What is the Automatic Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) system?
The Automatic Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) system is a unique technology developed by the United States Coast Guard in 1958.
The United States Coast Guard founded AMVER as a maritime mutual assistance organization that provides critical support for the conduct and coordination of search and rescue (SAR) efforts in many parts of the world.
Commercial vessels operating at sea worldwide are encouraged to submit dynamic reports and regular position reports to the AMVER center.
All the information provided helps track vessels worldwide, thereby enabling the allocation of the best resources to vessels in distress in a specific area. This streamlined allocation of resources allows SAR agencies to act quickly.
The basic principle of the system is to integrate the participation of vessels from all over the world and equip them with this technology. This will create a centralized hub for all vessels and their positions in the water, thereby improving crisis management.
The estimated position and SAR characteristics of any known vessel in the area of concern can be obtained by any country’s recognized SAR agency or any person in distress upon request for use in an emergency.
Currently, countries such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, etc. have similar systems in operation and urge all ships to cooperate. This service is provided free of charge to ships.
Brief History
The Titanic disaster in 1912 was the impetus for the development of a rapid rescue system. This unprecedented disaster caused the loss of thousands of lives and prompted the US Coast Guard to seek practical solutions.
The system was originally called the Atlantic Merchant Vessel Emergency Rescue System (AMVER), and its intended coverage was initially limited to the North Atlantic Ocean. Under the terms established by the US Coast Guard at the time, all ships with a voyage of more than one day had to be registered in the AMVER system. This requirement applied to ships registered in US ports of registration and even to ships registered abroad.
The latest computer technology at the time was applied to the Automatic Emergency Merchant Vessel Rescue System (AMVER), which expanded rapidly and included the participation of the United Kingdom in 1962. Eight years after its launch, the system was renamed the Automatic Mutual Assistance Rescue System (AMVER).
Current Global Situation
AMVER was recognized and incorporated into the U.S. Maritime Charter as a mandatory requirement in the early 1980s, following a strategic agreement between the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Maritime Association. Shortly thereafter, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) also required ships to incorporate AMVER.
AMVER Requirements
Ships subject to the AMVER protocol must provide position information upon departure and arrival at designated ports. Ship position information must be updated every two days. Otherwise, the main function of the system will not be achieved. Ships must also provide information if a change of route is required. IMO AMVER Reporting Standards
AMVER/DR
- A/Vessel Name/International Radio Call Sign//
- B/Time (as indicated by C or G)//
- C/Longitude and Latitude (as indicated by B)//
- E/Current Route (as indicated by B)//
- F/Expected Average Speed (Remaining Range)//
- G/Departure Port/Longitude and Latitude//
- I/Destination/Longitude and Latitude//Estimated Time of Arrival//
- K/Arrival Port/Longitude and Latitude//Estimated Time of Arrival//
- L/Method of Sailing/Step Speed/Longitude and Latitude//Port/Estimated Time of Arrival//
- M/Coast Radio Station or Satellite Number/Next Radio Station//
- G/Medical Personnel//
- S/Remarks//
- R/Continuing Notes//
- Z/End of Report (EOR)//
AMVER Report
Why Ship Generators Shut Down Immediately?
Sail Plan (SP)
Sent before, at, or within a few hours of departure. The SP must contain sufficient information to predict the vessel’s actual position within 25 nautical miles at any time during the voyage.
Position Report (PR)
Must be sent within 24 hours of leaving port and at least every 48 hours thereafter.
Deviation Report (DR)
This report must be sent immediately upon any change in voyage information. Any change in course or speed due to weather, ice conditions, change of destination, diversion to evacuate sick or injured crew, diversion to assist other vessels, or any other deviation from the original voyage plan must be reported as soon as possible.
Final Arrival Report (FR)
Must be submitted upon arrival at the port of call.
AMVER USP
Through AMVER, we have established a common platform to serve the global maritime community. The system operates on a humanitarian basis and therefore does not take into account political issues or any other conflict situations. All nearby vessels equipped with the Automated Mutual Assistance and Rescue (AMVER) system are obliged to assist those in need, regardless of the nationality of the vessel.
AMVER Weather Report
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) have collaborated to develop the AMVER Weather Reporting System, which is designed to assist Volunteer Observing Ships (VOS) in submitting marine weather reports and participating in AMVER. This helps with weather forecasting and determining the best search and rescue actions to take in a particular area based on weather conditions.
AMVER Award
Established in 1971 to recognize vessels that comply with and regularly participate in AMVER. These awards are usually hung in a prominent position on the command deck and company offices, and the details are as follows:
- Letter of Appreciation
- Certificate of Appreciation
- Blue Flag (flag), awarded to ships that complete the first year of participation.
- Gold Flag (flag), awarded to ships that have qualified for AMVER for five consecutive years.
- Purple Flag (flag), awarded to ships that have qualified for AMVER for ten consecutive years
- Special awards will be presented to ships that have been part of the system for over 15 years.
Why choose AMVER and register?
The success of AMVER is directly related to the number of commercial ships that report their positions on a regular basis. The more ships are in the danger zone, the greater the probability of finding the ship near the distress site. Ships can visit the official AMVER website to register in the system. The website also contains all the information about the system.
