Welcome Wednesday!

As we close out 2014 we want to bring you the final list of ships that enrolled in Amver in the past week. Help us welcome these vessels and crews and best wishes for a prosperous and safe 2015!

• F.D. ANGELICA
• WESTERN NARVIK
• RANGIROA
• BOURBON LIBERTY 163
• ALWINE OLDENDORFF
• MARLENE OLDENDORFF
• KESTREL
• SAMSUNG 2065
• HUDONG-ZHONGHUA H1683A

Photo credit: Fotolia

Happy Holidays

The Amver staff wishes everyone a happy holiday season!

Welcome Wednesday!

It's Christmas Eve and we're still bringing the list of those ships newly enrolled in Amver. Why? Because there are thousands of seafarers at sea today. While many of us are safely on shore, please remember the many seafarers underway today and everyday.

• FAR SWAN
• NORD CAPELLA
• ROWAN RELIANCE
• TEAL BULKER
• XIN HAI TONG 8
• ALDEBARAN STAR
• CAUTIN
• GASLOG SARATOGA

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

The latest list of ships to enroll in Amver is available. You won't find this anywhere else. Every day we're honored to have more of you join and make yourselves available for search and rescue around the world. Thank you.

• AL ORAIQ
• SEA CHOCTAW
• SAPURAKENCANA 3500
• CMA CGM ELBE
• ACER ARROW
• ALDERBARAN
• MANDUME
• KATYAVALA
• PACIFIC MELTEM
• THORCO CASSIOPEIA
• COPIAPO

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Here's a peek at the latest vessels to enroll in Amver. We feel its important to share this with you. To shine a light on the good things shipping does. Too often we hear bad news. Well, we're in the good news department and here are 13 reasons to recognize the good shipping provides.

• FRIO MURMANSK
• CENTAURUS
• THALASSA AXIA
• BW ARIES
• CAPE WRATH
• STI MADISON
• CRYSTAL BAY
• NEW DRAGON
• CIC EPOS
• NOBLE BULLY II
• STENA IMPRESSION
• NAVIGATOR TRITON
• CCNI IQUIQUE

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

If you want to see who joined Amver this week look for further. Each week we proudly bring you a list of the latest ships enrolled in the Amver system. Will you see your ship listed here? 

• OCEAN PROLOGUE
• ANNA T
• ALTARF STAR
• HERCULES VOYAGER
• BW EGRET
• SUNDAISY E
• HOS CALEDONIA
• STI REGINA
• GLOBAL CORAL
• JMU ARIAKE 5016
• SHIP ISLAND
• ALTAIR STAR
• C-SPIRIT
• MICHAIL
• TAXIARCHIS
• NORD VIRGO

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver participating bulker rescues 3 near Bermuda

The Amver participating bulk carrier AM Zenica rescued three Canadian sailors from their 44-foot sailboat after it caught fire approximately 250 miles north of Bermuda on Saturday, November 15, 2014.

The crew of the sailboat made a mayday call which was heard by the Marshall Island flagged ship. The 738-foot ship was on a voyage from Norfolk, Va. to Croatia when Captain Manoj Mehrotra heard the call for help, ordered the vessel to begin rescue operations and notified U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel at the Fifth District Rescue Coordination Center.

Despite 25 knot winds and waves greater than 12 feet, Captain Mehrota's crew was able to safely embark the three Canadian yachtsmen and resumed the voyage to Croatia. "The sailor's are safely aboard our ship and have brought their distress beacon," Captain Mehrota. "They're uninjured," he added. U.S. Coast Guard officials notified their Canadian rescue counterparts who will help the sailors return home.

The AM Zenica, managed by ArcelorMittal Shipping of London, enrolled in Amver on June 2, 2014 and will earn its first Amver participation award this year.

Photo credit: Crew of the AM Zenica.

Welcome Wednesday!

If you want to know what ships have enrolled in Amver look for no further. For almost five years we have thanked and listed the ships joining Amver in the previous week. We're happy to share this with you, to recognize these ships, the crews and the companies that go the extra step to help ensure no call for help goes unanswered. Will you join us?

• ZAURAK STAR
• TITANIUM EXPLORER
• UNITED PRESTIGE
• YARI LNG
• STI VENERE
• HIGH VOYAGER
• NEW DREAM
• AMSTEL OSPREY
• SURF SUPPORTER
• GALA
• FRONT IDUN
• KSL SANTOS
• LINCOLN SEA

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver participating boxship saves 2 off Cape Hatteras

The Amver participating container ship Horizon Trader saved two yachtsmen from their sailboat 55 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., on Wednesday, November 12, 2014.

Rescue authorities at the U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District Command Center received a Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) alert from the 43-foot sailboat  Sea Hole. The crew of the Sea Hole also reported they were beset by weather and one crew member wanted to get off the sailboat. Rescue personnel utilized an Amver Surface Picture (SURPIC) to locate the 810-foot container ship and requested the ship divert and assist the sailboat. The Horizon Trader was only 1 mile from the sailboat.

On scene weather reports indicated waves were approximately 10-feet and winds were greater than 35 knots.

"Currently we are on scene and in communications with the sailboat," the crew of the Horizon Trader radioed to the Coast Guard. "We will approach and conduct a transfer," the ship's crew added. A rescue helicopter was also diverted to the scene and was able to hoist the survivors from the deck of the container ship.

The Horizon Trader, managed by Horizon Lines, enrolled in Amver on January 1, 1974 and earned 31 Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver participating cruise ship saves 12 migrants VIDEO AVAILABLE

The Amver participating cruise ship Celebrity Reflection rescued 12 Cuban migrants from a rustic vessel on Sunday, November 9, 2014.

The 1.046-foot cruise ship notified U.S. Coast Guard rescue authorities the crew had spotted a rustic vessel adrift in four-foot waves and winds gusting more than 15 knots. The crew of the cruise ship launched a rescue boat and safely embarked the 12 Cubans.

Here is video of the rescue-


Can't see the video? Click here.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bernard Webber met with the cruise ship and the survivors were transferred to the Coast Guard.

The Celebrity Reflection enrolled in Amver on October 23, 2012 and has earned two Amver participation awards.

Video credit: Kelly Krefting via YouTube

Welcome Wednesday!

November always seems like a busy month for Amver. We begin preparing for our upcoming awards season, but also find many of our most unusual or dangerous cases seem to happen this month. Dangerous seas are the main reason we encourage active Amver participation. Many of you have answered the call. The most recent ships to enroll in Amver are listed below. Thank you.

• GERD
• ORE TIANJIN
• GLOBAL EFFORT
• OOCL SINGAPORE
• IOLCOS FIGHTER
• NAVIGATOR OBERON
• LINDA OLDENDORFF
• SEACOR BRAVE
• AL RAWDAH
• NEW LAUREL
• Q ANASTASIA
• PACIFIC TALENT

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver participating LPG tanker rescues three in bizarre mutiny

An Amver participating LPG carrier rescued three crew members in a bizarre case involving a possible mutiny aboard a 54-foot fishing vessel 700 miles northeast of Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

Crew members of a fishing vessel reported to U.S. Coast Guard personnel in Miami that they were on the bow of their boat and needed to be taken off the vessel. They reported their lives were in danger and activated the boat's Emergency Radio Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

Because of the great distance offshore, Coast Guard rescue personnel queried the Amver system and located the M/V Tessa Kosan, a 367-foot LPG carrier, 30 miles from the fishing vessel. The Isle of Man flagged vessel agreed to divert and embark the crew members.

The crew of the Tessa Kosan, managed by J Lauritzen Kosan A/S of Copenhagen, Denmark, embarked the three fishermen without incident and coordinated with U.S. Coast Guard officials to transfer them to shore near Miami.

The Tessa Kosan enrolled in Amver on March 5, 2008.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Amver bulk carrier rescues three off the coast of Virginia

The Amver participating bulk carrier Ecopride G.O. rescued three people from a disabled sailboat 650 miles east of Virginia on Sunday, November 2, 2014.

Rescue personnel in Boston, Mass. were notified by the 751 foot ship that they embarked three sailors from a capsized sailboat. The Marshall Island flagged ships reported weather conditions were adverse, with high seas and winds greater than 25 knots.

The survivors were taken to Norfolk, Va. where they were transferred to shore.

The Ecopride G.O., managed by Gleamray Maritime of Athens, Greece, enrolled in Amver on October 23, 2014.

Amver Boxship saves three off Oregon Coast

Three yachtsmen from the 34-foot sailboat Hales Revenge were rescued by an Amver participating box ship after activating their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) 800 miles off the coast of Oregon on Monday, October 27, 2014.

Officials at the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Seattle received the distress alert for the sailboat on a voyage from Hawaii to Everett, Wash. when it encountered heavy seas, large wave impacts and suffered interior flooding. Rescue officials diverted a rescue aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento and diverted the 964 foot container ship to assist.

The Panamanian flagged ship was only 130 miles from the sailboat when the captain agreed to divert and assist but notified rescue personnel that it could take seven or eight hours to reach the sailboat in the heavy weather. "We're in the vicinity of the distress location and have radio communications with the sailboat," the captain radioed to the Coast Guard.

The three survivors were all recovered by the container ship, which is managed by Hyundai Merchant Marine Company, and disembarked in Panama. The Hyundai Grace enrolled in Amver on December 18, 2013.

A Hyundai official stated, "Due to the rescue, we detoured about 540 kilometers resulting in a one day delay in our schedule. However, we were glad to have been able to save lives. Although the rescue occurred in foul weather, three hours of search efforts with four meter high waves and 25 knot wind speeds, we credit the success of the operation to our strict regular emergency training and commitment to good seamanship."

Photo credit: Hyundai Merchant Marine

Welcome Wednesday!

Another sixteen ships have enrolled in the Amver system this week. Thank you. Without your voluntary support we would not have been able to coordinate the rescue of more than 1,000 people so far this year. But we can do more. Remember, Amver sees past national interests, political ideology and religion. The Amver system doesn't bar entry because of disagreements between nations and your vessel position reports are not used by the United States for security or law enforcement purposes. Your vessel information is only used for search and rescue. Honestly it doesn't matter who comes to save you in a time of need. When it boils down to the basics, we are seafarers first. Now, help us welcome the latest participants in the Amver system.

• TAHITI
• ASIA ENERGY
• KSL SAN FRANCISCO
• INTHIRA NAREE
• SAMUDRIKA-3
• QUANTUM OF THE SEAS
• DEFENDER
• YM UNITY
• YM UTMOST
• JS GREENSAND
• EMMA OLDENDORFF
• X-PRESS NUPTSE
• STRATEGIC HARMONY
• WIDE CHARLIE
• HARVEST FROST
• CSL WELLAND

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Why do we bring you the latest ships to join Amver each week? Partly because we are proud of these ships, proud of their crews and shore personnel for having them join Amver. We also share it because the old Amver Bulletin would highlight new ships when we used to publish hard copies. Today's digital world makes it easier for us to bring you this information right to your inbox. Want to see your ship listed here? Enroll today!

• ENTERPRISE
• MING DE
• GOLAR GLACIER
• GOLARD FROST
• STI ORCHARD
• ALPINE
• HOUSTON BRIDGE
• HANGZHOU BAY BRIDGE
• HANOI BRIDGE
• SANTA REGINA
• ALAM MOLEK
• KSL SANTIAGO
• IERAX
• ICE HAWK
• ICE CONDOR
• YM ULTIMATE
• LEON
• RMC ALTAIR
• EXCELSIOR BAY
• ERISKAY

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

What do you get when you add 23 more ships to Amver? You get a more robust international search and rescue system! Thank you to the ships listed below for enrolling in the Amver safety network. What's keeping you from signing up?

• SEAFREEZE ALASKA
• ZAGARA
• JAZAN
• SHAMROCK JUPITER
• PALU LNG
• STI OLIVIA
• RISING SUN
• YM UNISON
• SUNROSE E
• SILVERMINE
• ALNASL STAR
• AL DASMA
• KAIFAN
• THORCO LEGACY
• STI DAMA
• SEAFISHER
• ECOPRIDE G.O.
• FAST HAULER
• STI PARK
• ENTERPRISE
• VICTORY
• GODDESS SANTOSH DEVI
• PEACEFUL SEAS

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

We're happy to share the list of the latest vessels enrolled in Amver. We bring this to you each week to highlight the good work ships and shipping companies do. We know you have many other interests and bridge duties. We appreciate your willingness to take the extra step, ensuring you send position reports to Amver. Help us welcome the latest members.

• WESTERN EYDE
• ALPINE MARY
• HYUNDAI MIPO 2329
• PORTO LEONE
• GENTLE SEAS
• HOEGH GALLANT
• REUBEN LASKER
• THEBE
• ATLANTIC ISLAND

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver values your opinion

U.S. Coast Guard graduate students at the George Washington University Trachtenberg School for Public Policy and Public Administration need your help to evaluate the U.S. Coast Guard's Amver program.

As you know, the Amver system is a global network of voluntary shipping vessels that respond to mariners in distress. The program's goal is to promote the safety of life at sea for mariners in distress.

The Amver program constantly attempts to reach out to current and potential member ships and shipping companies through various marketing techniques. The goal is to recruit new members and encourage the participation of current ones. Your anonymous survey response will help us better reach out to new and current members to grow the program and the contribution it makes to promoting safety of life at sea.

The U.S. Coast Guard values your participation in the Amver program. Help us improve Amver through your feedback to allow us to better serve you and your crews. 

You can access the survey here.

Thank you for participating!

Amver tanker saves sailor and dog

An Amver tanker rescued a sailor and his dog from a damaged catamaran 500 miles east of Wilmington, NC on Friday, October 10, 2014.

Coast Guard rescue personnel in Portsmouth, Va. received notification from the International Emergency Rescue Coordination Center that the 30-foot catamaran was in distress with a damaged hull off the coast of North Carolina. They immediately diverted a C-130 rescue aircraft from US Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City and diverted the Amver vessel Torm Gunhild. The Marshall Island flagged vessel was only seven miles from the distress location.

The master of the 590-foot tanker was able to quickly located the catamaran, lowered a rescue boat and quickly embarked the sailor and his female Chihuahua, Bibi. "Both master and dog are in good health, besides being a little distraught due to the nature of the incident," reported the captain of the Torm Gunhild. The survivors were taken to the Bahamas where they were transferred to shore personnel.

The Torm Gunhild, managed by Torm A/S of Denmark, enrolled in Amver on January 2, 2000 and has earned 11 Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: M/v Torm Gunhild

Amver bulker rescues 3 in Pacific Ocean rescue

The Amver participating bulker Nord Venus rescued three people from an overdue skiff near in the vicinity of Chuuk Atoll on Thursday, October 8, 2014.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue authorities at Sector Guam received an email from the Chuuk Search and Rescue Liaison regarding an overdue vessel with four people onboard. The 19-foot vessel departed Weno, Chuuk on Sunday, October 5 and was expected to arrive in Fananu the same day.

Coast Guard rescue personnel diverted a search and rescue aircraft as well as diverting the 734-foot bulk carrier to search for the missing men. The Panamanian flagged ship began search and rescue operations and located three of the missing men. "Please be advised we've rescued three alive persons," the Nord Venus's captain email to the Coast Guard. "Survivor's condition is alive, not so bad, could drink and eat a little and are sleeping," he added.

The survivors were transferred to rescue personnel in Chuuk and the Nord Venus continued on its voyage. The Nord Venus, managed by Nissen Kiaun Company Ltd, enrolled in Amver on March 13, 2012.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Welcome Wednesday!

Take a look! Another thirteen ships have enrolled in Amver! Your vessel could be listed here too if you just log on and sign up. Joining is easy and you won't be asked to do anything more than you've pledged to do as a seafarer. In fact, your ship is more likely to be used in a better coordinated manner when you join Amver and are called upon for search and rescue. Help us welcome the latest members.

• SBI CHARLESTON
• KISMET
• DCI DREDGE IX
• MANGAN TRADER I
• CLEMENS SHULTE
• BOW TRIDENT
• GERDT OLDENDORFF
• GEMI
• JUPITER BAY
• JUMAIRA
• CORSAIR
• ISLAND CENTURION
• ISLAND CAPTAIN

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver Updates Improve Polar Search and Rescue

Amver recently updated its Report Validation/Vessel Routing (RVVR) software as part of modernization efforts which have been in progress for the last eighteen months. This software is used by Amver watchstanders to monitor and correct vessel message traffic that cannot be processed automatically due to problems such as typos or inconsistent information. Manual intervention on these reports ensures that as much message traffic as possible is processed correctly by Amver for accurate use in a Surface Picture (SURPIC).

One of the updates to the application address the situation in which a watchstander must correct a report from a vessel that is currently on a voyage in the Polar region. In previous versions, it was impossible to modify turn points of a voyage route in latitudes that approached Polar extremes. With the updated version, alternative map projections centered on the poles can be used to view voyages in those regions. The projection functionality allows a watchstander to seamlessly transition from a typical Mercator-style map to a Polar stereographic view and edit voyage legs.

Although these Polar situations are uncommon at present, Amver is always attempting to look ahead and use technical upgrades such as those applied to RVVR to make the seas safer.

Photo credit: Amver Team

Welcome Wednesday!

Thirteen may be unlucky to some, but we think it's a pretty darn lucky number? Why? Because thirteen vessels enrolled in Amver in the past week! Is your ship listed below? It could be if you sign up and become part of the only worldwide voluntary search and rescue system. Now, help us welcome the latest members.

• NAVE LUMINOSITY
• BUENA VENTURA
• BOUGAINVILLE
• CROSBY ENTERPRISE
• PINE VALLEY KONTOR
• FRISIA BONN
• MARGRET OLDENDORFF
• ELISABETH CHRISTINA
• CLIPPER EXCALIBUR
• KYPROS UNITY
• PRT KAHO
• GUANARTEME
• ZEYNO

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

What does success look like? It looks like this. It looks like 25 additional members enrolled in the Amver system. We hope you'll consider enrolling your fleet. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• AMIS ACE
• BOBCAT
• UNION TAYLOR
• OCEAN VICTORY
• FANCOURT KONTOR
• L.J. JOHNSON
• GOLDEN GLORY
• OCEAN HUNTER
• HUANGHAI ADVANCE
• BALEARES
• HOS BLACK WATCH
• LEFKES
• POLAR SEA
• SPANACO LOYALTY
• SPANACO RELIABILITY
• PSKOV
• NAVIGATOR EUROPA
• SILVER AMANDA
• NORDIC OSHIMA
• WESTERN HARMONY
• JOBST OLDENDORFF
• CARABOBO
• CAP SERRAT
• TOU FU 6
• GREEN SAPPHIRE

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

We're honored you, the shipping community, continues to lend its support to Amver by enrolling ships each week. Without your dedication to saving lives at sea we wouldn't be successful. If you haven't enrolled, consider joining. What are the benefits? Well, that's hard to say really. What you'll contribute too, however, is a network of coordinated ships involved in the largest voluntary search and rescue system in the world. Help us save lives. Join today.

• PROTOSTAR N
• OSTE
• ADAM LNG
• KEY NAVIGATOR
• BULLDOG
• CHRISTINE Y
• OVERSEAS SHENANDOAH
• MOL NALA
• MAERSK VOYAGER
• LAGARFOSS
• CHANYA NAREE
• NORTHERN PATRIOT
• KING ISLAND
• COLUMBIA
• GYRFALCON
• DELOS
• YM MODERATION

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

After a successful week at SMM we're pleased to present the latest list of new Amver ships. These vessels are part of something larger, something greater, something that helps save lives at sea. If you are one of these crew members, take pride in your actions. If you aren't part of the Amver system, would you please consider joining?

• SAMUDRIKA-8
• LEWEK PENGUIN
• SEA APACHE
• SEA CHEROKEE
• CORSAR
• POSH PERSISTENCE
• K.D. MALAVIYA
• WATER LILY
• SIMON LD
• POSH SHEARWATER
• PTSC HAI AN
• OOCL KOREA
• ALPINE MARIA
• THALASSA DOXA
• SHAO SHAN 8
• HAI DOUNG 101
• EXCKERT OLDENDORFF
• SITC NAGOYA
• TIAN LONG ZOU
• BEI JIANG
• XIN HAI HE
• OLYMPIC TAURUS
• NOBLE TOM MADDEN
• HOEGH JEDDAH
• LAKE DESPINA
• LAWIN ARROW

Photo credit: Fotolia 

Welcome Wednesday!

Who joined Amver this week? Here's the list! The Amver team is busy in a Hamburg, Germany this week at SMM recruiting more ships and hosting an Amver awards ceremony recognizing the German shiiping communities contribution to Amver. Now, help us welcome our new members.

• MOL NAJA
• ORANGE OCEAN
• HIGH FIDELITY
• FAIRCHEM BLADE
• SAN CLEMENTE
• TANDBERG POLAR
• NBA VAN DYCK
• CERES
• CONDOR
• SOVEREIGNTY
• TRINITY SEA
• DAU KHI 105
• HOA MAI 93
• DAU KHI 101
• PHONG LAN
• PTSC VUNGTAU
• PEGASUS
• PTSC HUONG GIANG
• CIC OSLO

Photo credit: Fotolia

 

Welcome Wednesday!

Every week we're proud to bring you the list of the latest vessels to enroll in Amver. Amver participation matters. Every day seafarers are in peril and you help save them. Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network. Oh, and tell your friends!

• TIGER MANGO
• CAMILLA T
• ANANGEL WISDOM
• INVESTIGATOR
• AL YARMOUK
• G. P. ZAFIRAKIS
• ISSARA NAREE
• CAPTAIN JOHN
• CAPTAIN PARIS
• ARINA SAMURAI
• CLEAN PLANET
• FRONT LION
• STI HACKNEY
• CARME
• NAVARIN
• SHINING BLISS
• OCEAN VENDOR

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver ships save 43 migrants in August

Amver saved 43 migrants in August. We're proud of these crews and say Bravo Zulu to them for helping save lives at sea.

August 15, 2014

US Coast Guard rescue personnel at Sector Key West received notification from the Amver participating ship Chem Antares that the crew located a rustic raft with four persons on it approximately 44 miles southwest of Marathon, Fla. The crew of the Marshall Island flagged tanker embarked the migrants and assessed their medical condition before transferring them to the Coast Guard.

August 16, 2014

Rescue personnel at the US Coast Guard Seventh District received notification from the Amver participating cruise ship Allure of the Seas that the Bahamian flagged cruise ship had embarked five Cuban migrants after locating their rustic raft 81 miles southwest of Key West, Fla. The migrants were evaluated for medical problems, given a clean bill of health and transferred to the US Coast Guard.

August 22, 2014

The Amver participating M/V Eternal Sunshine notified US Coast Guard rescue personnel they encountered a rustic raft with seven Cuban migrants. The Eternal Sunshine launched a small boat to embark the migrants from their disabled vessel and provided food and water. The crew of the 587 tanker also hoisted the raft aboard the ship. The migrants were transferred to the US Coast Guard.

In another case that day, the M/V Cap Guillaume encountered a disabled vessel and persons in the water 45 miles north of Grand Bahamas Island. The Greek flagged tanker rescued 16 migrants and US Coast Guard personnel in Miami, Fla. diverted the USCGC William Flores which embarked an additional 10 migrants and transferred the 16 from the Cap Guillaume.

August 23, 2014

The Amver participating cruise ship Carnival Liberty located a rustic raft 62 miles south of Andros Island, Bahamas and embarked eleven Cuban migrants. There were no medical concerns. The Panamanian flagged cruise ship notified the US Coast Guard and transferred the migrants to the Coast Guard Cutter Valiant.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

The value of a life saved. It's hard to put that in numbers. What we can quantify are the number of available resources available for search and rescue. You, the shipping community, help us increase the numbers of available search and rescue resources. In other words, you help increase the likelihood people in distress at sea will be saved. How do you do that? By enrolling in Amver.

Here's the list of the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• CONFIDENCE
• NILEDUTCH BREDA
• SAGITTARIUS OCEAN
• JURA
• WESTERN AKIHABARA
• SEA PEAGUSUS
• STRATEGIC VENTURE
• LEVIATHAN
• CLIPPER BOURGOGNE
• MADARIN CROWN

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Is your vessel listed this week? It could be if you decide to enroll your vessel in Amver. Joining is easy and the dividends are huge. You'll be helping ensure no call for help goes unanswered. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver team.

• TRF OSLO
• SAN LORENZO
• PEGASUS VOYAGER
• DCI DREDGE VI
• APL GUANGZHOU
• JUNIN
• NORDIC NANJING
• GREEN HELLAS
• SILVER STACIE
• MEIYO MARU
• ALDEBARAN
• COLOGNY
• EMERALD STAR
• BUBYAN
• DHIRUBHAI DEEPWATER KG1

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver tanker saves 10 fishermen in the Indian Ocean

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) officials report an Amver participating tanker rescued ten Taiwanese fishermen after their vessel caught fire and sank in the middle of the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, August 13, 2014.

AMSA rescue personnel identified the Amver participating tanker, High Pearl, and requested the ship divert to assist the fishermen. The Singapore flagged tanker arrived on scene and reported ten fishermen had abandoned ship on a rubber mattress. All ten crew members were rescued without incident.

The High Pearl, on time charter with d'Amico of Italy, will continue on a voyage to Durban, South Africa where the fishermen will disembark.

The High Pearl enrolled in Amver on December 16, 2009 and has earned one Amver award for participation.

Photo credit: Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Amver participating container ship rescues 3 in Hurricane Julio

Braving the forces of Hurricane Julio an Amver participating container ship rescued three people from their sinking sailboat approximately 360 miles northeast of Oahu, Hawaii on Sunday, August 10, 2014.

For video of the sailboat click here.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel in Hawaii received a call that the sailing vessel Walkabout was disabled and taking on water. The yachtsmen reported their life raft was deflated and they did not have an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on board their boat. Coast Guard personnel requested a hurricane hunter aircraft divert and make radio contact with the sailboat.

The crew of the Walkabout reported to the hurricane hunter aircraft they "... were confident in riding out the storm..." until 20 minutes later when their main hatch blew off and the boat began taking on even more water.

Coast Guard personnel launched additional rescue aircraft from Air Station Barbers Point and used the Amver system to send the 711 foot container ship Manukai to rescue the stricken yachtsmen. The Manukai, managed by Matson Inc., is no stranger to search and rescue having saved an Air Force pilot after he ejected from an F-16 over the Pacific Ocean in 2012.

The Manukai arrived on scene and tried several attempts to pass a line and six-person life raft to the sailboat. The crew of the Manukai reported weather conditions were winds more than 25 knots and waves approximately 20 feet. The crew of the container ship reported the three sailors were uninjured and decided to wait until first light to for further rescue attempts.

At first light the crew of the Manukai was able to rescue the three sailors using the container ship's Jacob's Ladder. The survivors were being evaluated by the crew but appeared uninjured and would remain aboard the Manukai until it reached Honolulu. The sailboat was left adrift.

Video credit: USCG courtesy video

Welcome Wednesday!

Who joined Amver this week? Here is the list of the latest vessels to enroll in the Amver safety network. Joining isn't mandatory. Joining isn't easy. In fact, your crews will likely have to send their reports manually to Amver. Is the extra burden worth it? You bet it is. So if you aren't enrolled, consider joining today. Now help us welcome the newest Amver ships.

• HEDDA SCHULTE
• SONGA EQUINOX
• CAP SAN TAINARO
• ZEALAND MAXIMA
• PELOREUS
• EHTEREAL
• NORTHERN PRODUCER
• ALEUTIAN LADY
• HURST POINT
• JS SANAGA
• EVER LEGACY
• QMS NEPTUE
• NORD TITAN
• ENDEAVOR
• SHARON M I
• LEO SUNRISE

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

We're not picky. Those in distress at sea don't care your political ideology, flag state or religion. If you're a seafarer and crew a ship that isn't part of the Amver system will you reconsider? Join us. There is a brotherhood, a brotherhood of those that go to sea. Together we can save lives. Enroll your ship today and help us make sure no call for help goes unanswered. Now, help us welcome the newest members of the Amver family.

• MARITIME LONGEVITY
• GO SPICA
• JASPER DREAM
• THALASSA MANA
• COMET
• UASC JILFAR
• KOTA PADANG
• BOONYA NAREE
• DEEP KARPAZ
• SMIT PORT SAID
• MAHMUD AFANDI
• GREATSHIP AFANDI
• PETROJARL KNARR
• ISLAND BAY
• HIGH SUN

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver participating cruise ships help rescue 42 migrants in July

Amver participating cruise ships assisted in the rescue of 42 Cuban migrants last month. Two Carnival ships and Royal Caribbean vessel were quick to spot migrants in distress or otherwise disabled vessels.

The first case occurred on July 4, 2014 approximately 53 miles south of Key West, Fla. The crew of the Carnival Freedom notified US Coast Guard authorities in Key West they had located a rustic vessel with 30 migrants aboard. Coast Guard rescue personnel requested the Panamanian flagged cruise ship remain on the scene until the Coast Guard Cutter Key Biscane embarked the migrants. The rustic vessel was unable to be destroyed and was left adrift with the marking "USCG OK". The Carnival Freedom enrolled in Amver on March 8, 2007 and has earned seven
participation awards.

The second case occurred on July 19, 2014 approximately 80 miles southwest of Dry Tortugas, Fla. This time the crew of the Carnival Conquest notified the Coast Guard of 2 migrants attempting to row to Florida in a small boat. Rescue authorities requested the Carnival Conquest remain on scene and provide a lee and communications with the Coast Guard Cutter William Flores which arrived on the scene and embarked the migrants. The Carnival Conquest enrolled in Amver on October 28, 2002 and has earned eight participation awards.

The final case occurred on July 25, 2014 when the Oasis of the Seas notified Coast Guard officials the crew located a rustic vessel approximately 40 miles south of Marathon, Fla. Rescue personnel requested the Bahamian flagged cruise ship provide communications until the Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark arrived on scene and embarked ten Cuban migrants. The Oasis of the Seas enrolled in Amver on December 6, 2009 and has earned two participation awards.

Welcome Wednesday!

We're so thankful you continue to support Amver. How do you do that? By enrolling your ships and volunteering to help in search and rescue cases around the world. Why do you do it? Tell us! Now, help us welcome the latest Amver participants!

• KUPARUK RIVER
• SAG RIVER
• SABRINA
• AMSTEL EAGLE
• UNITED OCEAN
• HANJIN TABUL
• CMA CGM DANUBE
• AFRICAN RAVEN
• SONNE
• LIBERTY BAY
• STI CHELSEA
• M&M
• ERRADALE
• KAVIK RIVER
• WILLIAMSBORG
• IRENE II
• ATLAS
• MOL BRAVO
• ORE MAJISHAN
• AUDREY SW
• ALAM MUTIARA

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Do you enjoy reading the list of the latest vessels to enroll in Amver? We enjoy bringing it to you. Listing the new members of the Amver system is a tradition that dates back to the first Amver Bulletins in the late 1950's. We're proud to continue the tradition here. Help us welcome the new members.

• CAVALIERE GRAZIA
• GOLAR CELSIUS
• KITA LNG
• AET PARTNERSHIP
• LAUREL ACE
• NORD GERANIUM
• SEAFARER
• STI LEXINGTON
• SVEVA
• SARA
• HOS BLACK ROCK
• DALARNA
• SEACOR COURAGEOUS
• FRONTIER HERO
• WASHINGTON

Photo credit: Fotolia

Happy Birthday Amver!

Today Amver turns 56 years old! From its humble beginnings as the Merchant Vessel Reporting Program. In fact the first Amver message received in 1958 was from the Dutch liner S.S. Groote Beer (right).

The original mission of Amver, as outlined in the implementation plan, was to establish and maintain a comprehensive and effective merchant ship position reporting system in the North Atlantic Maritime region (as defined in the National Search and Rescue Plan) in order to improve Search and Rescue procedures by:

• Reducing the time element in search procedures through having available a maximum number of vessel positions for immediate use.
• Improving the probability of successful rescue through prior position knowledge.
• Reducing the cost of searches through having previous knowledge of distress vessel and rescue vessel positions which enables better control of M/V and government vessel diversions.

According to the 1964 edition of the Amver brochure, "It is an established fact that several hundred merchant vessels are sailing in the offshore areas of the Atlantic Ocean at any given time". Commercial shipping traffic has increased as well as the number of Amver participants. In fact, more than 30,000 Amver messages are received each day. 

Amver is successful because of the ageless tradition of the sea, that no call for help shall go unanswered. Amver is successful because of you. Thank you for helping save countless lives over the past 56 years. We look forward to many more years of saving lives at sea.

Photo credits: Wikipedia

Welcome Wednesday!

What if vessels didn't enroll in Amver? Would it make a significant impact on lives lost at sea? According to a recent Amver cost benefit analysis, 25% of all the lives saved at sea are saved by Amver ships and there are approximately 891 lives lost at sea each year. This number doesn't include recreational yachtsmen or migrants. 

You can see that without Amver, a good portion of those in peril at sea would likely die. Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver network, dedicated to ensuring no call for help goes unanswered.

• YUNG DA FA 101
• WILLIAM C HIGHTOWER
• JS GREENSAIL
• EVER LIBRA
• FLAG EVI
• APL MEXICO CITY
• ORANGE BLOSSOM 2
• SIEM STINGRAY
• SIGNET POLARIS
• MUSKY
• HAKO
• AYE EVOLUTION
• CELSIUS MANILA
• DEWI LAKSMI
• KSL SAPPORO
• NOTORIOUS
• ZOURVA

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Another nine ships enrolled in Amver in the past week. That's nine more opportunities to save a life. If you haven't considered joining Amver think of this. Your ship might be the only difference between a seafarer, yachtsman or migrant living or dying. Help us increase those odds.

• STENA EUROPE
• EVER LISSOME
• OCEAN TURQUOISE I
• UNITED LEGACY
• SILVER EMILY
• EVER LIVEN
• MORNING SALUTE
• ANCASH QUEEN
• GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Photo credit: Fotolia 

Amver ship rescues sailor from disabled sailboat near Puerto Rico

The Amver participating car carrier Hoegh Kobe rescued a lone sailor from his disabled 42-foot sailboat approximately 280 miles northeast of Puerto Rico on June 10, 2014.

US Coast Guard rescue personnel in San Juan received a call that a commercial ship had spotted a 42-foot sailboat with engine failure and loss of the rudder. The sailor onboard was refusing to disembark the sailboat and declined any assistance from the Amver ship. The sailor requested his situation be relayed to the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard rescue personnel contacted the sailor's family and requested the Amver ship to remain on scene as there were few options for the sailor's rescue if it became necessary. The sailor, realizing the seriousness and convinced by a plea from his family, made the decision to abandon his sailboat and board the Amver ship. The survivor was sailing without an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, decreasing his chances of being located if things had worsened.

The 652-foot Singapore flagged Amver ship agreed to transfer the yachtsman in Puerto Rico. A 45-foot Coast Guard boat safely embarked the survivor and transported him to shore where he was met by Border Patrol personnel. He was in good health and uninjured in the rescue and transfer process.

The Hoegh Kobe, managed by Hoegh Autoliners of Oslo, Norway, enrolled in the Amver system on June 16, 2007.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Welcome Wednesday!

Who joined Amver this week? Take a look at the nineteen vessels listed below. They enrolled, knowing their vessel schedule may be delayed; knowing they may have to risk life or limb in the service of other. If your vessel isn't enrolled, consider joining our ranks, won't you?

• CAP SAN SOUNIO
• OS HERCULES
• ASIA VISION
• HANJIN AMI
• PACIFIC CONCORD
• OCEAN RAPTOR
• MDPL RANDEEP
• VIKING EXPLORER
• SEA STORM
• PS PEARL
• COOL VOYAGER
• COOL RUNNING
• GLORIOUS SPLENDOUR
• NORSEMAN II
• STAR JING
• MICHALE COMBIE MCCALL
• NORSEMAN
• JAMES DUNLAP
• PRESIDENT

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver ship saves 210 migrants

According to an email forwarded to the Amver center, the Amver participating ship Peruvian Reefer rescued 210 migrants on June 8, 2014.

The captain of the 452 foot reefer  noted in his email that the crew spotted two boats loaded with migrants in the Mediterranean Sea and immediately notified Italian rescue authorities.   Italian personnel instructed the captain and crew to attempt to rescue the migrants.

According to the ship's message, as the ship approached the second boat in distress the survivors were so anxious to be rescued they capsized their small boat and it sank. "Due to the capsizing two people went under water," the captain stated, "we immediately lowered a rescue boat but he current made the bodies drift away."

Once all the survivors were aboard the Bahamian flagged ship the crew provided first aid, food, water and took photos of every migrant for the Italian Coast Guard.

Italian authorities advised the crew of the reefer, which was hauling bananas to Libya, to sail to Sicily to disembark the survivors. Once the transfer of the survivors was made the Peruvian Reefer was released and continued on its voyage to discharge bananas.

The Peruvian Reefer, managed by NYK Cool of Japan, enrolled in Amver on April 6, 1997.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com  

Celebrating the Day of the Seafarer

Today is the Day of the Seafarer. Seafarers are the cornerstone of Amver's success. Without dedicated seafarers enrolling ships in the Amver system lives would be lost. Seafarers do more than just deliver the goods, they save lives.



Can't see the video? Click here.

Thank you seafarers!

Welcome Wednesday!

It's always a pleasure to write this piece. Each week we list the vessels that enrolled in Amver. We do it to recognize good works, safety culture and to be sure you know we value your contribution. Even if your vessel hasn't rescued someone, you demonstrate a "can do" attitude and willingness to serve others before your selves. That is how seafarers act and we couldn't be more proud to have you as part of the Amver safety network. Help us welcome the latest members.

• DD VICTORY
• SCF SHANGHAI
• DOUBLE MIRACLE
• ATALANDI
• MARTIN ISLAND
• TRACEY KOSAN
• CASCADE MARINER
• GO PHOENIX
• LUDWIGSHAFEN EXPRESS
• HANJIN JUNGIL
• NAVE JUPITER
• POINT SUR
• DALO Z
• HOS CLEARVIEW
• STI SAN ANTONIO

Photo credit: Fotolia

Dramatic video of Amver rescue of lone yachtsman

The Amver participating box ship Kuala Lumpur Express rescued a lone sailor 450 miles southeast of Cape Cod, Mass., on Monday, June 2, 2014.

Rescue authorities at the US Coast Guard First District received a report from Canadian rescue personnel of a 42-foot Belgian flagged sailboat with one person onboard. The sailor departed Newfoundland on May 27 enroute to Belgium and had been providing regular updates to a friend. The sailor's last report was that his boat was taking on water and felt like it "... was breaking up," so the friend immediately sought assistance.

US personnel launched a rescue aircraft and, using the Amver system, requested the German flagged ship to assist in the rescue. According to a Coast Guard rescue pilot, "Once on scene we saw that the sails were torn, she was dead in the water and was not responding on the radio."

The Kuala Lumpur Express was in communications with the rescue aircraft and raised some concerns about risk to the crew if their rescue boat was deployed. Waves were heavy swells more than 20 feet with 40 knot winds. The conditions were dangerous but the master of the Amver ship maneuvered upwind and upswell to create a lee, then deployed the rescue boat. "We were surprised how small the rescue boat was," the aircraft pilot added.

You can see in the video the challenges the crew of the Kuala Lumpur Express faced when they rescued the sailor.

Can't see the video? Click here.

"In all, I was very impressed by the skill and professionalism of the captain and crew of the Kuala Lumpur Express, and they undertook this lifesaving mission at great risk to themselves. Without their heroic action the solo sailor would likely not have been recovered," said  Coast Guard Commander Lance Isakson.

The sailor was not suffering from any injuries and was taken to the ship's next port of call in France. The Kuala Lumpur  Express, managed by Hapag-Lloyd of Hamburg, Germany, enrolled in Amver on June 3, 2008 and has earned five Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: marrinetraffic.com
Video credit: USCG

Welcome Wednesday!

Seventeen more vessels have enrolled in Amver. That is seventeen more opportunities for people to be rescued at sea. We can't thank these crews and companies enough for dedicating themselves to the extra effort of reporting to Amver and making themselves available for search and rescue. Help us welcome them to the Amver network. If you aren't part of this amazing search and rescue community, consider joining.

• ELIZABETH A. MCCALL
• HANJIN NAMU
• ARIES LEADER
• BRAD DARTEZ
• ULSAN EXPRESS
• GOLDEN AVENUE
• GOLDEN ADVENTURE
• CIELO DI GAETA
• BOW TRIBUTE
• SAILING SKY
• WEDELLSBORG
• WARINSART
• ASTERIX
• CAMELLIA DREAM
• MARAN GAS EFESSOS
• ASIA RUBY II
• SILVER MONIKA

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Take a peek at what ships enrolled in the Amver system this week. Twelve ships have committed to saving lives at sea. Is your ship listed? If not, consider joining the Amver network and helping us ensure no call for help goes unanswered.

• GOLDENEYE
• AM ZENICA
• HOPA I
• JOHANN OLDENDORFF
• MORNING PRIDE
• QMS DELTA
• SMEW
• CLEAN OCEAN
• COREBEST OL
• AMAZON WARRIOR
• NY TRADER I
• GEO CORAL

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver tanker rescues sailor with medical condition

The Amver participating tanker Leni P rescued a 26-year-old sailor with possible appendicitis from a sailboat 750 miles northeast of Bermuda on Monday, May 26, 2014.

French rescue authorities received a distress call from the sailboat Piccolo II reporting a crew member was suffering from severe abdominal pains.

French authorities contacted U.S Coast Guard rescue personnel who consulted with a flight surgeon who agreed with the French doctor's recommendation of a medevac. Using the Amver system, the Leni P was located 80 miles away and agreed to divert and embark the ill sailor.

The Leni P arrived on scene reporting weather conditions a bit rough with waves of six to 10 feet and 15 knot winds. The tanker launched their small boat to safely complete the rescue. The sailor was taken to sick bay and the Leni P continued on its journey to the Azores where the sailor was transferred to medical personal.

The Leni P, managed by Marine Trust of Athens, Greece, enrolled in the Amver system on October 19, 2012.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com