Happy Birthday AMVER — Sixty Years of Saving Lives at Sea

We are a few days late in celebrating AMVER‘s 60th birthday. Originally called the Atlantic Merchant Vessel Emergency Reporting System, AMVER became operational on July 18, 1958. When it expanded beyond the Atlantic, the name was changed to the Automated … Continue reading

Seafarers Awareness Week – In Distress at Sea, Seafarers to the Rescue

For those in trouble at sea, technology has dramatically increased the chances of survival. Satellite phones, GPS transducers, EPIRBs and the like have made it possible to call for help across the vastness of the world’s oceans.  Some things haven’t changed however.  When help arrives, chances are, it will … Continue reading

AMVER Rescue of Finnish Sailors on Sailboat Kamu by the Stolt Invention

We consider AMVER to be one of the true “unsung heroes” of the maritime world.  AMVER is the “Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue” system run by the US Coast Guard.  Established in 1958, it is a computer-based voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide … Continue reading

Five Sailors Saved by Cruise Ship Norwegian Gem in Coast Guard AMVER Rescue

On Saturday morning, the 39′ sailboat, Sanctuary, in heavy weather 256 miles northeast of Bermuda, was hit by several breaking waves, lost power and began slowly taking on water. The crew of five, four men and one woman, called for help.   The US Coast Guard … Continue reading

The Last Voyage of the Lakonia – Deadly Christmas Cruise

Forty seven years ago, passengers on the cruise ship Lakonia were promised  “a marvelous Christmas cruise to sunny Madeira and the Canary Islands.”   The brochure read –  “Have your holiday with all risk eliminated. Enjoy a holiday you will remember for … Continue reading

What is AMVER?

What is AMVER?  They are the most amazing world-wide maritime search and rescue network that you probably have never heard of.  AMVER stands for the Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System. It was founded over fifty years ago, in 1958, and currently over 19,000 ships … Continue reading