Welcome Wednesday!

If you are a regular reader of this feature do you ever wonder where all the ships that enroll come from? Or if we will ever have all the ships in the world signed up? We often think of these things. In reality the Amver system has a little over 21,000 ships enrolled in the system. On any day there are about 3,700 ships actively reporting. Those are pretty big numbers! What about the rest of the merchant fleet? Perhaps they haven't learned about us yet. Maybe you can tell them the benefits of Amver participation for us? In the meantime please help us welcome the latest members of our safety network.

• ETERNUS
• KAREN C
• STX HARMONY
• APL OREGON
• KASHIMASAN
• TRUE
• PEARLOR
• LUCY SNUG
• CSAV LEBU
• FEDERAL PEARL
• PACIFIC MARCHIONESS
• MSC HEIDI
• ER BARCELONA
• BIG BLUE
• BELUGA NAVIGATION
• PILOT
• CFL PRUDENCE
• GOLDEN CHIE
• IMOLA EXPRESS
• EVERHARD SCHULTE
• VENUS LEADER
• BELUGA HOUSTON
• OOCL GUANGZHOU
• NAVIOS STELLAR
• ASIAN PARADE
• EAGLE KANGAR
• ALTAIR TRADER
• FAIRCHEM BOGEY
• TRENTA
• ALPINE LOYALTY
• DELTA TOLMI
• SEA HORSE
• BBC MARMARA
• ANDREW CHARLES
• NICOLAOS
• DOUBLE HARMONY
• CONTI EQUATOR
• NORWEGIAN EPIC

Want to help us enroll more ships in the Amver system? You can by sharing the Amver story with your mates! Tell our story at the pub, in the ward room, on shore leave, or at a conference. Tell everyone how you help save lives at sea and how they can too!

Photo credit: Fotolia

Ships failed to respond?

Lloyd's List recently reported that several ships failed to respond to a distress call from a ship sinking in the English Channel December, 2009. While this is disturbing news, it underscores the need for, and use of, the Amver system by both shipowners and rescue coordination centers.

According to the Lloyd's List report at least one fisherman died as a result of the distress debacle. How could Amver have played a more pivotal role in this case?

1. Rescue coordination centers who routinely request Amver data from the United States Coast Guard are given an additional tool when managing search and rescue cases. If you are a rescue authority and don't know how to request Amver data please read this.
   
2. Ship owners enrolled and actively reporting to the Amver system know they will only be called upon to assist during actual search and rescue emergencies and then only after rescue authorities have determined the best vessel to respond.
3. Masters and crews have the added benefit of knowing that they can be released from their obligation to respond when enrolled and reporting in the Amver system. Having an email from a rescue authority stating your ship is either not needed or released from searching should be welcome relief in cases such as the Channel incident.

Don't think you can hide from incidents like this. While Amver doesn't release vessel movement information except for maritime incidents, Lloyd's List reported they were able to piece together what ships were in the vicinity of the distress using AIS data. Food for thought the next time you hear a distress and think you might just as well ignore it. People are watching!

You can read the full Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB) report here.

Why not help avoid situations like this in the future. If you are a ship owner, enroll in Amver today. If you are a rescue authority, consider requesting Amver data as part of your standard operation procedure. After all, it's our collective responsibility to ensure no call for help goes unanswered.

Photo credit: Fotolia

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Posidonia video wrap up

Despite the fact it's been almost a month since Amver exhibited at Posidonia. We wanted to show you a highlight reel of our time in Greece.

Enjoy the clip and we'll see you at Posidonia 2012!




Can't see the video? Click here.

Welcome Wednesday!

Each week we take time to recognize the latest members of the Amver system. Why do we do this? It stems from a feature that was included in the monthly Amver Bulletin. We haven't published an Amver Bulletin in over 10 years but feel the idea of recognizing new participants is an important part of our marketing efforts. Too often we hear bad news about shipping. At least once a week we want to bring you some good news. On that note, help us welcome the latest ships to enroll in Amver.

• ORINOCO STAR
• STENA FORTH
• SEA OF GRACIA
• NORD INSPIRATION
• IOLCOS LEGACY
• MOONLIGHT
• LINDA FORTUNE
• THALASSINI KYRA
• DIGNITY
• SEABOURN SOJOURN
• ISABELITA
• INCE KASTAMONU
• POS KNIGHT
• FRONT CECILIE
• STEWART J CORT
• MATALA
• FLYING OCEAN
• ALPINE CONFIDENCE
• LOKE VIKING
• CAP JACKSON
• MYRA
• SEABOARD PERU
• TITAN
• RBD OCEAN OF JOY
• MCP HARBURG
• FRANKFURT EXPRESS
• ORFE
• CHUKCHI SEA
• INFINITY
• ALASKA TITAN
• MANCHESTER
• ANANGEL HARMONY
• CMA CGM FIGARO
• HELLESPONT COMMANDER
• OCEAN FLOWER
• WELSUCCESS
• HERMANN SCHOENING
• DONAUGRACHT
• SAKURA
• PACIFIC MARCHIONESS
• ASHLEY LADY
• INLAND SEAS
• UNITED FORTITUDE
• CALADIUM

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver awards in Norway

The most recent Amver awards ceremony was held in Norway several weeks ago.
The Norwegian Shipowners Association hosted the ceremony at their headquarters next to Oslo city hall on June 8th. Attended by nine ship-owners, with speeches given by Norwegian Shipowners Association Director and Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission James T. Heg, the event celebrated the strong ties between the United States and Norway.

Rick Button, Chief of the United States Coast Guard Office of Search and Rescue Coordination Division presented the awards.

We are thankful for Norway's participation in the Amver system. Your vessels could be earning Amver awards. How? Just enroll and start reporting!


Photo credit: United States Embassy Staff Oslo, Norway

Welcome Wednesday!

We're on the road attending the EPPR working group meeting in Vorkuta, Russia so we will keep this short. 29 new vessels have enrolled in the Amver system in the last week. Thank you.

Help us welcome our latest participants:

• GERALDINE MANX
• IOLCOS PRIDE
• HANJIN BUENOS AIRES
• SENTOSA LEADER
• STX FRONTIER
• OSW1
• KAROLOS
• AVRA
• HORIZON THETIS
• LILLY BOLTEN
• AMS DIVINE
• LAVAUX
• AVENTICUM
• MAASEN
• CSAV LINGUE
• SKY GLOBE
• MISS LUCY
• PEACE FORTUNE
• APL QATAR
• MSC NAVARINO
• AL GHUWAIRIYA
• DUBAI CHARM
• CSAV RIO GEIKE
• STX BEGONIA
• PACIFIC SOLARELLE
• REBECCA LYNN
• SKS DOURO
• WINTER
• WESER

Thank you for helping ensure no call for help goes unanswered!

Photo credit: Fotolia

Attending the EPPR working group meeting of the Arctic Council

Amver is attending the Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response Working Group meeting of the Arctic Council this week in Vorkuta, Russia. The meeting is being hosted by EMERCOM, the Russian Federation version of the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency. Our meetings are being held at the Branch of the Saint Petersburg University of Mines in Vorkuta.

Here are some photos of our reception in Vorkuta.

Some of the agenda items we intend to discuss include:

• Opening of the Arctic Seas review of the University of New Hampshire report.
• Search and rescue project proposal.
• Prepositioning of emergency equipment.
• Managing cold situations in emergency relief.
• Russian Sea Rescue Service.
• EPPR participation in PAME's Arctic Ocean Review.

So that's a taste of what we will be doing here in Russia.

Photo credit: Ben Strong

Abby Sunderland rescued

Well after several days of travel we are able to catch up on the blog and Amver news. As you probably heard, Abby Sunderland was rescued by a French fishing vessel. While Amver ships were diverted to assist, another vessel was closer and rescued the young sailor. Thankfully it is reported she is in good health.

This case certainly highlights the value of Amver enrollment. Have you enrolled in the Amver system?

Abby Sunderland rescue update

One of the Amver vessels diverting to assist in the rescue of American sailor Abby Sunderland is the Norwegian owned Skandi Bergen. The 105 meter British flagged ship diverted after French rescue authorities in Reunion requested Amver assistance from the United States Coast Guard. Ironically, the Skandi Bergen enrolled in the Amver system on June 11, 2008.

It is unclear when the Skandi Bergen will arrive on scene but reports are it may only be 143 nautical miles away from from Sunderland's distress position. We will keep you posted.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver ships race to save Abby Sunderland

An international search effort, involving French, Australian, and United States Coast Guard rescue authorities coupled with several Amver ships is underway to rescue 16 year old solo sailor Abby Sunderland. Three Amver enrolled ships are within 700 miles of the California teen's location and are diverting to assist. The Amver vessels were diverted using the surface picture, or SURPIC, provided by the United States Coast Guard

Sunderland activated her emergency beacon after reports her sailboat had been "knocked down" during rough weather in the Indian Ocean. Latest reports state she has been sighted and appears to be in good health and with her boat.

We will keep you posted from Posidonia when we learn more information or you may check the United States Coast Guard Eleventh District site for updates as well.

Photo credit: XeuBix

International search effort saves 4 sailors

The combined efforts of Rescue Coordination Center Falmouth, the United States Coast Guard, and the Amver system resulted in four yachtsmen being rescued from their sinking boat on Thursday June 10th.

MRCC Falmouth, using the online surface picture request form, asked for assistance in locating Amver participants near the location of the sailing yacht Octagon. According to Captain Zaw Aung, of the MTM Princess, they were notified by British rescue authorities of the location of the sinking Octagon. The MTM Princess, a Marshall Island flagged tanker, enrolled in the Amver system June 1, 2009.

The on scene weather conditions prevented the MTM Princess from safely approaching the Octagon on the first rescue attempt. According to Captain Aung the winds were in excess of 30 knots, visability was 7 miles, and the sea state was "rough".

On the second rescue attempt the MTM Princess was able to tie up the Octagon and rescue the four sailors, all of whom are in good health. Captain Aung's crew is evaluating the foursome and they will disembark at the MTM Princess's next port call; Santander, Spain.

Photo credit: RobMan170

With apologies to Commander Schenk

It's either the Ouzo or the Mediterranean air here at Posidonia but it seems we demoted our United States Coast Guard liaison to Malta. In our previous story about Amver and Malta we identified Commander Sean Schenk as Lieutenant Commander. He is indeed a full Commander.

Sorry for the mix up Sean! We owe you a drink.

Photo credit: ukespresso

Amver presentation in Malta

Amver enjoys support from many organizations, flag states, and companies. It's even better, however, when different flag states express a renewed interest in having their ships enroll in this life saving system.

That was the case late last month when a cross section of maritime representatives sat down in Malta to hear Commander Sean Schenk, United States Coast Guard Liaison Officer to Malta, explain the benefits of Amver participation.

Mr. Ruben Lanfranco, director of the Malta College of Arts and Sciences Maritime Institute (i.e., Malta's King's Point), hosted the event which included everyone from sea cadets to some of Malta's most experience ship masters. Commander Schenk explained the basics of the Amver system, how to enroll a ship, and how the system is used for safety at sea.

In addition to the Amver overview, Commander Schenk presented a framed Amver pennant to Mr. Lanfranco as a way of thanking and challenging the Maltese flag to promote Amver and encourage greater participation by Maltese flagged ships.





Thank you Commander Schenk for helping promote the Amver system and thank you Malta for your willingness to ensure no call for help goes unanswered.

Photo credit: USCG photo submitted by CDR Schenk

Welcome Wednesday!

We promised to report on lots of ships enrolling in Amver last week and are happy to state we did not disappoint! 56 new vessels enrolled in the Amver system in the past week. That's so wonderful. Thank you for continuing to show an interest in the only global voluntary search and rescue system.

Want to meet the Amver team in person? Come by Posidonia, booth 450/11 in the United States Pavilion and say hello! We enjoy talking to all our Amver partners.

In the meantime help us welcome the new Amver participants!

• OCEAN CAESAR
• MCP GRAZ
• CMA CGM NERVAL
• HELLAS SERENITY
• CSAV RIO ILLAPEL
• STX CORINTHIAKOS
• YANG NING HU
• DYNAMIC STRIKER
• GIACINTA
• BENEDETTA DAMATO
• HAMMONIA GALICIA
• GLORIOUS SENTOSA
• INSPIRATION

• FRANKLIN STRAIT
• KING ALFRED
• BALTIC JAGUAR
• PAXI
• KAREI
• CMB WEIHAI
• UNIQUE DEVELOPER
• COSCO MALAYSIA
• WHITNEY
• SKANDI VEGA
• CARY RICKMERS
• NANA 2
• BROOKLYN BRIDGE
• SP ATHENS
• GIANNUTRI
• BALTIC FAVOUR
• OCEAN CREST
• CROWLEY AMBASSADOR
• SP DUBLIN
• YEMA
• SP AMSTERDAM
• PACIFIC SPIRIT
• CROWLEY AMERICAS
• SEA PIONEER
• SEA CHALLENGER
• SEA BREEZE
• IBN HAZM
• SEA PROGRESS
• SOUTHERN SPIRIT
• POS ACHAT
• DARYA JYOTI
• STOLT SAKURA
• ZOSCO TAIZHOU
• GDF SUEZ CAPE ANN
• BHAGVATI PREM
• KUHZAN MARU II
• THALASSINI NIKI
• GREAT RESOURCE
• STAR GLOBE
• BALTIC WAVE
• AURORA SB
• ANDREA PALLADIO
• LYLA

Please come by our booth at Posidonia and introduce yourself. We can't wait to meet you and thank you for your participation!

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver press conference at Posidonia

If you are at the Posidonia shipping exhibition on Wednesday June 9th please come by the meeting rooms in Hall 7 at 5:30 pm local time for a joint press conference with the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus. We will be talking about Greece's contribution to safety at sea, sharing the Amver story with the world's media, and answering your questions.

If you can't make the press conference then at least stop by the Amver stand in the United States Pavilion, number 450/11. We want to meet you and hear your stories!

Photo credit: Fotolia

An overdue thank you note

Things at Amver would never get done without the help and dedication of two people. I consider myself lucky to work with two very capable women.

Beverly Howard and Vjollca Nikci are two of the best co-workers anyone could ask for. The past year would never have been a success without them. Thank you girls for making this job so easy.

The U.S. Amver awards ceremony wouldn't have been a success without the help of another strong woman in the maritime community. Carleen Lyden-Kluss. Thank you Carleen for making the awards a success for everyone involved.

Finally, Clay Maitland and Will Watson have been staunch supporters of Amver through the years. Without their assistance and support we never would have been able to relaunch the U.S. Amver awards. Thank you Clay and Will for seeing the value in bringing the awards back to Washington, DC.


From left to right: Benjamin Strong, Carleen Lyden-Kluss, Beverly Howard, Vjollca Nikci


Clay Maitland and Will Watson

Photo credit: USCG photos by Beverly Howard

United States ships earn Amver awards

An Amver awards ceremony was held on May 18, 2010 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC to recognize 549 United States ships participating in the Amver search and rescue system.

Representative from the following companies were on hand to receive the awards on behalf of their ships: State of Alaska (Department of Transportation & Public Facilities), APL Maritime Ltd, Carnival Corp, Crowley Marine Services Inc, Crowley Technical Management Inc, Dorado Tankers Inc, International Shipping Partners Inc, Liberty Maritime Corp, LMS Shipmanagement Inc, Maersk Line Ltd, Disney Cruise Line, OSG Ship Management Inc, Princess Cruise Lines Ltd, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL), Roymar Ship Management Inc, Sea Star Line LLC, Sulphur Carriers Inc, U.S. Coast Guard, and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Marine & Aviation Operations.

Horizon Lines LLC received Amver’s first medal for thirty-five consecutive years of participation in the amver system. Vice Admiral David Pekoske was on hand to make comments on the continued success of the Amver program and congratulate the award winners.



This event was sponsored by IHS Fairplay, Blank Rome, Inmarsat, Lockheed Martin, North American Marine Environment Protection Association, and North American Maritime Ministry Association. Amver sincerely thanks you for your sponsorship.

Besides the award recipients honored there was a brief Amver video produced by Beverly Howard. We hope you enjoy it as much as those who attended the ceremony.




Can't see the video? Click here.

See the rest of the awards photos on Flickr.


Photo credit: USCG Photo by Beverly Howard

How to survive the week at Posidonia

Are you here in Greece for Posidonia? Is this your first time? Perhaps you are a seasoned Posidonian. Either way we have a few tips that may make your stay at the most vivacious shipping expo a success.

1. Drink plenty of water! There is ample time to enjoy the local flavors of Glyfada, Piraeus, and Athens. If you get behind the eight ball you may never catch up.
   
2. Pace yourself- Rome (or Athens) wasn't built in a day. You may not be able to see everything. Look at the exhibitor book and make a list of several contacts you want to make. Often the best encounters happen purely by accident.
   
3. Exercise. Despite Athen's reputation for pollution and traffic you can still get out early and enjoy a nice run. Make sure you sweat a little before you head to the show.
4. Make friends with a taxi driver! The taxi situation at Posidonia is epic. You won't be able to find one when you need one and when you do find a driver he will extort more money from you than you can imagine. Find a good company, get their card and use them.
5. Crash a party or two. Posidonia is known for its parties. Often more work gets done at the social gatherings than on the show floor. Dress well and show up confident. Keep a glass in your hand (water, cranberry juice, cocktail) and begin to mingle.
   
6. Remember not to be "that guy or gal". People don't want to hear about you. They want you to learn about them. Don't come to Greece to tell people all about what you to offer, come to Greece to learn how you can help people. Learn more about being that guy here.
   

Finally, remember to have fun. Posidonia is a remarkable opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new connections, and find solutions for people.

Want to learn more about trade show "stuff"? Check out my friend John Wall's blog post asking why you are at the show.

Don't forget to stop by the Amver booth. We would love to say hi and hear what you are doing. You can find us in the United States Pavilion, booth 450/11.

Cheers!


Photo credit: Fotolia

Who's blogging at Posidonia 2010

The Amver team is on the ground and suffering insomnia at Posidonia 2010. Come see us in the United States Pavilion, stand 450/11. Wait, does anyone actually sleep this week in Greece? Not likely, unless you count cat naps. Or maybe that's why the exhibition starts at 1000 each day!

Seriously, however, if you want to keep track of what is being done between cocktail receptions you should probably check the following blogs daily.

• Clay Maitland
• Lloyd's List Posidonia blog (offered free)

One clever bit of advertising we noticed cabbing our way from the airport was a larger than life billboard alerting passersby that Tradewinds will be sharing the good, bad, and gossip of Posidonia in their paper.

Who else is reporting from Posidonia? We don't know yet but suspect Ship Management International, Safety at Sea International, and other maritime standards will all have their say.

You can also follow the fun on Twitter with either hashtag #posidonia.

Who do you turn to for news from Greece?

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

It's the week before Posidonia and many thoughts are on what the week will bring the shipping community as it descends on Athens. There's no shortage on Greek speculation and many pundits aren't counting Greece out. Amver's goal in attending Posidonia is to raise awareness about Amver, thank our Greek partners, and enroll more ships. Will we see you in Athens?

While we dream about our Posidonia adventures please help us welcome the latest members to the Amver system:

• KIHADA
• NYK DENDEB
• TORM ALEXANDRIA
• JIN HENG
• AYAME
• CHANG TAI HOMG
• NORTHERN POWER
• BANOS A
• MSC BAHAMAS
• NYK TERRA
• GOLDEN BEIJING
• MALU WARRIOR
• NS ARCTIC
• GOLDEN SHUI
• ANTARES
• ARCTIC BREEZE
• HOANYA WISDOM
• SAIKO
• JUANITA
• KOI
• IKI

Want to see what a little marketing can do to Amver? Keep your eyes peeled on next week's Welcome Wednesday to see just how many ships can enroll when we really put effort into recruiting (and rope in some colleagues)!

Photo credit: Fotolia