Welcome Wednesday!

This is an important week in the United States. This is Thanksgiving week. We celebrate and give thanks for the many things we have, including family and friends. Every week is Thanksgiving here at Amver. We're thankful for your participation in the world's only voluntary search and rescue system. Here are eleven more reasons we are thankful. 

• TIONG WOON OCEAN 19
• GALATEA
• KLEON
• GREGORY BRUSILOV
• KAPENA RAYMOND ALAPA'I
• EL SEGUNDO VOYAGER
• TRANSCENDEN BRIGHT
• JY BULK
• FRONT DEFENDER
• MICHIGAN
• KYPARISSIA

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

A mega yacht, an expedition class cruise ship and a group of container ships, bulkers and various product tankers all joined Amver this week. Have you? The benefits of membership include better coordination in search and rescue cases. Nobody wants to be diverted for search and rescue if they don't need to. A coordinated response benefits everyone. Less time lost, less fuel burned and less hassle in port. Join Amver today and help us better coordinate search and rescue at sea. Here are the latest members.

• KINTA
• MSC SARA ELENA
• CMA CGM URUGUAY
• MSC GIULIA
• CMA CGM MUMBAI
• NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC VENTURE
• FAIRCHEM FALCON
• GREEN ATTITUDE
• TASMANIAN ACHIEVER II
• PROSKY
• GH DAWN RUN
• BRITISH ACHIEVER
• CHEMICAL CONTENDER
• MSC MANDY
• HYUNDAI PARAMOUNT

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver Bulk Carrier Assists in Migrant Rescue

Recently the SBI Macarena reported to the Amver center they had assisted in the rescue of 35 migrants found adrift in a small boat halfway between Oran and Malaga in the Alboran Sea.

On October 25, 2018 the SBI Macarena located a group of possible migrants in a boat waving an orange flag. The captain of the SBI Macarena slowed down to investigate and notified rescue authorities at MRCC Cartagena Spain of their situation.

Rescue authorities in Spain directed the SBI Macarena to remain on scene and a helicopter and rescue boat was launched to investigate and rescue the migrants. The captain of the 751-foot bulk carrier provided critical communications and remained on scene, prepared to provide rescue services if necessary.

A rescue boat from MRCC arrived and the Liberian flagged ship was released to continue on its voyage. The SBI Macarena, managed by Scorpio Commercial Management of Monaco, enrolled in Amver on December 5, 2016 and has earned two Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: Crew of the SBI Macarena

Welcome Wednesday!

Listen. That's the sound of someone in distress. It's hard to hear, isn't it? That is why we have Amver. Even the most faint call for help, the almost silent scream for help, the noiseless emergency beacon or the signal from a mirror or piece of glass all need to be answered. Who else will save you? When all else fails, Amver is there. Thank you for helping us provide that level of assistance around the world. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• THALASSA NIKI
• ALAM KEKAL

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Who joined Amver this week? Another 19 ships. Dedication to safety at sea is the bedrock of what we do and we're grateful for the many ships who share our passion for safety. You don't need to join Amver. You don't have to participate. Yet many of you do. Thank you. Now help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• MODALWAN 1075
• ASIA TIRTA 1601
• ASIA TIRTA 2001
• ASIA TIRTA 2401
• THALASSA TYHI
• MEIN SHIFF 4
• YARA KARA
• PACKIFIC YANTAI
• DHT MUSTANG
• NORD VALOROUS
• LEON POSEIDON
• LEON HERC
• DAGMAR
• A. OBELIX
• AISOPOS II
• CMA CGM AMAZON
• ARIES CONFIDENCE
• ERBIL
• YM WELLBEING

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

We're proud to bring you the latest members of the Amver safety network. Ships of all sorts join Amver and while all types of ships make Amver, they all join for one reason; safety. You could join Amver too. Will you? Now, help us welcome the new Amver members.

• CABO DE HORNOS
• OOCL BRISSELS
• CAPE ANN
• CAPE LOOKOUT
• LUCKY SAILOR
• FOLEGANDROS
• KAPITAN DEMIDENKO

Photo credit: Fotilia

Welcome Wednesday!

Have you enrolled in Amver? We often ask why you haven't. Today we're asking why you decided to join. Is it because of company tradition? Did you learn about us at a maritime academy? Did a more seasoned officer mention "We always report to Amver." Did someone in a shore side office say you needed to enroll? Let us know in the comments. And help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• DALI
• AMARANT
• BARBARICA

Photo credit: Fotoilia

Welcome Wednesday!

Imagine being adrift for a month. Who is going to save you? Amver will likely save you. That was the case recently when an Indonesian teenager was saved by an Amver ship. Because of your dedication to safety at sea lives are saved every day. Thank you for continuing to support the only global voluntary search and rescue system. A system that continues to prove it is ready, relevant and responsive. Now, help us welcome the latest Amver participants.

• CLAYTON ARTHUR
• GARDNO
• FEDERAL DELTA
• SAN NICOLAS
• KEDROS
• RICHMOND VOYAGER
• JOSE ALENCAR

Photo credit: Fotolia

Indonesian Teen Rescued By Amver Bulk Carrier

An Indonesian teen who had been adrift on a fishing raft for 49 days was rescued near Guam by the Amver participating bulk carrier Arpeggio on Friday, August 31, 2018.

According to an Associated Press article the teen was rescued by the Panamanian-flagged ship about 1,200 miles from his original location. The teen used his hand held radio to contact the 738-foot ship which heard his distress call, alerted rescue authorities and embarked the survivor. The crew of the Arpeggio provided food, water and first aid.

The captain of the Arpeggio coordinated the rescue with authorities in Japan and the Indonesian mission. The teen was disembarked in Japan and reunited with his family.

The Arpeggio, which is managed by MC Shipping Ltd of Japan, enrolled in Amver on December 16, 2013 and has earned two Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: AP photo

Farewell Kal

Sava Kalafatides. It's a name that is synonymous with Amver and Greece.  Captain Kalafatides, known affectionately as Kal, recently passed away peacefully at his home in Athens. Kal was a larger than life supporter of the Amver program and my friend. Many a lunch was spent discussing the state of the industry, our kids, the Philadelphia Eagles [disclaimer: I'm a Green Bay Packers fan] or how our wives enjoyed shopping.

Kal was instrumental in bringing the Amver awards to Greece. Kal saw an Amver awards ceremony held in the old cruise ship terminal in Piraeus, Greece and thought more could be done. He collaborated with his Greek colleagues and today, more than 1,000 people attend the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus Amver dinner each year in Athens.

Captain Kalafatides was recognized for his support of the Amver program by U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen who presented Kal with the Distinguished Public Service Award in 2009.

Kal loved life, he loved is alma mater Kings Point, he loved the sea but most importantly Kal was loved by those around him.

Sunset and evening star,
and one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

Crossing the Bar--Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Fair winds and following seas my friend. We have the watch...

Welcome Wednesday!

Week after week. Your dedication to safety at sea is unrivaled by anything. We are continually impressed by the number and types of vessels that continue to enroll in Amver, 60 years after our founding. For those of you who have gone to sea for a generation or more, you're likely an Amver participant for a generation or more. Thank you! Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• OCEAN OUTSTANDING
• TRF HORTEN
• BRITISH PARTNER
• WEPION
• ARGIRONISSOS
• MARVIN INDEPENDENCE
• CAPE GARNET

Photo credit: Fotolia 

Welcome Wednesday!

Who joined Amver this past week? Here is the list! In the meantime please remember to be safe. The Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are dangerous and angry right now. There are storms churning off the American coast and near Asia. Remember, Amver stands ready to assist in search and rescue anywhere in the world. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver network.

• SATYA KENCANA
• VENTA MAERSK
• NEW ASSURANCE
• AFRICAN FLAMINGO
• NORD PACIFIC
• EK-STREAM
• AQUILA L
• DARMA KARTIKA 9

Photo credit: Fotilia

Welcome Wednesday!

We're preparing to host Amver awards at SMM in Hamburg but didn't want to forget to post who enrolled in Amver this past week. We love celebrating our members both at award events and here on the blog where we list our latest members. Have you joined Amver? You should. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• ULTRA PROGRESSION
• DANNY C
• SEVEN ARCTIC
• COSCO SHIPPING JASMINE
• CHEMICAL EXPLORER
• CHEMICAL ENTERPRISE
• FMG NORTHERN SPIRIT
• SUMED RT2

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Just a short update while many of you are on holiday. We're enjoying a brief break as well but that doesn't mean you can't join Amver. In fact, four more ships have done just that. Enrolling is easy. Now help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network while you enjoy the rest of your summer holiday!

• DIAMOND GAS ROSE
• NORDMAPLE
• MIN ZIDELL
• F. G. WALTON SMITH

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Summer holiday season is in full swing but that doesn't stop Amver from needing more volunteers. Have you enrolled your ship today? Joining Amver is fast and easy. You can do it here. Why join Amver? The reasons are countless and include the obvious. You may save a life! Enjoy your holiday, stay safe and thank you for supporting the Amver safety network. Help us welcome the latest Amver members.

• CIELO DI CAGLIARI
• HIGH NAVIGATOR
• LATOUCHE
• DIONI GR

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Thank you for all the well wishes as we hit our 60th anniversary. We're happy to say we're ready for another 60 years! In the meantime, we continue to highlight the new participants that have joined Amver in the previous week. Since 1958 we have shared the names of our new members. Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• MSC MAGNIFICA
• SERI CAMELLIA
• PHILOTIMOS
• TEDORIGAWA
• CMA CGM VOLGA

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

It's hard to believe but Amver turned 60 years old this month. Sixty years of saving lives at sea via a network of volunteer ships. Despite the risk to life and profit, you have stayed the course and continue to enroll and participate. Thank you to the seafarers around the world both past and present for ensuring no call for help goes unanswered. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• ROYAL 36
• NOLDE
• ONE MINATO
• MEDI GENERVA
• ZOLA

Photo credit: U.S. Coast Guard 

Welcome Wednesday!

Excuse me, are you a seafarer? Oh, you are? Have you heard about Amver? You know, Amver. The global voluntary search and rescue program. You haven't? Oh, well you should learn a little about it. Your ship can easily enroll in this program. Once you enroll the crew sends a sail plan and then periodic position reports. Why do this? Because your ship may be the closest to a maritime emergency and you could save lives. That's a good thing. Many of your colleagues participate. Here are the latest ships that enrolled in Amver. We hope you will too.

• KUKUI
• AFRICAN GANNET
• BELITA
• AQUAGRACE
• DIAMOND GAS ORCHID
• ITHACKI
• FAIRCHEM FORTE
• CAPE AMAL
• CHARLOTTE
• AURORA CONFIDENCE
• MARAN GAS SPETSES
• TENMA
• ARCTOS
• CLIPPER VANGUARD

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver ship saves 2 German sailors

The Amver participating tanker Abtao rescued two German sailors after their sailboat was demasted and a personal locator beacon was activated approximately 800 miles west of the Azores on Monday, June 25, 2018.

U.S. Coast Guard officials received the beacon alert and launched an Air Station Elizabeth City C-130 search aircraft along with an the Amver participating tanker. The Abtao was reported to be five miles away from the beacon alert. The captain of the Chilean flagged tanker agreed to divert and assist in the search.

The Abtao was able to locate the sailboat and safely embark the two sailors. "We provided first aid to verify their health status and found the sailors to be in optimal health," emailed Abtao captain Francisco Montero. The survivors will remain on the 600-foot tanker until it arrives at its next port call in Florida.

The Abtao, managed by Sonamar of Chile, enrolled in Amver on July 8, 2004 and has earned four Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Welcome Wednesday!

It's been a busy week at Amver. There have been several dramatic rescues which would not be possible without your dedication to safety and joining the Amver system. Not only do we thank you, but the survivors are thankful as well. If you haven't joined Amver yet, now is the perfect time. Participation is easy, enrolling is a breeze and there isn't much to do except send a sail plan and an occasional position report. If your fleet is enrolled in fleet management by Pole Star or Transas the position reports may be automated and you can elect to have them shared with us. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• CMA CGM HEAN MERMOZ
• ECO PALM SPRINGS
• MANOLATES
• FEDERAL NAGARA
• PACIFIC FINDER
• CMA CGM J. MADISON

Photo credit: Fotolia

French sailors rescued by Amver participating bulk carrier

The Amver participating bulk carrier Omiros L rescued two sailors from their sailboat after the steering gear fouled on a voyage from the United States to the Azores on Wednesday, June 20, 2018.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel, working with their French counterparts at Rescue Coordination Center Griz Nez, were alerted to 12 meter sailboat with fouled steering and requesting assistance. The Coast Guard queried the Amver system and requested the 751-foot bulk carrier to change course and assist the sailors. The Omiros L was only 12 miles away from the distress location.

Within an hour of receiving the call for help, captain John Antonio had his ship alongside the sailboat and prepared the crew for rescue operations. "The weather was rough with Beaufort Scale 6 [winds approximately 22-27 knots] and waves of three and a half meters," emailed Captain Antonio. "But we've safely rescued the two Frenchmen."

The Liberian flagged ship left the sailboat adrift and the survivors will remain on board until the ship reaches New Orleans, La. The Omiros L, managed by Kyla Shipping of Greece, enrolled in Amver on October 7, 2013 and has earned four Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: crew of the M/V Omiros L

Ocean rower rescued by Amver ship

The Amver participating cargo ship Dolfijngracht rescued a solo ocean rower from the 27-foot ocean rowboat Alba after his boat began taking on water and he abandoned ship approximately 525 miles southeast of Cape Cod, Mass. on Friday, June 15, 2018.

Rescue personnel at the U.S. Coast Guard First District Command Center received a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) alert for the rowboat and confirmed the boat was in distress with the United Kingdom Mission Control Center which received a satellite phone call from the rower stating he was abandoning ship.

Coast Guard personnel queried the Amver system and diverted the 514-foot dry cargo ship Dolfijngracht which was only 20 miles from the distress location. In addition to the Amver ship, a full array of international resources were requested to assist including a U.S. Coast Guard search aircraft, a Canadian search and rescue aircraft from Halifax and an Italian naval ship.

"We immediately changed course and I ordered full steam ahead," reported Marco Goorden, captain of the Netherlands flagged cargo ship. Despite 10-foot seas and  28-knot winds the crew of the Dolfijngracht was able to embark the rower. "He was doing ok but was exhausted. We gave him food and some strong coffee," captain Goorden emailed to the Coast Guard.

The rower will remain on the Dolfijngracht until it arrives at its next port of call in Quebec, Canada. The Dolfijngracht, managed by Spliethoff's Bevrachtingskantoor BV of Amsterdam, enrolled in Amver on December 13, 2009 and has earned one Amver participation award.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Amver participating bulker saves 3

The Amver participating bulk carrier Desert Spring saved three sailors from their sailboat that had lost its keel and was taking on water approximately 330 miles northeast of Anguilla on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue authorities in San Juan, Puerto Rico received a call from Rescue Coordination Center Sweden that a 36-foot sailboat was taking on water and the sailors were prepared to abandon ship. The Coast Guard queried the Amver system and requested the Marshall Island flagged bulker to divert and assist if possible.

Captain Roderick Andam quickly assembled the crew of the 633-foot ship and agreed to divert and help. The Desert Spring was only 88 miles away from the sailboat. Once on scene, the crew of the Desert Spring quickly embarked the yachtsmen from their life raft. The survivors were uninjured and the Desert Spring deviated towards Puerto Rico to transfer the survivors to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The survivors were transferred to U.S. Coast Guard personnel and the Desert Spring continued on its voyage to New Orleans. The Desert Spring, managed by Atlantic Bulk Carriers Limited of Greece, enrolled in Amver on Jaunary 17, 2012 and has earned three Amver participation awards. 

Amver tanker tows French sailboat to safety

The Amver participating oil tanker BW Nile assisted four French sailors and towed their 43-foot sailboat which suffered engine failure and broken sails approximately 225 miles east of Cape May, N.J. on Thursday, June 7, 2018.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue authorities received a notification from French rescue personnel that the 43-foot sailboat Simbad had a disabled engine and broken sails and required assistance. The Coast Guard queried the Amver system and located the 748-foot tanker and requested the ship divert to assist the sailboat.

The four sailors reported two were in good health, one sailor had broken ribs and the last sailor had severe sea sickness. The BW Nile, after agreeing to assist the sailboat, arrived on scene and determined towing the sailboat to New York was the best course of action. The Singapore flagged tanker was able to secure a line to the sailboat and was began towing the boat towards New York. Because of the sea state the sailors remained aboard their sailboat.

The BW Nile was able to hand off the tow to Coast Guard personnel without incident. The BW Nile, managed by BW Tankers, enrolled in Amver on August 14, 2017.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Amver tanker saves 4 fishermen adrift for weeks

The Amver participating product tanker Torm Resilience rescued four fishermen who had been adrift for more than 20 days approximately 350 miles southeast of Acapulco de Juarez, Mexico on Sunday, June 3, 2018.

U.S. Coast Guard officials received a notification from the 600-foot tanker that the crew located a fishing vessel with four people aboard. The fishermen stated they had been dropped off by a larger vessel more than 20 days ago and had run out of gas, food and water. The Torm Resilience initially passed food and water while deciding what do to with the fishermen.

Coast Guard personnel attempted to locate the mother ship but could not find any other fishing vessels or sister ships in the area. "We've embarked the survivors to our ship and will bring them to Panama," reported Torm Resilience captain Feda Ratkovic.

The Singapore flagged tanker, managed by Torm of Copenhagen, Denmark, ensured the survivors were fed and clothed. The survivors were in good health despite their ordeal. The Torm Resilience agreed to disembark them in Balboa, Panama. The Torm Resilience enrolled in Amver on December 24, 2005 and has earned two Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Welcome Wednesday!

Six more ships enrolled in Amver this past week. Thank you for helping save lives at sea. It's been a busy week with several rescues and your dedication to safety at sea does not go unnoticed. Most of what you, the seafarer does, is behind the scenes and far from shore. We mean it when we say thank you. Thank you for standing the watch, being ready and saving lives. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• VARZUGA
• CMA CGM ESTELLE
• ONE STORK
• MILA
• KOKSIJDE
• FMG AMANDA

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver container ship tows sailboat to safety

The Amver participating boxship CMA CGM Brazil towed a 46-foot sailboat to safety in St. Marten after the sailboat reported they were taking on water and disabled approximately 315 miles east north east of San Juan, Puerto Rico on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue authorities in San Juan, Puerto Rico were notified by two sailors who's boat was taking on water through the rudder shaft. While they were able to keep up with the flooding with pumps, they were afraid they may have to abandon ship.

The Coast Guard queried the Amver system and located the Singapore flagged container ship, CMA CGM Brazil, and requested it divert to assist the sailboat. The master of the 620-foot ship agreed to divert and assist if possible. The CMA CGM Brazil was only 45 miles away from the distress location and was able to locate the sailboat.

The master and crew of the container ship devised a plan to tow the sailboat to a shallow, safe harbor. Despite ten knot winds and five foot waves, the crew of the CMA CGM Brazil was able to tow the sailboat to St. Martin. The two sailors were in good health and able to stay aboard the sailboat.

The CMA CGM Brazil, which enrolled in Amver on November 30, 2015, handed over the sailboat and two survivors to St. Martin Coast Guard authorities and resumed its voyage.

Photo credit: crew of the CMA CGM Brazil 

Welcome Wednesday!

Who's next? Who joined Amver? Why aren't you listed here? So many questions! You can help us save lives by taking a few minutes and enrolling in Amver today. Why? The bottom line is you'll be part of a coordinated rescue instead of an incomplete picture. We're committed to only having the right ship in the right place diverted for search and rescue. Help us help you save money, time and get to your destination in a timely manner. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• ARITA
• BOW TUNGSTEN
• MSC MADHU B
• ALMI TITAN
• CHALLENGER
• JEAN-JOSEPH
• NAO HORIZON
• NAO GALAXY
• KALOLIMNOS
• ALPHA HERO
• KOTA PERKASA
• EARL W. REDD
• EMERY ZIDELL
• SIGRID DUNLAP

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday

Thank you! Sixteen more ships have joined Amver. Week after week we're impressed and thankful for your continued to support the Amver system. Your commitment to safety at sea matters. Lives are saved time and again. More importantly, commerce is not negatively affected. Your willingness to report to Amver means we may NOT dispatch or divert you to search for a maritime distress. That ensures you make it to port, reduces lost time and saves money. Now, help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• GOLDEN CIRRUS
• GPO AMETHYST
• ATLANTIC PRIDE
• DESERT ORCHID
• DHT COLT
• OCEAN RIG CORCOVADO
• KOTA SINGA
• KOTA SURIA
• KOTA PEKARANG
• KOTA PELANGI
• KOTA PEMIMPEN
• KOTA PERABU
• KOTA PERDANA
• CRUDEMED
• KEDAR NATH
• ST. SOFIA

Photo credit: Fotolia

Amver Car Carrier Saves 3

U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel diverted the Amver participating Ro/Ro Asian Dynasty to rescue three people from a disabled sailboat 25 miles southwest of Freeport, Bahamas on Sunday, May 20, 2018.

The product tanker Navigator Gemini received a distress call from the 32-foot sailboat that it was taking on water. The Navigator Gemini then contacted the Coast Guard who immediately launched an Ocean Sentry aircraft and the Amver participating ship Asian Dynasty.

The South Koran flagged Ro/Ro agreed to divert, located the sailboat and rescued the three yachtsmen. The survivors were uninjured and stayed aboard the Asian Dynasty until it arrived in Nassau, Bahamas.

The Asian Dynasty enrolled in Amver on December 6, 1999 and has earned five Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

As you're off to Posidonia please take a moment and consider joining Amver. While you celebrate everything that is shipping, catch up with colleagues in Athens, bask in the warm Mediterranean sun please take a moment and ask, "Do we have our ships enrolled in Amver?" and if not, consider joining today. You'll be part of a great history and long line of seafarers taking an extra measure to ensure no call for help goes unanswered. Now, please help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• SWISSCO SUPPLIER
• STAR LEO
• STAR MARISA
• STAR MAGNANIMUS
• SAMOS
• MARAN ATALANTA
• LEIKANGER
• SIMA PRIDE
• TILOS I
• MEISHAN BRIDGE
• CAPT. CAE
• BULK TRADER
• KIMOLOS
• DANCING BRAVE

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Is your ship listed here? Did you know we've been bringing you this feature since the first Amver bulletin was published back in 1958? We're proud of our participants and hope you're proud to be a part of Amver. Enroll today and your ship will be shared in an upcoming edition of our Wednesday feature. Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• PURPOVSKY
• CAP PEMBROKE
• KOMMANDOR 3000
• EKATERINI
• APPOLON

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Great Britain, Malta, Singapore and Marshall Island flagged vessels all joined Amver this week. From LNG tankers to platform supply vessels and an accommodation ship. You never know what types of ships will enroll in Amver. More importantly, you can get a real sense of the amount of international cooperation when you look at the flag states and countries where these vessels are managed. Amver is truly an international endeavor whose success is dependent on you, the seafarer, joining the program. Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network who recognized the importance of joining Amver.

• FS KRISTIANSAND
• STANDARD VIKING
• STANDARD SUPPLIER
• FS BALMORAL
• CASTILLO DE MERIDA
• CERRO DE LA PEZ
• NORD KANMON
• HOEGH ESPERANZA

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

If you want to see a true cross section of the shipping community you need look no further than this weekly list. From LPG tankers to passengers ships and platform supply vessels, the list of new Amver participants includes almost every type of vessel on the water. Thank you for continuing to support Amver and ensuring no call for help goes unanswered. Here are the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• RUN FAR
• CHARLIE
• YARA SELA
• NORWEGIAN BLISS
• ARMONIA A
• NORD POTOMAC
• MINERVA KARTERIA
• MIKIONA
• AMARTHEA
• DHT STALLION
• DONALD M. JAMES
• EK-RIVER
• MORVIKEN
• FS BRAEMAR
• STANDARD PRINCESS
• FS CRATES
• FS CARRICK
• STANDARD SUPPORTER
• STANDARD PROVIDER

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Eight more ships enrolled in Amver this week. We're thrilled to have you as part of the Amver safety network and applaud your willingness to take an extra step towards insuring no call for help goes unanswered. Help us welcome these new vessels.

• ELKA ASTIR
• IMME OLDENDORFF
• AMAD
•  MARAN APHRODITE
• FEDERAL IBERVILLE
• MADRID BRIDGE
• SIM APRESTIGE
• HELLAS MRIANNA

Photo Credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Did you know? This year marks Amver's 60th anniversary. That's right. We don't look a day over 59. For 60 years we have been the world's only voluntary maritime search and rescue system. It's a responsibility we don't take lightly. We could not have saved countless lives without the dedicated seafarers and maritime partners--you! Thank you for helping us achieve this birthday milestone. Without your continued support and participation, we are nothing. Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver family.

• KUMASI
• GASLOG HONG KONG
• POLAR BRASIL
• TS OSAKA
• RESOLUTION
• ECO REVOLUTION
• FRONT DUCHESS
• ECO HOLMBY HILLS
• AQUILA OCEAN
• GENER8 NESTOR
• CAP QUEBEC

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

We hope you enjoy seeing this each week. We're happy to see that week after week you continue to support Amver by joining, taking an extra step to ensure no call for help goes unanswered. Thank you for making sure you're available for search and rescue-anywhere in the world. Help us welcome the latest Amver participants.

• KOMMANDOR IONA
• KOUSHUN
• ALP DEFENDER
• BW LILAC
• BOW TITANIUM
• ULTRA OSORNO
• ALMI ATLAS

Welcome Wednesday!

Eleven more ships have joined the Amver safety network. We're grateful for the effort taken by the crews and companies to redeciate themselves to safety at sea. You never know when you will be called upon to help someone else in distress. You never know when you will be called upon to assist in a search case. These uncertainties can cost time, money and profit. Amver participation helps ensure the right ship, in the right place, at the right time is diverted to assist. Join today and take advantage of the coordination that accompanies Amver participation. Now, help us welcome the latest Amver members.

• NEAH BAY
• LNG SAKURA
• SHINRYO MARU
• SAGA FLORA
• SEASHINE
• AEMMAN
• AMERICO VESPUCIO
• KAPELLEN
• INGMAR OLDENDORFF
• KYRAKATINGO
• KHURAIS

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Why join Amver? Because you could save a life like this one, this one or even this one. We're glad the following ships have taken the extra step to ensure no call for help goes unanswered. You can enroll here.

• ONECURE
• MONACO BRIDGE
• SEA PECOS
• HANJIN SUR
• IRELAND
• NORD OLYMPIA

Photo credit: Fotolia 

Amver Tanker Saves Two Sailors Near Honduras

The Amver participating chemical tanker Nordic Wolverine rescued two sailors from a disabled 55-foot sailboat approximately 210 miles east of Costa de Mosquitos, Honduras on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel at the Seventh District command center received a report from rescue authorities in Panama of the disabled sailboat and shared Amver surface picture information with them. The Norwegian-flagged tanker was identified and agreed to divert and search for the sailboat.

"We have passed through the distress position and have made radio call outs on channel 16 but have found nothing," reported the captain of the Nordic Wolverine. "We intend to continue on our voyage to Houston," the ship's captain added.

Shortly after the decision to continue to Houston, the captain of the Nordic Wolverine reported locating the sailboat in rough seas. The crew of the Nordic Wolverine provided a lee for the sailboat, embarked the two men safely and alerted authorities they were continuing on the voyage to Houston.

The 518 foot chemical tanker, managed by Borealis Maritime Ltd of the United Kingdom, enrolled in Amver on February 23, 2010 and has earned four Amver participation awards.

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Welcome Wednesday!

Who joined Amver this week? Eight, eight more ships! It's important because the right ship in the right place can do the right thing. Are you willing to accept the challenge, to do the right thing even if it requires a little extra effort on your part? We invite you to join the ranks of these ships and enroll in Amver today.

• MINERVA ELEFTHERIA
• ENRICO FERMI
• NEW PRIME
• DIADEMA
• FMG DAVID
• TAYMA
• RED LILY
• MOL TREASURE

Photo credit: Fotolia

Welcome Wednesday!

Here it is! The list of the latest ships that joined Amver. We've had this feature with Amver for almost 60 years. Thank you for continuing to support global search and rescue. Because of you more than 10,000 lives have been saved at sea. Help us welcome the latest Amver members.

• OCEAN DESTINY
• RUN XIANG
• TIONG WOON OCEAN 18
• TRISTAR SPIRIT
• GULF STAR 1
• MOUNT CAMERON
• MOUNT NICHOLSON
• QAMRAN
• NEAPOLIS
• SAKURA
• FREUD
• SPERCHIOS

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Welcome Wednesday!

If you go to sea you know the dangers. The dangers of fire, flood or other disaster. Thankfully, you answer the call and enroll in Amver. Each week we're proud to share with you the names of the latest members of the Amver system. This week is no different. Help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• MINERVA BALTICA
• SEAVIOLET
• NORD PACIFIC
• BRITISH OFFICER
• CIELO DI ROTTERDAM
• MILTON SANTOS
• AL RIFFA
• CG NORTHERN DANCER
• TORM SUPREME
• ATLANTIC JOURNEY
• BAUSTELLA

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Welcome Wednesday!

Is your vessel listed here? It is if you've enrolled in Amver this past week. Since 1958 we've been proud to list the ships that joined Amver. It's exciting for us. It's good news. It demonstrates a strong desire to help. Thank you for continuing to support Amver. Now help us welcome the latest members of the Amver safety network.

• CESI WENZHOU
• MSC SAVONA
• STI RAMBLA
• EAGLE SAN JOSE

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Welcome Wednesday!

We're luck enough here in the Amver office to not only see what ships enroll, but what type of ship has enrolled. It's fascinating to see the various types of ships who have agreed to take that extra step dedicated to safety at sea. This week, among the bulk carriers and oil tankers, there was a "landing craft" vessel enrolled. Thank you for continuing to support the Amver safety network and welcome!

• BA'AYA 1
• RS AURORA
• SEAVISION
• FRONT POLARIS
• ARISTEA
• DESPINA V
• BERGE OLYMPUS
• CMA CGM ANTOINE DE SAINTE E
• NORDPENGUIN
• TORM HERDIS

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Save The Date! 2018 National Maritime Day & Amver Awards

Mark your calendars for the 2018 National Maritime Day and Amver awards in Washington, DC. In addition to the National Maritime Day activities and Amver awards, we'll celebrate Amver's 60th anniversary.

This year 757 U.S. managed ships earned Amver awards, including three ships that will receive awards for 35 years of participation.

This is a truly special event and one you won't want to miss. We certainly hope you'll watch for your invitation in the mail and join us for this extraordinary event.

See you on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Activities start at 3:00 pm with a Safety at Sea seminar hosted by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association followed by a reception and awards.  U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Paul Zukunft is the invited speaker.

Welcome Wednesday!

What a week! Fifteen additional ships have decided to take an extra step in dedicating themselves to safety at sea. We're thrilled you decided to help us ensure no call for help goes unanswered. Thank you for enrolling in Amver. Help us welcome the latest members of our safety network.

• AS LAETITIA
• LIVIA ROSE
• GLOBAL JUPITER
• GLOBAL AMBITION
• GOLDEN CUMULUS
• TIAN JIAN
• ARCTIC GAS
• STOLT PALM
• DARYA AUM
• MARATHI
• FORMENTO THREE
• PERSEPOLIS
• SC VIRGO
• FUKUSHIMA MARU
• TODD E. PROPHET

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Three Amver Ships Assist Lone Sailor in Distress

M/V EXPRESS BERLIN ex Hanjin Germany

Three Amver ships had to assist a lone sailor as he experienced mishap after mishap on a journey from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Los Angeles, Cal.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel in Los Angeles received a notification from the Garmin/Inreach Emergency Call Center that a lone sailor on a 45-foot sailboat was disabled and adrift approximately 700 miles west of Cabo San Lucas and requested a mechanic to help him effect repairs to his sailboat engine.

The Coast Guard, using an Amver Surface Picture, located the 587-foot bulk carrier Indigo Lake which was 340 miles from the sailboat. The captain of the Hong Kong flagged Amver participant diverted and made preparations to embark the sailor. Once the Indigo Lake arrived on scene it rigged a safety net and pilot ladder and provided a lee for the disabled sailboat. The sailor aboard the disabled boat declined to abandon ship and instead requested members of the Indigo Lake make repairs to his engine. The captain of the Indigo Lake could not safely board the sailboat and was released by the Coast Guard.

The sailor reported he was able to lower his jib and main sail and, while the main sail was tattered, was able to make way towards Los Angeles under sail. Rescue authorities then located the Norwegian flagged general cargo ship Star Gran which agreed to divert and see if they could render assistance. The crew of the 646-foot ship agreed to divert and help. The Star Gran was able to located the sailboat, tie it up alongside the ship and lower the chief engineer down to the sailboat to help troubleshoot the engine. The Star Gran briefly embarked the sailor who was given breakfast and talked to Coast Guard authorities via satellite phone. Ultimately the sailor decided to disembark the Amver ship and continue his attempt to Los Angeles. The Star Gran was released by the Coast Guard.

The following day the Coast Guard was contacted by the sailor saying he had turned off his engine to tighten a belt and could not restart his engine. He again requested assistance and Coast Guard rescue personnel, continuing to use the Amver system, located the container ship Express  Berlin and requested they divert and assist the sailor. The captain and crew of the Express Berlin were briefed on the situation and agreed to help.

The Express Berlin arrived on scene, secured the sailboat and sent a team on the sailboat to troubleshoot the engine. The engineering crew of the container ship supplied new batteries along with a spare and for a third time, the sailor declined rescue. The Express Berlin was released only to be recalled after several hours when the sailor stated he was ready to abandon ship. The 76-year old sailor safely embarked the Greek flagged container ship without injury and will remain on board until it reaches its next port call in Taiwan.

The Express Berlin, managed by Danaos Shipping of Greece, enrolled in Amver on March 25, 2011 and has earned seven Amver participation awards. The Star Gran, managed by G2 Ocean of Norway, enrolled in Amver on January 1, 1987 and has earned 27 Amver participation awards. The Indigo Lake, managed by Pacific Basin Shipping of Hong Kong, enrolled in Amver on November 4, 2015 and has earned two Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Another Amver LNG Carrier Makes a Rescue

The Amver participating LNG carrier Stena Crystal Sky rescued two people from their 23-foot sailboat that encountered severe weather approximately 1,000 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on Thursday, January 18, 2018.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel at the Eleventh District Command Center received notification from the Garmin/Inreach Emergency Call Center that the 23-foot sailboat, on a voyage from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to the Marquesas Islands had experienced difficulties and lost auto-steering after encountering severe weather. The two yachtsmen on board had activated the emergency feature of their Inreach device and requested rescue.

Coast Guard authorities conducted an Amver Surface Picture and located the 977-foot LNG carrier only 280 miles from the sailboat and requested the ship divert to assist. The captain of the Great Britain flagged vessel agreed to assist and changed course to find the stricken sailboat.

The Stena Crystal Sky arrived on scene and, despite winds of 22-knots and waves exceeding 10-feet, launched a small boat to recover the two sailors from their boat. Within an hour of arriving on scene the crew of the Stena Crystal Sky had safely embarked the sailors and left the sailboat adrift. The sailors were uninjured and stayed aboard the LNG carrier until it arrived in Panama.

The Stena Crystal Sky, managed by Stena Bulk of Sweden, enrolled in Amver on January 13, 2012 and has earned six Amver participation awards.

Sailors are strongly encouraged to have a properly registered 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon on their vessel in addition to whatever other communications or emergency texting device they may carry.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Welcome Wednesday!

Some would say one is the loneliest number but we would offer that it only takes one ship to save a life at sea. This week we welcome one new member to the Amver safety network. Thank you for enrolling and stay tuned, because life is always in peril at sea and Amver stands ready to save lives.

• GOODWYN ISLAND

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