Welcome Wednesday!

Who joined Amver this week? Another nine ships, ranging from a container ship, a cruise ship and a platform supply ship. Every week new vessels commit to saving lives at sea. You may be asking yourself why they do this. Isn't there already a global system for search and rescue? Don't all ships at sea hear a distress when it goes out? The answer is complicated.

First, there is no global, dedicated and mandatory search and rescue system. There are several global vessel tracking systems, but they are not for the sole purpose of search and rescue.

Second, not all ships hear a distress call. There is a complex system involving satellites, radios and rescue coordination centers that all play a part in managing a maritime search and rescue case.

Amver participants play a huge part in assisting in a maritime emergency. Because Amver ships volunteer their positions, a search and rescue expert can reasonably expect an Amver participant will assist when called. Additionally, rescue experts have greater detail about Amver ships such as medical equipment and medical personnel.

You and your ships can be part of the solution. You can make search and rescue easier and more effective. You can provide hope. You can enroll in Amver today. Now, help us welcome the latest Amver members.

• VOSTOCHNY VOYAGER
• CREST ARIES 1
• SALAMINA
• SEVEN SEAS SPLENDOR
• OCEAN GOBY
• KALAMOS
• NIGHTSKY
• TORM ELIZABETH
• ULTRA COURAGE

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