AMVER Search and Rescue Program
The Worldwide Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System
Amver, a worldwide automated mutual assistance vessel rescue system, provide search and rescue coordinators with valuable information about potential rescuers
On 28 December 2007, three different ships at sea diverted from their routes to assist the Agaman, a 330 container ship dead in the water 88 miles off the coast of Nantucket. Agaman was enroute from Canada to Cuba when contaminated fuel stopped its engines cold. A bulk carrier named Dual Confidence, a tanker called Aegeas, and a tanker christened Moselle all took turns assisting the stricken vessel rolling in 10 foot seas and buffeted by 40 knot winds. How is it that so many different vessels were able to assist in this rescue at sea?
AMVER - Known originally as the Atlantic Merchant Vessel Emergency Reporting (AMVER) System, Amver is a worldwide, voluntary ship reporting system that provides search and rescue coordinators with an accurate map of ships in position to render aid in the event of an emergency. Prior to departure, participating vessels file a sailing plan with Amver and then update their actual positions every 48 hours during their voyage. There are around 3,200 ships actively reporting to Amver and available for performing rescues each day. It is estimated that more than 12,000 vessels from 140 countries participate in the system worldwide.
The History of AMVER The roots of Amver grew out of the RMS Titanic tragedy of 1912. Ships passing by the stricken passenger ship were unaware of it distress and thus unable to render aid. It wasn't until 1958, when development of computer technology had advanced sufficiently that a ship reporting system could be launched. Amver started tentatively in the waters of the North Atlantic, notorious for its foul weather and icebergs. After two years of operation, Amver participation had grown to having 5,000 vessels registered and the active tracking of an average 770 ships daily. Rescue Coordination Centers (RCC) in England and Ireland started sharing search and rescue (SAR) data with Amver in 1962 and the system started providing worldwide coverage in 1963. Amver was renamed the Automated Merchant VEssel Reporting system in 1966. With the addition of numerous shore based radio stations and national RCC's, the program name was changed one last time to Automated Mutual-assistance VEssel Rescue System and is simply named now as Amver by its users. Technology has greatly simplified reporting to Amver and the generation of position reports for participating vessels.
SURPIC - The key product provided to RCC's is an accurate surface picture (SURPIC) of participating ships that may be located near a vessel in distress. SURPIC are available to any bona fide SAR organization for use in an emergency. Information provided in this report includes:
- Inmarsat Number - An unique identification number used by ships using this satellite communications System Administrator
- Vessel Name
- Position - An estimate in latitude and longitude based on the last report made to Amver
- Time and Course - Time that it will take a rescue vessel to response and the new course change that will be needed
Along with improvements in GPS navigation, EPIRBs, electronic charting and global communications, Amver will continue its contribution to safety at sea and prompt response to vessels in distress.
