MARAD advisory for East China Sea

The U.S. Maritime Administration has issued Maritime Advisory 2013-02 to maritime interests in the area of the South China Sea. According to the release there is a frequent presence in the East China Sea south of 30 degrees north latitude of Chinese and Japanese maritime law enforcement or military ships and aircraft. Mariners are warned to avoid any activity by those vessels.

MARAD notes there have been no disruption of normal maritime activity in the area, but cites numerous sources indicating the potential for disruptions to commercial maritime interests exists.

U.S. flagged vessels are advised to immediately report incidents to the COMPACFLT OPCONCEN PEARL HARBOR HI (1) 808-471-3291/5200; NAVCOMTELSA GUAM 671-355-5513/5326/5327/5328; NAVCOMTELSTA FAR EAST 81-311-743-7510; COGARD COMMSTA KODIAK AK (1) 907-487-5778.

While MARAD Advisories are sent to U.S. maritime interests, all Amver participants should consider the information and take appropriate action.

Welcome Wednesday!

The numbers continue to rise! Last week 43 vessels enrolled in the Amver system, increasing the total number of ships available for search and rescue situations around the world. If you have considered having your ships participate, but are worried you'll be dispatched to search for a needle in a haystack consider this; only 144 ships out of over 20,000 that participate in Amver were tasked with assisting in a search and rescue incident in 2012. Now help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• ALHENA
• APL SALALAH
• BALI
• BERGE NEBLINA
• BISTARI 8
• CASTORONE
• CENTRANS TREASURE
• EFTICHIA
• ELEKTRA
• FAIRCHEM SILVER
• FEDERICA
• FINESSE
• FOREST TRADER
• GUO YUAN 10
• HAMBURG EXPRESS
• HANJIN TURKEY
• HOUYOSHI EXPRESS II
• JS COUGAR
• JUBILANT GLORY
• KARPATY
• KINGCUP
• KM OSAKA
• LBC EARTH
• MARETA
• MARTINA C
• MOTIVATOR
• NICOS TOMASOS
• NORDTULIP
• NUR EYE I
• NUR EYE II
• OWL
• ROSA TOMASOS
• SANDPIPER BULKER
• SANTA BARBARA
• SEASALVIA
• SPRING NEXUS
• STAR LINDESNESS
• SUNNY SMILE
• THRUSH
• VERONIQUE D
• WARSAW
• WLADYSLAW ORKAN
• YASA EAGLE

Photo credit: Fotolia

Cruise ship makes first Amver rescue of 2013

The cruise ship Orion made the first Amver rescue of 2013 in a treacherous rescue off the coast of Tasmania. According to a release from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, a solo sailor had spent 56 hours in a life raft in the Southern Ocean after his yacht was de-masted and hull damaged in rough weather on Friday, January 18, 2013 during a round the world journey.

Australian rescue personnel sent search aircraft that dropped survival and communications supplies to the sailor and contacted the master of the Orion. The cruise ship was 600 miles away from the sailor when rescue authorities requested the captain divert the 337 foot cruise ship and embark the sailor. Once the Orion reached the life raft the recovery of the sailor took approximately one hour. The crew of the Bahamian flagged cruise ship were assisted by better than expected weather conditions.

Here is a video of the rescue operations.




The sailor was in good health with minor injuries and was taken back to Hobart, Tasmania. "His hands are a little swollen and some joints a little stiff but but he is walking around his suite," expedition leaders Don and Margie McIntyre said, "he ordered a steak for lunch!"

The Orion, managed by Orion Expedition Cruises of North Sydney, Australia, enrolled in the Amver system on March 31, 2005 and has earned 3 Amver awards for participation.

Video and photo credit: Orion Facebook page
 

Updated Merchant Mariner Credentialing Forms

The U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center recently posted a release (link to PDF file) stating new versions of the Coast Guard forms used to apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential have been updated. The updated forms are:

• 719B Application
• 719K Medical Evaluation
• 719KE Evaluation of Fitness for Entry Level Ratings
• 719S Small Vessel Sea Service
• 719P Periodic Drug Testing

The data collected on the updated forms is nearly identical to the previous series of forms, however, several of the forms have undergone significant format revisions. The new expiration date of these forms is January 31, 2016.

Implementation of these forms will commence on or about January 28, 2013. The Coast Guard will not stock the updated CG-719 series forms on paper format. These forms will be available in a PDF fill-able format at the National Maritime Center forms page. 

Mariners and other providers should email the Customer Care Center or call 888-427-5662 with any questions or feedback regarding the new forms.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

30 more ships have enrolled in Amver and joined the ranks of mariner helping mariner. If you haven't made a resolution for 2013, perhaps enrolling in the Amver system should be your resolution!

If you're looking for a reason to join, consider this. A coordinated emergency response saves time, money, fuel, and wages. In the meantime, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver system.

• ALICANTE
• APL NORWAY
• ATLANTIC KLIPPER
• BLUEBIRD ARROW
• BNEIDER
• CINTANA NAREE
• COSCO FAITH
• DALIAN HIGHWAY
• FOREST SYMPHONY
• GLOBAL ANDES
• GLORIOUS FUJI
• HAPPY DRAGON
• HAU AN CHENG
• HYUNDAI SAMHO S585
• KASHIMA MARU
• KOTA BUANA
• LIBERTY
• MARY
• NORD SIRIUS
• OCEAN SPLEANDOR
• OZREN TIDE
• PACIFIC CENTURY
• RTM CABOT
• SEACOR INTERVENTION
• SPRING
• THERESA GUANGDONG
• TWINKLE SALUTE
• UNISON SPARK
• UNIVERSAL DURBAN
• VALE SAHAM

Photo credit: Fotolia

Crisis Communications

With rare exception, about the only time you hear about ships in the news is when something has gone terribly wrong. Recognizing the fact that bad things do happen, The Baltic Exchange is offering its members a crisis communications course in Athens, Greece in February.

What can you expect in the program?

The course will provide an understanding and appreciation of how the media react to a maritime incident and present an outline of the tools and techniques available to protect the reputation of the company involved.

The course will be held 1030-1330, followed by lunch.

Session 1 - how the media reacts to a maritime crisis
Session 2 - case study: MSC Napoli
Session 3 - how social media has changed the rules of engagement
Session 4 - practical exercises: responding to the media

Not just for crisis

Strategic communications shouldn't be limited to crisis response. Consider what happens when an Amver participant makes a rescue? We try and share the story with the media, we often request pictures and video from you (the ship or shipping company) and we submit vessels for special awards. We'll also issue a press release. Sadly, many shipping companies are reluctant to share their good news stories with us.

We hope you recognize the importance of sharing the good, as well as managing the bad.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

More ships! Send us more ships! More ships have been sent, as proven by the latest number of vessels enrolled in the Amver system. Here is a list of 33 more that were enrolled in the Amver system in the past week. If your ship isn't listed, perhaps it's time to sign up.

• APL DUBLIN
• AQUALEGACY
• AQUALOYALTY
• AST SUNSHINE
• BRIGHTOIL GRAVITY
• BUNGA LUCERNE
• CAPE KENNEDY
• CENTRANS SATYR
• CLEARWATER BAY
• ELENI
• GENIUS STAR XI
• GEORGIA M
• HR CONSTELLATION
• IOANNA D
• KENAN
• KOTA BAKTI
• MADEIRA
• MAZONI
• NOCC OCEANIC
• OCEAN OPAL
• OCEAN QUARTZ
• ORANGE TIARA
• RTM DIAS
• SEA EXPLORER
• SEATREASURE
• STENA CARRIER
• SYNERGY
• TANA SEA
• TONG AN CHENG
• UNI WEALTH
• VENUS HISTORY
• VICTORIA HARBOUR

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver cruise ship struck by massive wave

The Amver participating cruise ship, Silver Explorer, was struck by large waves injuring several crew members after leaving on January 4, 2013 from Ushuaia, Argentina to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.

According to a release from Silversea, "All 133 guests and 113 crew members are safe; no guests were injured but four crew members received minor injuries and were treated in the ship's Medical Center."

The Silver Explorer is an ice strengthened expedition passenger vessel. The Bahamanian flagged ship enrolled in Amver in 2003 and has earned four Amver awards for participation.

According to the release, the Silver Explorer has full power and control, passengers are able to stay in contact with their family members, and the ship has resumed its voyage back to Ushuaia.

Photo credit: Marinetraffic.com

Maritime Administration Advisory: Iranian Navel Exercise

The Maritime Administration released an advisory alerting U.S. Flagged ships, and other maritime interests, of the potential for a possible disruption to shipping in conjunction with an upcoming Iranian Naval exercise in the vicinity of the Straight of Hormuz.

According to Advisory 2013-01, the possibility exists that Iran will attempt to conduct boardings and inspections during exercises with limited warnings before commencing the exercise.

If a U.S. Flagged vessel is hailed for boarding by the Iranian Navy, the ship's master should "protest but comply", if circumstances warrant. Furthermore, U.S. Flagged vessels are advised to immediately report incidents to the COMUSNAVCENT BATTLEWATCH CAPTAIN (Maritime Operations Center) at 011-973-1785-3879 and MARLO Bahrain at 011-973-3940-1395.

Amver vessels should also take note of this advisory.

For further information is available by email from MARAD at maradsecrity@got.gov.

Photo credit: Fotolia

World Maritime Day- 2013

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced the 2013 World Maritime Day Theme: "Sustainable Development: IMO's contribution beyond Rio+20". But don't just think "green" or slow steaming. The World Maritime Day theme embraces all aspects of shipping. IMO Secretary General Koji Sekimizu established a task force that has set eight pillars around which sustainable maritime goals could be set:

• safety culture and environmental stewardship
• energy efficiency
• new technology and innovation
• maritime education and training
• maritime security and anti-piracy actions
• maritime traffic management
• maritime infrastructure development
• global standards at IMO

How does this year's theme relate to Amver? The Amver system allows rescue professionals to best coordinate search efforts at sea and divert the most appropriate ship in an emergency. This allows other ships to continue on their voyage- saving time, fuel, and money.

We look forward to World Maritime Day celebrations around the world. How will you celebrate?

Photo credit: IMOHQ via Flickr

Changes to Search and Rescue Manual

The International Maritime Organization recently announced changes to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual. Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Circular 1415 describes the amendments that should become applicable on July 1, 2013.

The full circular (MSC.1/Circ.1415) can be found here (link to .pdf document).

All vessels that fall under SOLAS (including Amver vessels) should have the amendments on their ships by the July 2013 deadline.

Photo credit: IMOHQ via Flickr

Welcome Wednesday!

Welcome to the first Welcome Wednesday post of 2013. If you're new to Amver, you can learn more about us here. Each week we list the latest ships to enroll in our voluntary search and rescue system. Help us welcome the newest members.

• ASHOK
• BASLE EXPRESS
• BENGAL ORCHID
• CENTRANS ATLAS
• CORDULA JACOB
• GULF VALOUR
• KOBE CHOUEST
• MAIDEN VOYAGE
• MARDINIK
• MOONBEAM
• NORD FLEX
• PASSERO
• PEACE GEM
• SPRING WARBLER
• TRUST STAR
• WYATT CANDIES

Photo credit: Fotolia

New SOLAS Amendments on lifeboat safety

The International Maritime Organization recently posted a reminder that the amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea aimed at preventing accidents during lifeboat launching took effect on January 1, 2013

From the IMO website-

Safety managers of Amver vessels should refer to the appropriate sources or the IMO for further information.

Earthquake hits Gulf of Alaska: tsunami warning cancelled

The United States Geological Survey reported a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Gulf of Alaska approximately 94 kilometers west of Craig, Alaska prompting officials to issue, then cancel a tsunami warning.

There are no current tsunami warnings for the Gulf of Alaska but authorities warn large waves are still possible. Amver vessels, and other boaters, should exercise caution.

Graphic credit: NOAA

Holiday wishes from all the ships at sea

We always enjoy hearing from our Amver participating ships. This holiday season brought another round of well wishes from ships around the world.

Thank you for what you do!

From the JBU ONYX
Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2013

From the ACS DIAMOND
Best Regards and Merry  Christmas

From the HHL CONGO
Merry Christmas to all of you

From the MOSEL ACE
Merry  Christmas/Thank You!

From the DISNEY FANTASY
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

From the SA ALTIUS
Merry Christmas

From the master and crew of the HERODOTUS
Good day and Merry Christmas!
Wish, Happy and prosperous New Year 2013, to all of you!

From the MV ECOLA
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From the Research Vessel MELVILLE
Merry Christmas

From the THORCO SVENBORG
Merry Christmas

From the DESERT GLORY
Merry Christmas
Happy New Year 2013

From the GLORIOSA
Merry Christmas to all your crew

From the MATAR STAR
Merry Christmas

From the ALPHA GLORY
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From the POUNDA
We wish to all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From the ANANGEL EXPLORER
The master and the crew wish you a Merry Christmas to you and your families!

From the GULF MEWS
Merry Christmas

From the NYK AQUARIUS
Happy Christmas

From the BW LION
Merry Christmas
Happy New Year

From the IOANNIS
On behalf of all my officers and crew, we would like to greet you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! -- master

From the DUNEDIN STAR
Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year

From the RED IRIS
Happy New Year

From the AEGEAN LEADER
Thank you and Happy New Year

From the STAR BREEZE
Happy New Year and Good Day!

From the GOTLAND SPIRIT
Happy New Year

From the WAWASAN RUBY
Dear Sirs and Madams, Good Day! Wishing you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2013.

From the ALPHA CENTURY
Happy New Year

From the STELLAR KNIGHT
Wish you all a Happy/Prosperous New Year

From the MALAKAND
Happy New Year

From the CORAL ISLANDER II
Wishing you all a Happy New Year

From the DAISY K
Wishing you all a Happy New Year and Good Day!

From the SWARNA KANAL
Dear Madam/Sirs, Entire personnel of "SWARNA KANAL" join me to wish you and your family a
very-very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2013

Best wishes to all the Amver seafarers and participants around the world!

Photo credit: Fotolia

Top 10 posts of 2012

What were the top posts on the Amver blog in 2012? Take a look!

Top 10 posts from 2012

1. Billionaire Paul Allen's yacht Octopus to the rescue- again!
2. IMO and U.S. Coast Guard urge protection of Titanic wreck
3. Billionaire Paul Allen's yacht Octopus assists in search for missing plane
4. What is Amver?
5. How to respond to a cruise ship sinking
6. Amver ship races to save crew of MSC Flaminia
7. Amver container ship rescues 3 Canadians in dramatic Pacific rescue
8. Amver cruise ship rescues 2
9. Amver ship sinks, sparking second largest search and rescue mission in Amver's 53 year history
10. Greek Amver ship rescues 10 fishermen

What was your favorite Amver story from 2012?

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

As 2012 closed out there were an additional 22 ships enrolling in the Amver system. Thank you for helping make 2012 a very successful year for Amver. Because of you the seas are safer. Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• AFRICAN JACANA
• CENTRANS GRUS
• CENTRANS THEA
• DRAGON
• ENERGY HORIZON
• HENRY BRUSCO
• KEY LIGHT
• MISS BENEDETTA
• NAVE AQUILA
• NAVE CETUS
• NORD PEAK
• NORD SUMMIT
• PAC SCHEDAR
• PAC SUHAIL
• RAVEN ARROW
• ROYAL JUSTICE
• SEA PEARL
• SHARON
• SPL ATACAMA
• SUNRISE SALUTE
• TOMOZURU MARU
• VISHVA JYOTI

Photo credit: Fotolia