USCG Amver System A tool for search and rescue in the Arctic March 2009

2 What is Amver? The Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, is a computer-based voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. Amver has been operating since 1958.

3 How does Amver work? Merchant ship owners or managers enter specific information about their vessels into the Amver database. Prior to sailing, participating ships send a sail plan to the Amver computer center. Vessels then report their locations every 48 hours until arriving at their port of call.

4 How does Amver work? Search and rescue controllers are able to predict the position of each ship at any point during its voyage. The position of each participating ship is displayed in an Amver surface picture. In an emergency, any rescue coordination center can request this surface picture to determine the relative position of Amver ships near the distress location and divert the best suited ship to respond.

5 Amver surface picture example

6 How does Amver work? Amver is used solely for search and rescue. Amver data is not used for security purposes.

7 Who participates in Amver? Any commercial vessel, regardless of nation or flag, over 1,000 gross tons on voyages of 24 hours or greater is encouraged to enroll and participate in Amver. Other vessels such as private yachts, research vessels, and fish processing vessels can enroll.

8 Who participates in Amver? There are over 18,000 vessels enrolled in the Amver system representing over 140 countries. On any given day there are over 3,500 vessels available to divert and assist in a distress situation.

9 Amver density plot showing the location of Amver vessels for January 2009

10 Is Amver successful? There were 178 Amver cases in 2008 resulting in 197 lives saved. In 2009 there have been 17 Amver cases resulting in 175 lives saved to date.

11 What does Amver cost? The Amver program consists of three components: –Recruiting, retention, marketing—2 personnel –Program management—1 person –Technical, database team—2 full time, 12 part time personnel Total cost is $2.1 million annually.

12 Amver case study #1 On May 14, 2008 USCG rescue coordinators received notification that a sailing vessel was beset by weather 200 nautical miles south west of Bermuda. The USCG, using the Amver system, diverted the commercial ship Malaysia which rescued the two people and transported them to Bermuda. No USCG surface or air assets were sent to this distress.

13 Amver case study #2 On June 9, 2008 USCG rescue coordinators received notification that a sailing vessel was beset by weather 928 nautical miles east south east of Halifax, Canada. The USCG, using the Amver system, diverted two commercial ships. The Maersk Dunedin rescued one person and the Courage rescued the three remaining survivors. No USCG surface or air assets were sent to this distress.

14 Amver case study #3 On January 20, 2009 USCG rescue coordinators were notified of a catamaran capsized 180 nm west of Madagascar. USCG officials along rescue personnel from MRCC LaReunion diverted the M/V Auto Banner which rescued the lone survivor.

15 How does Amver benefit the United States? In case studies 1 and 2 no USCG surface or air assets were dispatched. The standard rate for: a USCG High Endurance Cutter is $11,094/hour a USCG Medium Endurance Cutter is $6,290/hour a USCG HC-130 aircraft is $14,237/hour

16 How does Amver benefit the United States? A typical search and rescue case, such as the case studies, can take over 12 hours. The monies saved by NOT having to send USCG surface or air resources can exceed $1 million per case. Two Amver cases per year, where a commercial ship is diverted instead of USCG assets, can pay for the entire Amver system.

17 Amver and the Arctic Amver participating vessels account for approximately 40% of the worlds ocean going fleet. Encouraging ice class vessels to enroll and participate in Amver increases the number of SAR resources available to assist during maritime emergencies.

18 Amver and the Arctic Amver is a force multiplier that, when used consistently, can greatly reduce the need for limited SAR assets saving them for other core missions. Amver encourages SAR authorities in the Arctic to request Amver data as standard procedure during SAR emergencies.

19 Amver program contact Mr. Benjamin Strong Amver Maritime Relations United States Coast Guard Director of Marketing and Public Relations 1 South Street New York, NY (212)