Saturday, December 29, 2012

Port Strike Averted

According to a posting by the Maritime Executive and a release by the International Longshoremen's Association the proposed strike on United States East Coast ports has been averted, at least temporarily, while details of the plan are worked out.

This should be good news for Amver ships, particularly box ships that call on U.S. East Coast ports.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Friday, December 28, 2012

Happy New Year


Happy New Year from the Amver team.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

Even though it's the holiday season there are still seafarers at sea, and still ships enrolling in Amver. Here are the latest vessels to join the Amver system. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season!
  • ELM K
  • GLOVIS MELODY
  • MARCO POLOT
  • MIN SHENG 1
  • NBA REMBRANT
  • PACIFIC MELODY
  • SURI
  • THOR COMMANDER
  • TONGALA
  • VALE SHANDONG
Photo credit: Fotolia

Monday, December 24, 2012

Happy Holidays


Happy Holidays from the Amver team.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Life on the Ocean Wave: Treating Seafarers Fairly

Guest post by U.S. Coast Guard Captain Melissa Bert; Chief of the Office of Maritime and International Law.

Each year over 100,000 ships move 90 percent of global commerce with the help of 1.2 million seafarers. The United Sates Coast Guard is charged with protecting people on the sea, protecting people from threats delivered by the sea, and protecting the sea itself. We work closely with our sister agencies in government, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the maritime industry, to ensure passengers and goods move safely and securely on the world's oceans, while respecting the marine environment. As sailors ourselves, we also expect fair treatment of seafarers.

The Law of the Sea Convention, IMO conventions and International Labour Organziation instruments all make flag states responsible for upholding maritime standards and responding to marine casualties. Incidents resulting in major loss of life or significant pollution have strengthened these processes, along with flag state accountability. However, the seafarers involved in these incidents, the threat of abandonment remains a very real concern.

Between 2001 and 2010, over 130 ships and 1,600 seafarers were abandoned. In 2009, at the height of the global economic crisis, over 50 vessels were abandoned., leaving over 600 seafarers to fend for themselves. While the circumstances vary, an abandoned seafarer is often stranded far from home, and without means for support or transportation to his or her country.

Abandonment can be the result of a ship owner facing bankruptcy or the arrest of the vessel by creditors. Sometimes, vessels are abandoned as unseaworthy after port state control inspectors detain them. The threat of abandonment is also present in marine casualties and environmental crimes cases, when crew members are needed to provide testimony for investigators. The seafarers support the flag states at great personal peril, because once they provide information injurious to an employer, they risk any future employment in the maritime industry. Even with the potential for whistle blower compensation in a small segment of these cases, seafarers must weigh the benefit of providing important information that will enhance maritime safety, and protect world's oceans, against the possibility of being left destitute and without work.

Moreover, a seafarer risks alienation and physical retaliation when they come forward to assist with the investigations. Unlike individuals that assist with investigations of land-based incidents, seafarers are in the difficult position of providing information about their ship or shipmates. For them, it's not just a matter of providing information about their place of employment, it's an issue of addressing problems with the processes and people they live with, work with, and spend nearly every waking hour with to accomplish the work of the ship.

Many countries have their stories of seafarers being abandoned, and America is not immune to the problem. An environmental criminal prosecution in 1998 in Los Angeles, California, resulted in crewmembers spending weeks in homeless shelters and sleeping in the offices of the Seaman's Church Institute. These crewmembers had done nothing illegal, and yet they were effectively punished for supporting the United States in a pollution investigation.

However, not all vessel owners put seafarers in this position, as the overwhelming majority of companies take responsibility for their people. This should be the standard. For the past several years, the Coast Guard has encouraged policy makers to enact laws to prevent the Los Angeles script from unfolding again while not punishing the responsible leaders in the shipping industry.

Domestically, legislation has been introduced in the Senate annually for the past five years. The bills propose the creation of a fund, the corpus derived from the community service moneys awarded in environmental criminal prosecutions. The fund would not be fed by taxpayers or responsible companies and owners; Instead, the bad actors would bear the costs for housing law abiding seafarers, while they await testifying in American courts.

Internationally, the United States joins Canada, Spain, the Netherlands and France at the IMO, in the introduction of guidelines for seafarer treatment in maritime accidents. I look forward to supporting these efforts when I lead the United States delegation at the IMO Legal Committee meetings in London this coming spring.


Photo credit: Fotolia

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Amver ship saves sailors and dog near Jamaica


The Amver participating cargo ship CAP Domingo rescued three sailors and one dog from their 34 foot catamaran 160 miles west of Jamaica on November 30, 2012. The crew of the catamaran activated their Emergency Position Indicating Locator Beacon (EPIRB) after their boat struck a submerged object began taking on water.

Coast Guard rescue authorities in Miami received the alert and notified a maritime patrol aircraft in the region. A U.S. Navy P-3 Orion aircraft located the vessel and reported the crew had abandoned the catamaran into a life raft.

Coast Guard rescue personnel queried the Amver system and diverted the Marshall Island flagged bulk ship CAP Domingo to the distress location. The CAP Domingo, managed by Diana Shipping Services of Athens, Greece, came alongside the life raft and hoisted the three sailors and dog to safety.

The CAP Domingo (seen above under its former name CAP San Marco) enrolled in the Amver system on July 20, 2001 and has earned nine Amver awards for participation.

The survivor's family is arranging for their return to the United States.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com




Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

Who enrolled in Amver this past week? Take a look at the latest members of the Amver safety network. Why do they join Amver? To save lives. Are they successful? You bet they are. Just look at this case near Bermuda and this rescue in the Pacific. Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver family.
  • NORD SHANGHAI
  • HELLE KOSAN
  • LATIKA NAREE
  • CAPE IRIS
  • INCE KARADENIZ
  • VISHVA VIJAY
  • CURTINS REINAUER
  • STI TOPAZ
  • SAGA FALCON
  • KUNASHIR
  • VIRGO COLOSSUS
  • STENAWECO SPIRIT
  • ORANGE TIGER
  • OTZIAS
  • MSC FLAVIA
  • SONANGOL HUILA
  • SIVA ROTTERDAM
  • NAVIOS ORIANA
  • PRETTY KEEL
  • MSC RANIA
  • ANNABELL
  • DL JASMINE
  • ALLEGRO
  • FRIO
Photo credit: Fotolia

Monday, December 17, 2012

UPDATE: Amver ship rescues 2 Canadians near Bermuda

The Amver participant, SMT Bontrup, rescued 2 Canadian sailors after one of them suffered a medical emergency on their sailboat approximately 260 miles northwest of Bermuda.

The SMT Bontrup, managed by SMT Ship Management and Transport of Limassol, Cyprus, embarked the two sailors and were met by U.S. Coast Guard officials in Portland, Maine on Saturday, December 15, 2012.

 Coast Guard Captain Christopher Roberge presented an Amver pennant and certificate of appreciation to the captain and crew of the SMT Bontrup.

Photo credit: USCG submitted photo

Pacific sailor rescued by Amver ship Global Explorer

The sailing vessel Makalii and life raft adrift near Palmyra, Atoll.
Yachtsman James Blackford was rescued from his damaged sailboat on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 approximately 85 miles northwest of Palmyra, Atoll.

Blackford was sailing his 60 foot boat, the S/V Makalii, when it lost its mast and began taking on water near the tiny Pacific atoll. He activated his 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon which alerted U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel in Honolulu. Rescue authorities immediately sent a rescue aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and diverted the Amver participating bulk carrier Global Explorer.

The rescue aircraft arrived on scene and dropped survival equipment and a radio to Blackford who was riding out the rough weather in his life raft. Weather conditions on scene were reported to be  heavy rain with rough seas and high winds from the east.

The Cayman Island flagged bulk carrier, Global Explorer, arrived on scene and reported to the Coast Guard that it was too dangerous to attempt a rescue at night and they would continue to monitor Blackford and try to rescue him in the morning. At 9:00 am the crew of the Global Explorer was able to hoist him aboard the ship uninjured.

The Global Explorer, managed by Misuga Kaiun Company of Japan, enrolled in the Amver system on August 31, 1997 and has earned 12 Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: USCG photo

 

Friday, December 14, 2012

Amver ship rescues 2 Canadians near Bermuda

Two Canadian sailors are safely aboard the Amver  participating ship SMT Bontrup after requiring medical evacuation from their 34 foot sloop 260 miles northwest of Bermuda on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.

The sailboat Chessa was headed towards Bermuda when one of the 65 year old Canadian sailors became ill. His partner contacted U.S. Coast Guard rescue authorities in Norfolk, Va. requesting assistance. "He passed out," stated the yachtsman about his sailing companion, "and a strong front is coming over and we are in the low."

The SMT Bontrup, a 656 foot bulk carrier, was sailing from Maracaibo, Venezuela when they were contacted by Coast Guard rescue personnel about the distress. Captain Krzysztof Szwed immediately agreed to divert and assist the sailors.

Three hours after the initial notification, Captain Szwed had the Bahamian Island flagged ship alongside the sloop and began hoisting the sailors aboard. "The first survivor was lifted on board because he could not walk on his legs," the Captain said in an email update to the Coast Guard, "the ship's crew is keeping a vigil by the survivor's cabin."

After a meal aboard the ship both survivors were feeling better and able to contact their families by satellite phone. The SMT Bontrup is sailing to Portland, Maine where the survivors will be met by Customs officials. The SMT Bontrup, managed by SMT Ship Management and Transport of Limassol, Cyprus, enrolled in Amver on January 1, 1979 and has earned 22 Amver awards for participation.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

We're in the final stretch of 2012. What a year it has been. From the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic to the sinking of the Baltic Ace, this has been a maritime year to remember. Thankfully our Amver partners have continued to support safety at sea. Another 21 vessels enrolled in Amver in the past week. Thank you for continuing to ensure no call for help goes unanswered. We look forward to seeing many of you in 2013!
  • APL PARIS
  • CARNIVAL BREEZE
  • CLIPPER AMBER
  • DARANEE NAREE
  • DESH SHOBHA
  • DINO CHOUEST
  • DOBONSOLO
  • HYUNDAI MIPO 2346
  • HYUNDAI OAKLAND
  • IOLCOS HARMONY
  • KAAN KALKAVAN
  • KING RICE
  • MARATHA PRUDENCE
  • NATICINA
  • NS ENERGY
  • PENNY MAE
  • POS OVELIA
  • SAM LION
  • TEXAS
  • TRITON
  • YUMETAMOU
Photo credit: Fotolia

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Amver ship assists ill sailor in the Atlantic

A Swedish sailor aboard a 34 foot catamaran can breathe a sigh of relief after being rescued by the Amver participating ship, Hansa Visby, after experiencing a medical emergency 1,475 miles south east of Bermuda on Thursday November 29, 2012.

The 44 year old male aboard the sailboat Ipixuna contacted local rescue authorities in Gris Nez who then contacted U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel. The U.S. Coast Guard ran an Amver Surface Picture (SURPIC) and located the 511 foot general cargo ship Hansa Visby 175 miles away from the sailboat and sailing in its direction.  The sailboat, cargo ship, and Coast Guard authorities maintained a two hour communications schedule.

The Hansa Visby, managed by Leonhardt and Blumberg of Hamburg, Germany, arrived on scene and lowered a harness down the pilot ladder. The sick yachtsman from the Ipixuna climbed aboard the cargo ship from a small tender. His brother joined him aboard the ship. The crew of the Hansa Visby provided medical attention to the ill sailor while continuing on their journey to Suriname.

The Hansa Visby enrolled in Amver on January 1, 1989 and has earned 20 Amver Awards for participation.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

What's the benefit of enrolling in Amver? Besides earning Amver awards, your participation increases the likelihood search and rescue professionals will find a ship near a distress location. That is the difference between life and death for a seafarer. Isn't that reason enough? Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver network, committed to ensuring no call for help goes unanswered.
  • AMAZON
  • BIANCO VICTORIA BULKER
  • BOW DALIAN
  • CAPE SEAGULL
  • COLORADO
  • CREST NAVIGATOR
  • E.R. BERN
  • GLOVIS MAESTRO
  • HERODOTUS
  • JENNY MCCALL
  • KEY SPRING
  • KISHORE
  • KORSARO
  • MAINLAND
  • MANDARIN NOBLE
  • MELL STAMFORD
  • PATAGONIA
  • SAHAM
  • SIRA
  • TAQAH
  • TIMUCIN A
  • TINI
  • WESTERN KOBE
Photo credit: Fotolia

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Amver awards in Dubai

We're just back from a visit to Seatrade Middle East Maritime where we had the pleasure of presenting a host of Amver awards to our Middle Eastern Amver partners in a regional awards ceremony.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates were represented in a ceremony recognizing 26 companies and over 100 vessels. If you don't think the shipping sector in the Middle East is large consider this, there was a combined 688 years of continued service to Amver represented at the ceremony!

The ceremony was a fantastic way to recognize the Middle Eastern shipping community's dedication to safety at sea and we look forward to hosting an even larger ceremony at Seatrade Middle East Maritime in 2014.

Congratulations to all the award recipients!

Photos of the event are available here.

Photo credit: Beverly Howard

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Welome Wednesday!

While we're in Dubai attending Seatrade Middle East Maritime please help us welcome the latest vessels to enroll in the Amver system. Thank you for helping ensure no call for help goes unanswered.
  • ANGEL II
  • AP JADRAN
  • BARNACLE
  • BLACKY
  • BRANT
  • BUFFLEHEAD
  • CAPE GENESIS
  • CHESTNUT
  • CINNAMON
  • CMB CHARDONNAY
  • DCI DREDGE XIX
  • HAKUYO
  • HOUSTON
  • INA
  • LABRADOR
  • LAMBERT MARU
  • MARCELO TRES
  • MISS BRENDA
  • MOTTLER
  • MUMBAI
  • NIZWA LNG
  • OCEAN NEPTUNE
  • OSMAN BEY
  • OSTRIA S
  • PINTAIL
  • POLYMNIA
  • PUNA
  • SCOTER
  • SEACOR WARRIOR
  • SHOVELER
  • SOSHANGANA
  • TUFTY
  • VELVET
  • VENUS HERITAGE
Photo credit: Fotolia

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Billionaire Paul Allen's yacht Octopus to the rescue - again!

The crew of billionaire Paul Allen's mega yacht, Octopus, came to the rescue for the second time this year - this time embarking a sailor from a 38 foot sailboat and assisting his crew member on the ironically named sailboat Sequel, after the yachtsmen activated a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) 645 miles south-west of San Diego, CA on November 15, 2012.

The sailboat was on a voyage from Hawaii to Catalina when the crew activated their EPIRB after their sails were damaged and they were dead in the water. U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel at the Eleventh District Command Center received the alert and launched a search aircraft from Sacramento and requested the Amver participating Octopus to divert and assist. The Octopus was approximately 50 miles from the Sequel and arrived on the scene in 3 hours.

The Octopus embarked a 37 year old passenger from the sailboat and transferred 80 liters of fuel, food, and water to the skipper of the Sequel who was refusing to abandon his sailboat. The sailboat was only making 4 knots but the skipper insisted he could make the voyage to California.

The passenger embarked on the Octopus was complaining of stomach pains and was treated by nursing staff on-board the mega yacht. The Octopus disembarked the survivor in Honolulu.

The Octopus enrolled in Amver in 2011 and assisted in the search for a missing plane in the Pacific Ocean earlier this year.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Friday, November 23, 2012

See you in Dubai

The Amver staff is headed to the Seatrade Middle East Maritime conference and exhibition next week in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We are hosting an Amver awards ceremony on Wednesday November 28, 2012 to recognize the commitment to safety at sea by Middle Eastern shipping companies.

We hope to see you there!

 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us on the Amver team.


Photo credit: Fotolia

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

Another 42 vessels have enrolled in the Amver system. As we enter the holiday season it become even more important to thank these seafarers who risk their lives to ensure the safety of those at sea. When they're not risking their lives, seafarers risk their schedules by making themselves available to search for those who may be in distress at sea. Thank you for joining the ranks of those ensuring no call for help goes unanswered.
  • AMAMI K
  • AMI
  • ANNA BO
  • ATLANTIC PISCES
  • ATLAS
  • B. FRANKLIN REINAUER
  • CHINA PROSPERITY
  • CIC ROLACO
  • GREAT TANG
  • HINODE MARU
  • ISTRIAN EXPRESS
  • IVER ASPHALT
  • KAVALA SEAS
  • MAERSK WEYMOUTH
  • MAERSK WIESBADEN
  • MASTER
  • MYKONOS SEAS
  • NEW YORK EXPRESS
  • OCEAN PROMISE
  • OCEAN VOYAGER
  • ORE NOUMEA
  • OTILIA
  • PACIFIC ISLAND
  • PANORAMA
  • PAROS SEAS
  • PATARA
  • ROSCO LITCHI
  • TRM ZHENG HE
  • SANTA URSULA
  • SCANDINAVIAN EXPRESS
  • SHANDONG HAI CHANG
  • SHINYO OCEAN
  • SHINYO SAOWALAK
  • SIBERIAN EXPRESS
  • SILVIA AMBITION
  • SILVIA GLORY
  • SIVA SINGAPURA
  • SONGA WINDS
  • STAR BALTIC
  • TRITON SWAN
  • YI CHUN 15
  • YM OAKLAND
Photo credit: Fotolia

Monday, November 19, 2012

Greek Amver ship assists Coast Guard with Atlantic rescue

A Greek Amver participant assisted in the rescue of four sailors from their sailboat 170 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, VA on Wednesday November 14, 2012.

The bulk carrier Eptalofos answered the request to assist and provided emergency communications between the 56 foot sailboat Island Breeze and U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue aircraft. A Coast Guard helicopter arrived on scene and hoisted the sailors to safety.

Video of the rescue:



Can't see the video? Click here.

The Eptalofos, managed by Marmaras Navigation, enrolled in Amver in 2007 and has earned five Amver awards for participation.

Video courtesey of the United States Coast Guard

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

We survived the storm and gained an additional 66 ships in the Amver system. If you haven't enrolled yet we strongly encourage you to consider joining. Why join? Participating in Amver helps save lives. Participation also saves you time and money- if your ship is near a distress the Coast Guard will divert the most appropriate ship which means your vessel may be released and not miss a port call. Finally, helping save lives at sea just makes sense. Join us?
  • CONTI JADE
  • AEGEAN SEA
  • KEY FUTURE
  • LADY NEVA
  • SKANDI NOVA
  • CHAYANEE NAREE
  • MAERSK ISABELLA
  • JO PINARI
  • CRANE POSEIDON
  • EMERALD ACE
  • CAPETAN COSTAS S
  • ORIENT STRENGTH
  • STELLA FLORA
  • ORIENT DELIVERY
  • ARKADIA
  • CLIFTON BAY
  • BF COPACABANA
  • BULK PORTUGAL
  • PIO GRANDE
  • WEI HE
  • HANSA EUROPE
  • ITALIAN EXPRESS
  • TECUMSEH
  • CORAL JASPER
  • SAGA FORTUNE
  • MINERAL HOPE
  • KOTA GAYA
  • ATHANASSIOS G.O.
  • EAGLE SAN PEDRO
  • KUMPULA
  • D. CENTAURUS
  • GARY ROOK
  • MCC SANDIGAN
  • CAPE ELEKTRA
  • BOW DE RICH
  • FPMC P HERO
  • BHAIRAVI
  • MID FIGHTER
  • CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTOR
  • NEELAMBARI
  • KEN BREEZE
  • IMPERATOR AUSTRALIS
  • PERUVIAN EXPRESS
  • OCEAN DALIAN
  • AQUA HONOR
  • AMBER ALENA
  • C PHOENIX
  • CIC PRIDE
  • CIC ELLI S
  • FLAG MERSINIDI
  • VISHVA PREETI
  • AURNA ECE
  • FELICIA
  • CROWN ALEXANDRA
  • CORWN ESMERALDA
  • CROWN MINA
  • C GRANDEUR
  • FLAG ALEXANDROS
  • AQUA SPLENDOR 
  • JEWEL
  • CAPE ALEXANDROS
  • RINI
  • OCEAN DIAMOND
  • GEORGIANNA BO
  • MCC SANDIWA
Welcome!

Photo credit: Fotolia

Monday, November 12, 2012

Slow down for right whales

It's right whale migration time which means Operation Right Speed is in effect, possibly affecting Amver ships. Large vessel operators, vessels 65-feet or greater, are reminded to keep speeds 10 knots or less in designated right whale migration routes and calving grounds.

The designated areas can be found at the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration site.

The Coast Guard is working closely with NOAA with a shared goal of conserving and rehabilitating the whale's population.

To report a suspected violation in the seasonal management areas, call the national hotline at 800-853-1964.

The North Atlantic right whale is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Friday, November 9, 2012

Amver; Open For Business!

Thank you for your patience while we recovered from Hurricane Sandy. The Amver office is back open, we are receiving emails and our phones are operating. Thankfully we didn't suffer any severe damage.

Many of our neighbors did suffer damage. If you need information regarding Hurricane Sandy assistance please visit the Hurricane Sandy recovery site.

For information on how to help victims of Hurricane Sandy, visit the American Red Cross.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the storm.


Saturday, November 3, 2012

Amver Office/Hurricane Sandy

The Amver office in New York City is closed because of damage from Hurricane Sandy. Amver messages are still being received and processed.

For urgent Amver related questions you can email info@amver.com. We will respond as quickly as we can.

For Amver/SEAS related questions please contact your closest NOAA Port Meteorological Officer.

We hope to be operational soon and thank you for your patience.


Friday, October 26, 2012

Hurricane Sandy and U.S. Coast Guard Port Conditions

Hurricane Sandy has the potential to disrupt port conditions and Amver ships up and down the Eastern Seaboard. What do the various port conditions mean? Here's a great summary.

Pre-Storm Preparations

  • Hurricane season begins June 1st.  All vessel owners and operators should review hurricane plans and checklists.  Recommend reviewing the Industry Hurricane Plan.
Port Condition Whiskey- 72 hours prior to Gale Force Winds
  • The Captain of the Port will issue radio broadcasts and Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) as needed to keep mariners informed.
Port Condition X-Ray- 48 hours prior to Gale Force Winds
  • The Captain of the Port will update radio broadcasts and issue MSIBs.
  • Bunkering and Lightering are prohibited in the inshore anchorages.
  • Ships should complete cargo operations.
  • Anticipate the Captain of the Port will order the port closed to all vessel movements except for emergency and rescue traffic.
Port Conditions Yankee- 24 hours prior to Gale Force Winds
  • The Captain of the Port will update radio broadcasts and issue MSIBs.
  • Facilities will be made aware that the Captain of the Port will order cessation of cargo handling operations during condition zulu.
  • Ship's personnel should inspect mooring/anchoring lines, paying particular attention to the possibility of storm surge.
  • Movements will be permitted by the Captain of the Port only when a suitable lay berth or anchorage space is available nearby.
  • As a last resort, large crude tankers may be allowed to ballast down in the channel.
  • The Captain of the Port may close the port to all marine traffic except for emergency/rescue traffic when sustained winds exceed 35 knots.
Port Condition Zulu- 12 hours prior to Gale Force Winds
  • The Captain of the Port MAY update radio broadcasts and MSIBs to notify the maritime community that the port is closed to all commercial traffic with the exception of emergency/rescue traffic.
  • All cargo handling operations will be suspended.
  • Ship's personnel should inspect the mooring/anchor lines, paying particular attention to the possibility of storm surge.
Post Storm
  • Restoration of commercial operations.
  • Channels surveyed to insure safe transit.
  • Vessel traffic prioritized.
Are you prepared for Sandy?

Photo credit: USCG

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

Each week ships enroll in the Amver system. They enroll to help save lives at sea. For many, its a tradition to join the Amver network. Mariners may learn about Amver in a maritime academy, from another crew member, or because someone in the company said the vessel should participate.

Companies also participate because they want to ensure someone will be there to rescue them if the unthinkable happens at sea. They join because it is the "right thing to do". They join because they believe participating in a voluntary search and rescue system demonstrates they are better, safer, more conscientious than a company that won't participate in Amver.

Is there a right reason to join? No. And there isn't a "right" company. Any company can participate. Any flag can participate. The bottom line is nobody cares  about your nationality or political affiliation when the chips are down. As long as you are willing to lend a hand, we want you to assist in saving lives.

Help us welcome the latest Amver participants.
  • BUNUN WISDOM
  • DEEP CYGNUS
  • DOUBLE PRIDE
  • ENERGY PRIMAVERA
  • ESSEX
  • FLORIANA
  • FMG CLOUDBREAK
  • GEO CASPIAN
  • GULF VISION
  • IONIC HAWK
  • KING GREGORY
  • LANNA NAREE
  • LENI P.
  • MSC JOANNA
  • NAVE CASSIOPEIA
  • NECHES
  • NEUTRINO
  • OCEAN TITAN
  • SHAGANG SUNSHINE
  • STENA SCOTIA
  • TENNEI MARU
  • WESTERN HOUSTON
Have you considered enrolling? What's preventing you from joining?

Photo credit: Fotolia

Thursday, October 18, 2012

K Line bulker saves 45 fishermen near Sri Lanka

A K Line managed Amver ship rescued 45 fishermen after being diverted by Australian Maritime Safety Authority officials on October 13, 2012 approximately 270 miles south east of Sri Lanka.

The 738 foot Singapore flagged bulk carrier, M/V Pinnacle Bliss, was diverted by RCC Australia and safely embarked the fishermen after an unknown distress.

The Pinnacle Bliss is taking the fishermen to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates where they will be allowed to return home.

The Pinnacle Bliss enrolled in Amver on July 18, 2011 and has earned one award for participation.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

Commitment, dedication, selflessness. Three traits that describe crews that enroll in the Amver system. Vessels and companies don't have to participate. Participation includes assuming a certain degree of risk. Risk of life, risk of economic loss, risk of failure. Despite these risks over 5,000 ships report daily to the Amver system. Help us welcome the latest participants.
  • ALEGRIA I
  • ALMI SKY
  • ATLANTIC MOON
  • ATLANTIC VENUS
  • FAKARAVA
  • GRAIG ROTTERDAM
  • ISTRA
  • KOURION
  • MARLIN
  • MEHMET AKSOY
  • MSC EUGENIA
  • NEAMEH
  • NINA-MARIE
  • OBSERVATOR
  • OCEAN SEAGULL
  • RED
  • SHANGHAI BULKER
  • SHEN HAI
  • STAHLA
  • STAR NORITA
  • STENA FREIGHTER
  • THERESA JILIN
  • TRANS OCEANIC
  • VALE SOHAR
  • WEST
What's your reason for joining Amver?

Photo credit: Fotolia 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

PACCShip participating Amver ship saves 34

The combined efforts of a PACCShip managed Amver ship and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority led to the rescue of 34 people from a disabled vessel north of Cocos Island on October 11, 2012

According to a report from the Australian Minister for Home Affairs, the distress vessel was located by a Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol aircraft supporting RCC Australia.

Rescue authorities diverted the M/V Glorious Sentosa which safely embarked the 34 survivors and transferred them to Australian officials on Christmas Island.

The Panamanian flagged bulk carrier enrolled in the Amver system on May 31, 2010 and earned two Amver awards for participation.

Photo credit: marrintetraffic.com


Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

26 more vessels enrolled in the Amver system. 26 more opportunities to save lives. The seas have been quiet and there haven't really been many Amver cases. That doesn't mean the seas are any less dangerous. In fact, many of our most dangerous cases come in October, November, and December. As the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard reminds us, stand a taut watch! Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.
  • ALEX P
  • APJ SHIRIN
  • BAIE ST. PAUL
  • BANSUI
  • CENTAURUS
  • CHAPAQUA ONE
  • CROSSWAY
  • DESPINA
  • FEDERAL MAYUMI
  • FEDERAL SPRUCE
  • FLAGSHIP IRIS
  • GAS LOMBOK
  • GLOBAL MAJESTY
  • GRAZIA
  • HUMBER VIKING
  • IOLCOS DIGNITY
  • MIRAERO BRAVE
  • NORD GUARDIAN
  • OCEAN SYMPHONY
  • RTM DAMPIER
  • SAGITTA
  • SEACOR DIAMOND
  • SPT CRUSADER
  • STAR LAGUNA
  • STI ONYX
  • VALE HEBEI
Photo credit: Fotolia
Enhanced by Zemanta

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Prinsendam, 32 years later

32 years ago the Amver system came to the rescue of the stricken cruise ship Prinsendam after the vessel caught fire in the Gulf of Alaska. Four Amver vessels diverted and assisted in the rescue efforts. The tanker Williamsburgh embarked 175  survivors and served as a platform for U.S. Coast Guard helicopters.

Today Amver continues to save lives near Alaska. Vessels that transit the Arctic are encouraged to enroll in Amver. The Prinsendam rescue helped prove the value of the commercial shipping community in search and rescue. Amver participants stepped up to the challenge, ensuring no call for help shall go unanswered.

Here is a link to the radio log of the SOS sent by the Prinsendam.

Photo credit: USCG

 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

What's in a name? What's in a ship's name? An ancient Babylonian text says: "Openings to the water I stopped; I searched for cracks and the wanting parts I fixed: Three sari of bitumen I poured over the outside; To the gods I caused oxen to be sacrificed." Each week we list ships, by name, who's crews have enrolled them in Amver. That is the most unique feature of Amver.  We hope you will elect to join as well. If you do, we'll list your ship as well.

Help us welcome the latest ships.
  • AZALEA SKY
  • BARANEE NAREE
  • ETERNAL TRIUMPH
  • EVENING STAR
  • FAKARAVA
  • KOTA CANTIK
  • MAERSK NEXUS
  • MAGIC VICTORIA
  • NIKOLAY ZUYEV
  • RUSSELL BOUZIGA
  • SAMCO SUNDARBANS
  • SAMCO TAIGA
  • SANTA URSULA
  • STAR LIMA
  • STENA HIBERNIA
  • STENA POSEIDON
  • STI RUBY
  • STRAIGHT OF GIBRALTAR
  • XIN CHONG QING
Thank you for joining Amver!

Photo credit: Fotolia

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Happy World Maritime Day!

The entire Amver team wishes everyone a very happy World Maritime Day! Here  is a message from IMO Secretary General Koji Sekimizu recognizing World Maritime Day.



Can't see the video? Click here.


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

Look who enrolled in Amver! That's right, you can see your ship's name here too. All you need to do is join the Amver network. What's that? You subscribe to a commercial vessel tracking service? Talk to them and see if they partner with us. If your company uses Transas, Pole Star, or Marine Track you can have your vessel reports send to Amver automatically. If you use a different vessel tracking company we can likely find a solution and have you reporting to Amver automatically. Just ask your service provider to contact the Amver office. In the meantime, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver family.
  • AFRICAN HORNBILL
  • APL YANGSHAN
  • BULK CANADA
  • CAFER DEDE
  • COTABATO TRANSPORT
  • EMERALD
  • FAXABORG
  • FIGALIA PRUDENCE
  • FLORETGRACHT
  • GAS ELIXIR
  • GENEVA QUEEN
  • LIBERTY DESTINY
  • MAMRY
  • NORDIC TIANJIN
  • NOVO
  • ROMA SNUG
  • SEATRUCK PERFORMANCE
  • SEATRUCK PRECISION
  • SG UNITED
  • SIDER LUCK
  • TRANSATLANTIC
  • ULTRA ESTERHAZY
Welcome!

Photo credit: Fotolia

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Amver Awards given at SMM


IMG_2511

690 German ships earned Amver awards in 2011 and many of the recipients were on hand to receive their awards on September 5, 2012. The Amver team was at SMM to present the awards at an event that included members of the U.S. Commercial Service, Berlin and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance.

Congratulations to the German shipping community for a job well done! We look forward to meeting more award recipients at SMM 2014!

Photo credit: USCG Photo by Beverly Howard

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

29 ships enrolled in Amver last week. There's not much more to say but thank you. If your vessels aren't part of the Amver system, you should consider enrolling. Why should you participate in Amver? Because your vessel may be the only thing between life and death for a fellow mariner. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.
  • ANANGEL CONQUEROR
  • ANAGEL TRUST
  • AUSTRALIA MARU
  • BAOSTEEL EDUCATION
  • BERGE BLANC
  • EAGLE SAN JUAN
  • EURO
  • FRONTLINE WAVE
  • GLOBAL GOLD
  • GLOVIS MARIA
  • HIRTA
  • IKAN SALMON
  • KITARA
  • KNIGHTSBRIDGE
  • MAERSK ILMA
  • MAERSK LIMA
  • MARBAT
  • MICHELLE C
  • NISSOS DELOS
  • NORD LONDON
  • OSHIMA ISLAND
  • PENNSYLVANIA
  • PORT DALIAN
  • PUFFIN ARROW
  • SPIKE
  • STADT FRIEBURG
  • TAIZHOU KOUAN TK0510
  • VISHVA VINAY
  • WARNOW VENUS
Photo credit: Fotolia

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Amver Awards in the Bahamas

On Wednesday, August 29, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires John Dinkelman officially recognized Bahamian registered companies and ships that consistently demonstrate strong participation in the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue system.

The USCG created an annual Amver Awards Program as a way of rewarding those ships which remain "on plot" for at least 128 days in a calendar year.  Amver awards are a tribute to the support of a ship's crew, management, and ownership, which is so integral to the program's success. The basic premise of Amver is that it serves as a vehicle for mariners to help each other without regard to nationality.

The companies recognized during the Amver awards ceremony at the U.S. Embassy included Campbell Shipping Company Ltd. and Clipper Group Ltd. Each company representative was presented with a Letter of Appreciation, a Certificate of Merit to each ship, and a colored Amver pennant, representing a ship's continuous participation in the program.

In 2011, The Bahamas received twenty-three blue pennants, denoting that a vessel completed its first year of participation and is being honored for the first time.

Photo credit: U.S. State Dept
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Amver mourns loss of Ambassador Stevens

The Amver team was saddened to learn of the death of U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens. The Amver team works closely with our State Department partners to bring the Amver Awards to the world.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

We recently had an opportunity to visit the Russian Port of Dudinka where several Norilsk Nickel ships load and unload cargo. One of the vessels is named "Hope" (Nadezhda). Hope is what you provide to mariners in distress at sea. 28 more vessels have enrolled in Amver. Those are 28 more chances for hope to those lost at sea. Help us welcome them.
  • AM BREMEN
  • BOURBON LIBERTY 229
  • BOURBON LIBERTY 247
  • BUKHA
  • CAPE AZALEA
  • CAPE BUZZARD
  • CAPE UNITY
  • CORAL CRYSTAL
  • DENSA SHARK
  • GAS SUMBAWA
  • GENCO LORRAINE
  • GEORGE P
  • INTREPID HARVESTER
  • KEN STAR
  • LUBIE
  • MAYFAIR
  • MOZAH
  • OCEAN SAPPHIRE
  • PASSAMA
  • ROGER WHITE
  • SEA ENDURANCE
  • SKANDI AUKRA
  • SURENES
  • THANG LONG
  • VALIANT ACE
  • VF GLORY
  • VIETFRACHT 01
  • VIETFRACT 02
Thank you for helping ensure no call for help goes unanswered.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

32 more ships have enrolled in the Amver system. As we celebrate the German Amver awards at SMM we also celebrate the latest ships to enroll in the Amver system. To the management and crew of these vessels, thank you. Will you help us welcome them?
  • AGGERSBORG
  • AKATSUKI MARU
  • APIRADEE NAREE
  • BOURBON LIBERTY 249
  • C PROSPERITY
  • CEMENMAR CUATRO
  • COSCO HOPE
  • DARYA RADHE
  • EAGLE SAN DIEGO
  • ESPIRIT
  • GLORIOSA LILY
  • GRACIOUS ACE
  • GREAT JIN
  • KEY KNIGHT
  • KOTA CAHAYA
  • LUCHADOR
  • MAERSK LABERINTO
  • MAERSK LETICIA
  • MAPLE OCEAN
  • MILAHA QATAR
  • MITO
  • PELAFIGUE TIDE
  • RTM CARTIER
  • SANTA BARBARA
  • SHIN SUMA
  • STRAIGHT OF MESSINA
  • SUNRISE SKY
  • SUPERNOVA
  • TRANSPACIFIC
  • ULTRA BELLAMBI
  • VELSHEDA
  • WATLING STREET
Photo credit: Fotolia

Monday, September 3, 2012

Amver awards at SMM

The Amver team is in Germany and wants you to be part of the German Amver awards ceremony. If you're visiting SMM on Wednesday come by Saint Petersburg Hall, near Hall A at 16:00 to see these mariners get the recognition they deserve (see details here).

690 German vessels, represented by 89 companies earned Amver awards in 2011 and this is our chance to recognize their contribution to safety at sea. We hope you will join us. You can see the invitation here.

We'll also be tweeting, the hashtag for SMM is #smmfair.

If you're interested in attending the ceremony please RSVP Mr. Benjamin Strong.


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

23 more vessels are part of the Amver system. 23 more second chances. 23 more times likely that a mariner in distress can be saved. Thank you for supporting and enrolling in the Amver system. Also, a big thanks to the following ships for helping save lives at sea.
  • AL MAYEDA
  • AMPRITRIE
  • AP STON
  • ASIAN CHAMPION
  • BOW FULING
  • ELSE
  • FAIRMOUNT SUMMIT
  • FRIENDLY ISLANDS
  • FUSION
  • HELVETIA ONE
  • K. RUBY
  • KEITH COWAN
  • MAERSK WAKAMATSU
  • MANTA III
  • MED ARCTIC
  • OOCL LONDON
  • PAC SEGINUS
  • SKY KNIGHT
  • SOLEY-4
  • STADION II
  • SUIGO
  • TOISA SERENADE
  • VALE LIWA
Have you joined yet?

Photo credit: Fotolia

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

20 more vessels have enrolled in the Amver system. We're thankful each week as more and more ships continue to demonstrate a desire to help others at sea. Those that go to sea understand the blanket of protection Amver provides. Those who have been rescued are grateful. Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver system.
  • ADELANTE
  • ANAGEL ASPIRATION
  • ANDROMEDA GLORY
  • CAPE KALA KANE
  • CASPAIN
  • CENTER
  • EMIL
  • EVELYN SCHULTE
  • KAGOSHIMA MARU
  • MAERSK TANJONG
  • MOL MANEUVER
  • MR. JONAH
  • MSC LA SPEZIA
  • NEPTYTANK
  • PACIFIC LAUREL
  • POS AVENTURIN
  • SEA STAR
  • SOUTHERN FIGHTER
  • VIVACE
  • YIN NENG
Thank you for helping ensure no call for help goes unanswered.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Amver participating cruise ship rescues 70 in Alaska

The Amver participating cruise ship Volendam assisted in the rescue of 76 passengers from the sightseeing boat Baranof Wind after it struck a rock in Glacier Bay, Alaska and started taking on water on August 19, 2012. The Volendam embarked 70 passengers.

The Volendam, an Amver participant since it enrolled in 1999, is managed by Holland America Line and has earned 7 Amver awards for participation.

This rescue demonstrates the power of partnerships forged between Amver participants and the U.S. Coast Guard and serves as an example of how rescue efforts in the Arctic, or other areas with limited search and rescue resources, may be achieved using commercial ships.

It was another Holland America Line cruise ship, the Princendam, that caught fire in the Gulf of Alaska in 1980 and required the evacuation of all 520 passengers, many were rescued by Amver ships. Perhaps this was Holland America Line's way of paying safety forward.

Bravo Zulu to the crew of the Volendam for helping saves lives at sea!

Ship photo credit: Wikipedia
Baranof Wind photo credit: Holland America Line

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Welcome Wednesday!

What ships enrolled in Amver in the past week? Take a look. These ships, their crews and management, have gone an extra step to commit to ensuring no call for help goes unanswered. Help us welcome them to Amver safety network.
  • CARLOTA C
  • CHANG HE
  • FUGA
  • KING MILO
  • KM NAGOYA
  • MSC ANASTASIA
  • NCC SAMA
  • NORDROSE
  • ORIENT APPROACH
  • SABINE
  • SANDINO
  • SHINING DRAGON
  • SINGAPORE BULKER
  • STOLT COURAGE
  • THIRA SEA
  • VALROSSA
  • VENUS SHINING
Thank you for joining us, helping save lives at sea!

Photo credit: Fotolia

Monday, August 13, 2012

U.S. Navy vessel, Amver ship collide

According to a news release from the United States Navy, the Guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) collided with the Amver participating tanker Otowasan in the Straight of Hormuz approximately 1:00 am local time on August 12, 2012. There were no injuries reported.

The Panamanian flagged tanker, managed by MOL Tankership Managmenet, enrolled in the Amver system on March 14, 2010 and has earned one Amver award for participation.

Amver differs from AIS or LIRT and is used for search and rescue, not anti-collision or security purposes. Want to learn more about Amver? Just check out our Amver 101 story.

U.S. Navy photo by by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman/Released.

Otowasan photo courtesty of marinetraffic.com

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Greek Amver ship saves Canadian sailor

A 72 year old Canadian sailor, on a voyage from Maui to Vancouver, was plucked from the sailboat Turicum by a Greek Amver participant on Tuesday August 7, 2012, 1040 nautical miles north northeast of Hawaii after experiencing a condition that required medical attention.

The 72 year old Vancouver resident was returning on the 44 foot sailing vessel when a medical condition worsened and he became dehydrated. The crew of the Turicum notified U.S. Coast Guard rescue authorities in Honolulu who began querying the Amver system for commercial ships that could assist.

The Hanjin Vancouver initially agreed to divert and assist the sailor but the Greek flagged Navarino was closer and agreed to divert towards the sailboat and help the ill yachtsmen.

"We are 320 miles from the Turicum's last reported position," stated the Captain of the Navarino, "we expect to meet in 12 hours. Please pass to the vessel to maintain 150 meridian." The Captain rendezvoused with the Turicum ahead of schedule and maneuvered the 1000 foot container ship within 4 meters of the sailboat, providing a lee from the wind. The crew of the Navarino then used a tether to transfer the sailor through the pilot entrance. The sailor was uninjured in the transfer.

The Navarino, previously named Hyundai Navarino
A U.S. Coast Guard flight surgeon instructed the crew of the Navarino to assess the sailor. The crew reported he was still experiencing some health issues, but had normal vital signs and was able to sleep. The Navarino will bring the sailor to its next port call, Los Angeles, Calf. on August 10, 2012.

The Navarino, managed by Costamare Shipping Company of Athens, Greece, enrolled in Amver on June 8, 2012 2010 and has earned two awards for participation.

The Navarino provides its vessel position through an agreement with Pole Star which gives commercial ships the opportunity to report to the Amver system automatically and free of charge as part of its Fleet Management system.

Image credit: Vic Maui return
Photo credit: marinetraffic.com