Say A Prayer For Our Guardians

Today a United States Coast Guard C-130 crashed into the Pacific Ocean during a search and rescue mission. A Marine Corps helicopter was also lost. The two aircraft reportedly collided.

Nine crew members are missing and the search is on in earnest. Coast Guard C-130 aircraft often work closely with Amver ships, helping direct them to distress locations.

Nine families will not have someone come home tonight. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

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Hostage Britsh Couple Contacted By Reporters

The British couple recently captured by Somali pirates were recently interviewed and gave a first hand account of their capture. They are currently being held on a Singapore container ship. It is unclear if that ship is an Amver participant.

Fake Ship?

The Off Course section of the October 23 edition of Tradewinds reported Canadian authorities had detained a ship with a false International Maritime Organization Number.

The ship, Oceanlady, was boarded by Canadian authorities off the coast of British Columbia the paper reported. It is believed there are 76 Sri Lankan Tamils aboard. Authorities do not know where the ship came from.

The IMO number is supposedly 7732349 but that number doesn't exist.

Are counterfeit IMO numbers common? Have any readers or Amver participants heard of this before?

We are trying a new feature where we can blog using our mobile phone. We will update links as soon as we can.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Welcome Wednesday!

39 ships enrolled in Amver in the past week. That's the good news. But take a look at t his chart and you can see that Amver enrollment is actually down this year compared to last year. There is a chance that it will pick up and at least meet last year's record of 1,596 enrollments. Is it a symptom of the declining economy? Perhaps.

Maybe the data shows the run up of ships during the shipping boom. Amver data may not be the correct set to show the rise and decline of the economy but we thought it was interesting to take a look at.

Regardless of how Amver stacks up to previous years we want to be sure to recognize our latest participants. So here they are. Welcome to Amver!

• UASC DOHA
• NORD LUNA
• BEACON SW BULKER
• PORGY
• MARAN PENELOPE
• SUN BIRD
• CMA CGM MOLIERE
• JPO VELA
• VENERE
• JNOS
• PHILLINE SCHULTE
• SKANDI OLYMPIA
• BOW SINGAPORE
• HOW ASIA
• ALPINE MYSTERY
• BAY ISLANDER
• CMA CGM OPAL
  
• NARODNY BRIDGE
• ARSOS
• MSC STELLA
• SKANDI FALCON
• SHIRARA
• AOM JULIA
• PLEIADES DREAM
• CAPE VIOLET
• KESARIA
• TSURUGA
• GAN-VALOUR
• PISCES
• GULF DEFFI
• HIGH EFFICIENCY
• IKAN TERBANG
• CMB CORALIE
• ORIENT HOPE
• UASC JUBAIL
• ALPINE EMMA
• UNI-PROBITY

You could see your ship's name here. Enroll today and be part of something greater, something global, something dedicated to safety at sea.

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Last Titanic Survivor Laid To Rest

Image via Wikipedia

The BBC reports Millvina Dean, the youngest survivor of the Titanic tragedy and last living survivor, had her ashes scattered at berth 43/44 where the liner left Southampton on its maiden voyage. Dean passed away earlier this year. She was only 9 weeks old when she set sail on the ill fated liner and 97 when she passed away.

It was the Titanic disaster that was the driving force behind the formation of the Amver search and rescue system. Originally designed to track vessels in the North Atlantic, today Amver has over 19,000 ships enrolled and provides search and rescue services around the world. Over 3,700 ships report each day to the Amver system ensuring no call for help goes unanswered.

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Amver Awards In Hong Kong

On October 13, U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong Economic/Political Chief Martin Murphy presented awards to Hong Kong ship owners and ship managers on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard for their continued participation in Amver. 325 Hong Kong ships earned Amver awards and over 60 members of Hong Kong's maritime industry attended this Hong Kong Ship Owners Association (HKSOA)-sponsored awards ceremony. Enjoy these photos of the event. Our thanks to Jose Sandoval, Economic Officer, for sending the pictures.


ConGen Hong Kong EP Chief Martin Murphy Delivers Amver Remarks.


HKSOA Chairman and Anglo-Eastern Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Cremers, presents a gift to U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong Economic/Political Chief Martin Murphy at the Amver awards ceremony.



Wallem Shipmanagement Ltd. received a pewter plate for the 20-year participation of one of its vessels, Lysaker; award accepted by Wallem's Capt. C.P. Subramanian.


Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd. received a globe for the 25-year Amver participation of its box-ship Endurance; award accepted by Anglo-Eastern's Mr. V.K. Gupta.

Your vessel can earn Amver awards once you are enrolled. How do you do that? Read this, that's how.

Photo credit: U.S. Consulate Hong Kong

B-52 Bombers At Sea?

Image via Wikipedia

National Defense Magazine recently reported that the United States Air Force is using B-52 bombers to monitor suspicious vessels approaching U.S. ports. According to the June 2009 report, the planes have flown several missions to take pictures of ships approaching U.S. waters.

The article also described the debate over LRIT and AIS. The Government Accountability Office questioned (link to pdf) whether these two systems were redundant. One thing most mariners can agree on is that you can't have too many systems in place when it comes to safety at sea. That is why Amver, despite being 51 years old, continues to see record numbers of vessels on plot.

What do you think? Is too much attention being placed on maritime surveillance and too little on safety?

Shipping Downturn?

Simon Perry recently reported in the Daily Mail about the "ghost fleet" of commercial ships tied up near Singapore. These ships sit idle because of the economic downturn. You can read the entire article here.

We recently reported the Amver on plot average hit an all time high. Let's take a quick look at how these idle vessels, when put back in service, can have a significant impact on Amver.

Ships laid up
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World Maritime Day Parallel Event Video Roundup

Enjoy this video of the World Maritime Day Parallel Event held in New York City. Amver was proud to exhibit and we look forward to participating in next year's World Maritime Day Parallel Event.



How did you celebrate?

Welcome Wednesday!

27 more vessels have enrolled in Amver in the past week. As the weather turns colder and Nor'easters start blowing up the Atlantic coast we need these resources to assist us in search and rescue. These ships are ready to answer the call. It doesn't matter if you are a sailor in distress or a large ship sinking at sea, Amver ships commit to ensuring no call for help goes unanswered. Thank you for your participation.

This week's ships:

• CAP HARRISON
• UBC TAMPA
• EL TORO
• FOUR AIDA
• MATSUSAKA
• IRENE
• GREEN ISLAND
• MSC LUDOVICA
• FRISIAN SUMMER
• AGIOS SOSTIS
• RTM GLADSTONE
• CHAN HANG FENG CAI
• LILY ATLANTIC
• NORD MUMBAI
• NAVIG8 SUCCESS
• IVS NIGHTJAR
• CEBIHAN
• PIONEER EXPRESS
• ENDEAVOUR
• BALTIC SAPHIRE
• RAINBOW
• CHEM HYDRA
• ABIGAIL N
• MSC TOMOKO
• CAP HARVEY
• GL CORONILLA
• VIOLANDO

Welcome to Amver. We hope we never have to call on you to assist but we are glad you're there.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Norwegian Flagged Amver Ship Rescues 2

Two sailors were rescued by an Amver ship after their 34 foot sailboat was apparently struck by another cargo vessel 140 nautical miles off the coast of North Carolina on October 16, 2009.

The sailors, one Canadian and the other Swiss, were sailing from New Jersey to Saint Martin when they encountered bad weather. "The winds were blowing over 30 knots and visibility was down to three knots," a survivor stated, "I had gone below to retrieve some foul weather gear and when I came back up we were hit." The sailboat was demasted and began taking on water after it was struck. The sailors immediately began calling for help on the radio and launched a flare.

The crew of the Norwegian flagged container ship, Star Ismene, saw the flare and notified United States Coast Guard search and rescue authorities. The master of the container ship, which enrolled in Amver in 2000, quickly ordered his crew to begin rescue operations. One survivor suffered a minor shoulder injury during the rescue.

The survivors were taken to the Star Imene's next port of call in New Jersey where United States Coast Guard search and rescue personnel arranged to have embassy officials meet them.

Photo credit: crew of the M/V Star Ismene

Good Luck Jessica Watson

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Jessica Watson, a 16 year old from Australia, is attempting a record breaking solo sail around the world. She is hoping to become the youngest person to sail around the world unassisted. How does this affect Amver? She may become the youngest solo sailor rescued by an Amver participating ship.

MSNBC reports her family is confident, stating Watson has studied navigation, electronics, and maritime safety. Her 34 foot pink sailboat set sail from Sydney on October 18, 2009.

Rescuing adventurers isn't new to Amver ships. There have been several yachtsmen rescued when their vessels were in distress such as these Italian, French, and American sailors.

We wish Jessica fair winds and follow seas and will be following her progress on her blog.

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World Maritime Day Parallel Event

Greetings from Amver at the World Maritime Day Parallel Event! You can follow the event on Twitter using hashtag #wmdpe.



How are you celebrating World Maritime Day?

Congratulate Yourself

Thank you. We can't say that enough. Why are we gushing? Because Amver hit an all time high for the number of ships available to perform a rescue in a 24 hour period. There were 3,752 vessels on plot on Saturday, October 10, 2009.

You did this! Congratulate yourself, then tell your competitor to enroll in Amver.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Another week has flown by. We have worked together to add more ships to the Amver system. 16 additional ships enrolled this past week. 16 chances a day to give life. Adrift, on fire, listing, sinking; all strike fear into a sailor's mind. That's what Amver is for. Enroll today and you can become a lifesaver! Here are this weeks ships:

• GRANDE ELLADE
• SEAWAY INVINCIBLE
• IKARUS PALACE
• BBC ELBE
• PRISCO UDOKAN
• SAT BELLATRIX
• SHENLONG SPIRIT
• DIAMOND BLISS
• ORE GUAIBA
  
• HOEGH OCEANIA
• ASAHI PRINCESS
• FAUSKANGER
• FREDERIKE SELMER
• W-O BWINO
• AQUAMARINE
• GOLDEN HOPE

Our success is based on your participation. Thank you for participating and making the program successful!
Photo credit: Fotolia

Visit Amver At The World Maritime Day Parallel Event

Originally posted in June we thought we would remind you that the 2009 World Maritime Day Parallel Event is this Friday. Will we see you there?

The United States Coast Guard has the distinct pleasure of hosting the 2009 International Maritime Organization World Maritime Day Parallel Event. The event will be held October 16, 2009 at Pier Sixty in New York City.

The theme for this years event is Climate Change, A Challenge for IMO Too. The Coast Guard has partnered with the North American Marine Environment Protection Association and hope you will take interest in the event as well. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your companies Green initiatives or environmentally responsible shipping.

United States Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Thad Allen, and IMO Secretary General Efthimious Mitropoulos look forward to seeing you at this signature event.

Amver will be exhibiting at World Maritime Day. Please contact Carleen Lyden-Kluss for more information about World Maritime Day or how you can get involved.

You can learn more about the event here, download the flier here (link to pdf), or visit the event sponsor's website.

How will you celebrate World Maritime Day?

Updated Coast Guard SAR Addendum

Originally posted to the United States Coast Guard Search and Rescue Blog; On Scene.

A new edition of the U.S. Coast Guard Addendum (COMDTINST M16130.2E) to the United States National Search and Rescue Supplement to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR) was signed and released on 21 Sep 2009.

This revision establishes several new policies as well as updates throughout the manual. The transmittal letter contains a detailed listing of changes. A summary of major changes include the following:

• Adds the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS) as the primary search planning tool with associated changes in search planning procedures.


• Updates for implementation of the RESCUE21 Communications System.


• Wording changes to reinforce and more clearly define SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC) as a particular individual that is assigned for each SAR case.


• Includes changes to reflect the Coast Guard reorganization.


• Updates the policies and guidance for the training, qualification and certification of SAR watchstanders and SAR chain of command.


• Updates Program goals to include Lives Unaccounted For (LUF).


• Updates policy on SAR agreements to require all agreements to have provisions for canceling and amending.


• Adds policy on release of names during active SAR cases, allows disclosure until the Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) System case is closed. Post case release subject to provisions of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts.


• Adds requirement that all case studies be prefaced with the purpose of SAR case studies provided in paragraph 3.9.4.3.


• Removes language that each Department of Defense (DOD) service provides SAR for own forces, adds requirement for CG SAR Coordinator to coordinate with DOD services within their SAR region and to implement agreements as necessary to provide for SAR for DOD forces and to utilize DOD forces in SAR response.


• Allows for either CG or DOD SMC for cases involving DOD forces in distress, and adds direction for immediate CG response and a requirement to notify the Air Force RCC for all incidents of DOD forces in distress.


• Removes STAR-CG Service except for Alaska.


• Adds new section on CG Auxiliary Interpreters, availability and how to access.


• Expands discussion on First Light Serches following flare sightings. Includes further considerations for non-red/red-orange flares and other pyrotechnics and investigation time versus survival time and ultimate decision to dispatch resources in a timely manner.


• Adds policy for continuing search during darkness or other periods of reduced visibility.


• Adds policy on First Light Searches for other (non-flare) distress alerts. Requires additional searches if the first search was conducted at night or under reduced visibility.


• Adds requirement for Search Action Plans for all searches beyond initial response.


• Expands SAR case documentation and records policy and guidance.


• Revises policy for required semi-annual meetings with commercial assitance providers to allow flexibility. Details who shall represent the CG and minimum topics to be covered at each meeting.


• Adds clarification that the final decision to reside on scene to conduct or not conduct medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) resides with the Aircraft Commander, cutter Commanding Officer or Boat Coxswain.


• Expands discussion on air transportation between medical facilities to highlight the balance between medical care and appropriate use of CG resources


• Self-Locating Datum Marker Buoy (SLDMB) updates for incorporating data into SAROPS, expanded details on when and how SLDMBS shall be used, increased SLDMB deployment parameters, and policy and guiance on using SLDMBS to mark floating objects with no obligation to mark abandoned vessels with SLDMBS.


• Adds new policy on rescuing pets and other animals.


• Includes comprehensive abbreviations and acronyms listing.


• Made several significant changes in the appendicies.
  (1) Expands policy and guidance on SAR data entry in MISLE.
  (2) Adds medical protocol for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
  (3) Delete old Appendix L, STAR-CG Agreement example.
  (4) Adds new Appendix L, CG Legal Authorities references.
  (5) Removes Appendix M, COMSAT-C Web Interface.

Initial distribution of the U.S. Coast Guard Addendum will be electronically to Coast Guard units. District and Sector Command Centers should print a copy locally for use within the Command Center.

The electronic version of the U.S. Coast Guard Addendum can be accessed at the CG Directives System at the following site: http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim.asp

quick link to CG Addendum

What's It Like Moments Before An Amver Rescue?

Have you ever wondered what it must be like to be rescued by an Amver ship? Check out this incredible video from a rescue several years ago. It really puts things in perspective.



Help us ensure no call for help goes unanswered, enroll in Amver today.

Amver Attending The Inbound Marketing Summit

Today Amver attended the first day of the 2009 Inbound Marketing Summit at Gillette Field outside Boston, Massachusetts. We were fortunate enough to have won the conference attendance from Marketing Over Coffee and Hubspot. You can follow the conversation on Twitter by using Inbound Marketing Summit hashtag, #ims09. You can follow John Wall and Christopher S. Penn on Twitter or subscribe to Marketing Over Coffee on iTunes.



Where do you learn about new media tactics?

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Welcome Wednesday!

Another 39 ships have joined the Amver family. The value of these vessels cannot be understated. By joining Amver, these ships agree to better coordination during search efforts, help keep shipping running and on time by ensuring only the most appropriate vessel is diverted during a maritime emergency, and make it more likely a mariner in distress will be rescued. This commitment to safety, with no financial gain to shipping, is not lost on the United States Coast Guard. Amver and the Coast Guard is grateful to these companies for their dedication to ensuring no call for help goes unanswered.

Please welcome the following ships into Amver:

• APILIOTIS
• LAKE DYNASTY
• SESTREA
• CORONA NATURE
• CLIPPER TRADITION
• COLIN JACOB
• TAXIARHIS P
• MYKINES
• SEA SPIRIT I
• AOM SOPHIE
• ROCKAWAY BELLE
• USAC RAMADI
• GENCO MAXIMUS
• CHARLOTTE C
• SEVERNAYA ZEMLA
• GRAND VEGA
• LEADER
• DUXGIT INTEGRITY
• ATHENIA VICTORY
• WEALTHY STAR
• EURO TRADER
• CLIPPER POLARIS
• ATLANTIC PIONEER
• PENTERA ROSA
• ASTON TRADER 1
• UASC SUAIBA
• YIANNIS B
• CORINTHIA PHOENIX

What was your motivation to join Amver?

Photo credit: Fotolia

What Is An IMO Number?

Our friends at gCaptain recently wrote a great post explaining the meaning behind the IMO number. What is an IMO number? It's the number assigned to a ship when the keel is laid. It's the equivalent of a vehicle identification number, or VIN, and stays with the vessel until it is scrapped.

The messages Amver receives include the IMO number of the vessel. We collect this information so we can properly plot the vessels for search and rescue purposes and keep track of how often a vessel reports for awards purposes.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Coast Guard Testimony Before The Subcommittee On Coast Guard And Maritime Transportation

Image via Wikipedia

Amver's boss, Deputy Commandant for Operations Rear Admiral Sally Brice-O'Hara, recently testified before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

The subcommittee praised the work of the Coast Guard and mentioned many of the Coast Guard's successes. The subcommittee also stressed the Coast Guard is stretched thin.

You can read Admiral Brice-O'Hara's written testimony here or see a video of the testimony here.

What does this have to do with Amver? The answer is simple. The more commercial vessels enrolled in Amver the less likely the Coast Guard must rely on its own resources to provide search and rescue. Looking at it a different way, the more vessels reporting to the Amver system, the more likely the Coast Guard can quickly locate a resource near a distress location.

So enroll your vessels today.

Did you see Admiral Brice-O'Hara's testimony? What are your thoughts?

Amver, the Maritime Sector, and the DHS Quadrennial Review

Bryant's Maritime Blog recently include a brief report on the Department of Homeland Security's Quadrennial Review. What does that have to do with Amver? Amver is part of the United States Coast Guard which itself is a component of the Department of Homeland Security.

According to Bryant's blog there has been very little participation from the maritime sector. You can have your say in the review by participating in the national dialogue which is open from September 28 to October 4. The maritime sector should not be silent. Be sure to share you views and concerns with the Department.

Have you had your say?

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