participer à la Amver système.

Félicitations pour votre prix!

Crédit photo: U. S. Consulat Montréal

Photo Credit: U.S. Consulate Montreal

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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Welcome Wednesday!


23 more vessels have joined the Amver system. The companies they represent have taken the necessary steps to assist others in distress. What's fascinating, writing this piece each week, is looking at the diverse names and countries these vessels hail from. What do you think the chance is an owner might name a vessel Amver?

If you don't know how to enroll you should read this post. Now let's welcome our latest participants:
  • GASHEM RHONE
  • JIN GANG
  • DESH VISHAL
  • SIGAS SILVIA
  • PLEIADES DREAM
  • HAMILTON SPIRIT
  • CLIPPER HARMONY
  • DREAM ANGEL
  • MINDORO
  • STENA ATLANTICA
  • GULF COBOLT
  • STOLT NORLAND
  • YIN ZHU HAI
  • KOOMBANA BAY
  • GAN-SABRE
  • SONGA JADE
  • SILVERSTONE EXPRESS
  • GUANG DONG BRIDGE
  • DESERT ORCHID
  • MELL SEMBAWANG
  • FOREST VENUS
  • SPICA
  • TIRRANNA
  • THOR FRIEND
  • TENKI MARU
  • MONICA C
When did you enroll your vessel? Remember, once your ship is enrolled it can begin reporting immediately. Once you are reporting you may be called on to assist.

To our newest members, thank you!

Photo credit: Fotolia

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Free

Best things in life are free

There is a considerable amount of hype surrounding Chris Anderson's new book Free. Chris is the author of The Long Tail and editor of Wired Magazine. Ironically, Chris's book is available for free here. The premise of Free is that companies can use free products or services as a means of attracting customers. The hope is then to provide an upgrade, superior product, or add on for a price. How does that relate to Amver?

Free- Really!

Amver participation is free. We do not charge you to enroll. We do not charge our survivors. Using the Amver/SEAS software application, ships can send position reports and weather observations to Amver and NOAA. As long as users follow the Amver/SEAS instructions, there is no cost to the vessel for sending their messages.

Does this free service work? It certainly does. The Amver center receives hundreds of Amver/SEAS messages a day. Is this free service worth the effort? You only have to read this email from a recent survivor to learn the value of the Amver program.

Is Amver Really Free?

Not everyone believes things can be free. Christopher Penn, from the Marketing Over Coffee podcast, recently wrote that nothing in life is free. "The only time something is truly free," said Penn, "is when it has no value..." Does that mean Amver has no value? Of course not. Penn states that "what you make available without a financial transaction taking place is not free." Amver, therefore, is not free.

The Cost Of Participation

Are there hidden costs to participating in Amver? Sure there are. A vessel that misses a port call because it had to rescue someone may end up at anchorage for hours or days before they can offload their cargo. That ultimately costs ship owners money. If a vessel chooses to use an alternate means of sending position reports, that too costs money. What if a crew member is injured rescuing a survivor? More costs.

These costs, however, are justified. Saving one life, providing a lee in a storm, or passing needed medicine or food justifies the cost. Almost every mariner, with rare exception, would help another in distress. They know it could be them in trouble on the next voyage.

The best evidence that the costs of Amver participation are minimal are the number of vessels on plot each day. In 2009 the number of available vessels has climbed from an average of 3,400 per day to over 3, 600.

Why do you participate in Amver? Is it worth it?

Photo credit: uploaded to Flickr by HowiePoon

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Monday, July 13, 2009

Trust

Trust and Protest

The foundation of Amver is trust. Commercial shipping companies trust we won't compromise their vessel movements, rescue authorities trust we will share accurate information with them, and mariners trust we will save them when they are in distress.

There is an interesting new book, authored by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, called Trust Agents. The book focuses on marketing and relationship building. Want to learn more? Check out their Trust Agents fan page. What does that have to do with Amver? Amver is in the business of relationship building. We trust you will enroll your ships, you trust us with your vessel information.

At Amver we work hard to use the internet to expand our network, increase participation, and share valuable search and rescue data. We have this incredible product, the Amver surface picture, that we want international search and rescue authorities to request.

Do you trust us?

Photo credit: uploaded to Flickr by yewenyi

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Friday, July 10, 2009

A Satisfied Customer

Amver received this email from the survivor of a recent case off Bermuda. It's humbling to read this story and we thought we would share it with you. From Mr. Dave Hall:

From: Dave Hall
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 3:47 PM
To: Amver
Subject: Maelstrom

Hi,
I was the skipper/owner of Maelstrom a British built Camper and Nicholson 33.
On 20th June 09 we were dismasted at position 40deg05'N 54deg18'W. The incident was caused by the catastrophic failure of a 15mm thick stainless steel rod that connected the Starboard chain plate to the cap shroud through deck fitting. This pulled away leaving a hole in the deck and the mast sheared away at deck level. It crashed into the Port side of the hull. I have attached pictures and a copy of the log.
We set of the "SPOT" at approximately 1330 and were plucked from our waterlogged sailboat at 2330 by the Astro-Saturn. The captain of the tanker informed us that he had been contacted by the coastguard in Norfolk using Amver and being relatively close by, had steamed to our position. Maelstrom was taking on water at a substantial rate because of damage to her deck and hull and it was doubtful if she could have remained a hazard to navigation for long after we abandoned her.
I'll never be able to thank you and your staff sufficiently for coordinating our successful rescue. The next time I am in Little Creek I would cherish the opportunity to thank you all personally.
Thank goodness for AMVER. Dave Hall

From the logbook:


DISMASTED

THE SOLID STAINLESS STEEL BAR THAT JOINED THE STBD SHROUD AND LOWER TO THE FRAME OF HER HULL HAD PULLED APART AT THE LOWER THREAD ADJUSTER. THIS BAR IS 5/8’’ 16mm THICK YET IT HAD SNAPPED A CLEAN BREAK NOT A FAILURE THROUGH CORROSION.

AS THE MAST WENT OVER TO PORT IT SHEARED OFF AT DECK LEVEL AND SMASHED DOWN ON THE PORT RAIL. THE RAIL JOIN SUFFERED THE FULL IMPACT WITH CRACKS IN THE HULL EXTENDING WELL BELLOW THE WATER LINE.

OVER 1100 MILES OUT IN MID ATLANTIC, NO MAST –HOLED TAKING ON WATER. WHAT TO DO?

MAELSTROM PROBABLY SANK AS SHE WAS TAKING ON WATER AS FAST AS WE COULD PUMP OUT. I DIDN’T SEE HER GO DOWN BUT A FULL STORM HIT THAT NIGHT SO WITH HER SO LOW IN THE WATER AND HAVING TWO GAPING HOSES IN HER DECK? WHO KNOWS.

AFTER LUNCH WE SET OFF THE SPOT, THE POSITION TRACKER BY HITTING THE’’911’’ BUTTON.

BY LEAVING IT RUNNING ALL AFTERNOON IT SENT OUT OUR POSITION CONTINUOUSLY VIA SATELLITE TO SPOT HQ WHO IN TURN INFORMED THE US COAST GUARD WAY BACK 1108 MILES IN NORFOLK VIRGINIA. THEY’D CONTACTED ALL THE NEARBY SHIPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ATLANTIC THAT A POSSIBLE SITUATION HAD ARISEN.

AS THE SPOT SENT OUT CONTINUOUS POSITION REPORTS AROUND 9PM VHF TRAFFIC WAS HEARD. I'D HIT THE DISTRESS BUTTON AND THEN ISSUED A MAYDAY ON CHANNEL 16 WHICH WAS ANSWERED IMMEDIATELY BY THE ASTRO SATURN .A 250 METRE OIL TANKER ON ROUTE TO THE BAHAMAS FROM TALLIN ESTONIA. ONCE WE SAW THEIR LIGHTS WE SET OFF FLARES TO GUIDE THEM TO OUR POSITION.

THEY HAD BEEN 80 MILES PAST GOING SOUTH WHEN THEY WERE INSTRUCTED TO COME TOWARDS OUR LATEST SPOT POSITION AND REPORT WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE AREA IF ANYTHING.

AT 11:30 PM WE CLIMBED UP THE LADDER ONTO THE DECK AND WERE GIVEN CABINS IN THE OFFICERS QUARTERS.

THE ONLY TIME I GOT WET THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE INCIDENT WAS WHEN I STEPPED INTO THE SHOWER AND WASHED OFF TWO WEEKS WORTH OF SWEAT AND SALT SPRAY BEFORE SETTLING DOWN IN A COMFORTABLE BED.

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO EXPRESS ADEQUATELY THE FEELING OF RELIEF ONCE VHF CONTACT HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH THE ASTRO SATURN.

UNTIL VHF CONTACT WE WERE ALONE HELPLESS AT THE MERCY OF THE ELEMENTS IN WILDERNESS OF AN OCEAN. WE DIDN’T KNOW IF OUR DISTRESS SIGNAL HAD BEEN RECEIVED OR HAD BEEN ACTED UPON.

THE ASTRO SATURN UNDOUBTEDLY SAVED US FROM AN UNTHINKABLE END. MAELSTROM WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED ANOTHER DAY AND PROBABLY SUNK DURING THE NIGHT. THE MIDDLE OF ATLANTIC DURING A FORCE 10 GALE IS NOT THE PLACE TO BE IN A SINKING SAIL BOAT.

WE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO THE CAPTAIN AND THE DEDICATED CREW OF THE ASTRO SATURN FOR SAVING US.

WITHOUT A MAST WE GAVE NO RADAR ECHO AND ONLY BY THEIR DILIGENCE AND EXPERT SEAMANSHIP WERE WE FOUND.

THE RESCUE WAS CARRIED OUT IN TOTAL SAFETY BY A TEAM OF DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS WHO TOOK TOTAL COMMAND OF A MOST DIFFICULT SITUATION AND PLUCKED MYSELF AND CREW FROM OUR FLOUNDERING SAILBOAT AND BROUGHT US SAFELY ABOARD DURING TOTALLY DARKNESS FROM WINDSWEPT SEA.

DURING OUR STAY ABOARD AS GUESTS OF THE CAPTAIN AND CREW ON THEIR ONWARD PASSAGE TO THE BAHAMAS. WE HAVE SCRUTINIZED EVERY ASPECT OF OUR JOURNEY FROM NORFOLK VIRGINIA AND THERE IS NOTHING WITH HINDSIGHT WE WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY. OUR PASSAGE LOG GIVES NO INDICATION OF THE CATASTROPHIC EQUIPMENT FAILURE THAT WAS TO COME.

THE INITIAL CONTACT WITH THE ASTRO SATURN INSPIRED US WITH CONFIDENCE, WE KNEW THAT ONCE UPON THE SCENE WE WOULD BE SAFE. THEIR APPROACH OUT OF TOTAL DARKNESS WAS DONE WITH ABSOLUTE PERFECTION .

THE CAPTAIN STOOD OFF AND ASSESSED THE SITUATION. THEN SLOWLY MANOEUVERED HIS MASSIVE SHIP WITH PERFECT PRECISION. AS WE WERE BEING THROWN ABOUT VIOLENTLY, BEAM ON IN A BREAKING SEA. THE CAPTAIN APPROACHED US FROM ASTERN, ON OUR WINDWARD SIDE. PLACING THE GIGANTIC BULK OF HIS SHIP BETWEEN US AND THE BREAKING WATERS. ONCE IN THE LEE OF HIS SHIP WE WERE IN RELATIVELY CALM WATERS. FURTHER TURNING TO LEEWARD BROUGHT US SAFELY ALONG SIDE AND HE LITERALLY CRADLED US WITH HIS GIGANTIC SHIP PROTECTING US FROM BOTH THE WIND AND ANGRY SEA.

HIS SKILL AND SEAMANSHIP SAVED THE LIVES OF TWO SAILBOATERS.

HE WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO IN OUR EYES AND HAS EARNED THE GRATITUDE OF OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR ALL TIME.

D.E HALL

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Let Amver Serve You

I love PR (public relations)

Many people know Amver as the voluntary international search and rescue program. Our customers include shipping companies, search and rescue authorities, and survivors. Another customer we have, and one often forgotten by the shipping community, is the media.

We are excited to tell your stories of daring rescues. Photos, video, rescue summaries all help us share the good news about shipping. Many other websites use our information to continue telling the Amver (and your) story.

In The Shadows

For some reason the shipping community likes stay out of the limelight. We will be the first to agree that getting "good news" shipping stories in the media is challenging. That challenge, however, should be embraced rather than ignored. When a ship is in the news it doesn't always have to be about a grounding, sinking, or violation. Over 60 Amver participating vessels have diverted this year to answer a call for help. Over 190 lives have been saved. We need to work together to share these stories.

5 Steps You Can Take To Help

How can you help us share the good news?
  1. If possible, take photos and video of rescue operations
  2. Email any rescue photos/video you take to Benjamin Strong, Director of Amver Maritime Relations
  3. Send a photo of your ship to Benjamin Strong, Director of Amver Maritime Relations
  4. Provide a brief summary of the rescue
  5. Feel free to use Amver press releases in your own marketing and public relations efforts
Why should you send them to us? Because you will see them here on the Amver blog. You will also see your story on our other sites such as Youtube and Flickr as well. News sites, such as Tradewinds, Lloyd's List, and Safety at Sea International often print Amver stories.

Will you help us share your story?

Photo credit: uploaded to Flickr by JerrySilfwer

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Welcome Wednesday!


So far this year 711 vessels have enrolled in the Amver system. The 23 ships below bring the number to 734. That's an additional 734 vessels available to rescue people in distress. Whether it be a airline crash in the ocean, a sailboat in distress in the Atlantic, migrants adrift or a fishing vessel sinking in the Pacific these ships stand ready to help another person or vessel in distress.

Who are these crews and ships? Let's welcome them:
  • SEAMUSIC
  • CMA CGM AQUILA
  • CS OLIVE
  • RIVERSIDE
  • SAPPHIRE EXPRESS
  • ANTARES I
  • MARAN PYTHIA
  • STAR KIRKENES
  • ZIM LUANDA
  • GYPSUM INTEGRITY
  • NYK REMUS
  • JENNY N
  • POSITIVE PASSION
  • FOWAIRET
  • NORTHERN HIGHWAY
  • KM IMABARI
  • LNG JUPITER
  • BALTIC GALAXY
  • SAMISTAL DUE
  • MAETIGA
  • CMA CGM MUSCA
  • GLORIOSA I
  • MG SHIPPING
Even though Amver doesn't make it in the news all the time there are over 3,600 ships available every day to divert. Amver encourages all ships to enroll. Safety at sea doesn't discriminate by nationality, flag, or crew make up. Enroll your vessels today.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Independence Day

FRIENDSHIP FIREWORKS 02

Independence Day. Each Fourth of July Americans around the world celebrate their independence. What does that have to do with Amver? Let's take a closer look.

The Amver system relies on the voluntary spirit of the commercial shipping sector to save lives at sea. It is this sector that gives the world it's independence. Shipping provides-
  • Commerce
  • Employment
  • Recreation
  • Relief
  • Education
While World Maritime Day is a day to recognize mariners lets remember the contribution to independence these men and women give us today. Do you know a mariner? How about thanking them.

Photo credit: uploaded to Flickr by snowrideguy

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Greek Amver Tanker Rescues 2 Near Bermuda

An Amver participating Greek tanker was diverted as part of an international search and rescue effort for two sailors reportedly in distress over 600 miles northeast of Bermuda June 21, 2009

The sailors, one American and one Briton, were on a voyage to the Azores when they encountered trouble and activated a SPOT hand-held emergency communications device. SPOT personnel notified United States Coast Guard rescue authorities who immediately checked the Amver system for available ships.

Race To Assist

The Astro Saturn, a Greek flagged tanker, was diverted to rescue the two sailors on the 33 foot sailboat, Maelstrom. Coast Guard rescue personnel also turned to international rescue authorities to help located the sailing duo.

Captain Michail Eleftheriadis turned his fully loaded tanker, operated by Maran Tanker Management of Athens, Greece, towards the distress location. Captain Eleftheriadis reported the weather conditions were severe with winds blowing in excess of 20 knots and seas at Force 5.

Rescue1
The M/T Astro Saturn providing a lee for the disabled S/V Maelstrom.

Rescue

The Astro Saturn made radio contact with the Maelstrom and began planning the rescue. Captain Eleftheriadis maneuvered the Aframax tanker alongside the sailboat and his crew began rescue operations by lowering a pilot ladder to the survivors. "Once we had the two sailors safely aboard the tanker we left the sailboat adrift," stated Captain Eleftheriadis.

Rescue5
Survivors from the S/V Maelstrom are escorted aboard the M/T Astro Saturn after a rescue over 600 miles northeast of Bermuda.

The Astro Saturn reported the survivors were in good health and spirits. They were transported to Freeport, Bahamas and disembarked.

How would you survive a rescue at sea? You can learn more here. Learn what Mario Vittone has to say about emergency beacons here.

Have you been rescued? Share your story with us.

Photo credit: crew of the M/T Astro Saturn


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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Welcome Wednesday!


25 vessels joined the Amver ranks this past week. What's the value of that? Considering the recent cases (here and here) where Amver ships have made the difference between life and death the value becomes glaringly evident. While Amver remains voluntary, participation should be considered by every shipping company that wishes to promote their dedication to safety.

Here are our newest ships:
  • GULOYA
  • CLIPPER TITAN
  • PELICAN STATE
  • BLUE HERON
  • VICTORIA SCAN
  • CORAL DIAMOND
  • HYUNDAI SINGAPORE
  • ARDEA
  • KINAROS
  • ANKARA BRIDGE
  • CLIPPER MIKI
  • SUMMIT AUSTRALIA
  • SALTINA
  • ABADI
  • PLUTO LEADER
  • KING WHEAT
  • SUNSHINE ACE
  • CLIPPER MAKISHIO
  • UBC MARIEL
  • ORAWA
  • CONTI BENGUELA
  • AMBER BALTIC
  • TH SOUND
  • AMAZON GLADIATOR
  • SPOT
Congratulations new Amver members. You have joined a unique and elite group of ships. You may be called upon to assist another mariner in distress. You are now part of a global effort to make sure no call for help goes unanswered.
Photo credit: Fotolia