The U.S. Consulate General Mumbai on Monday recognised 26 Indian shipping companies that participated in the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) voluntary Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) programme by presenting them with awards.
The USCG-managed search and rescue programme, AMVER, helps make merchant ships available for maritime emergency response without regard to nationality, with the objective that no call for help should go unanswered.
Director General of Shipping, Dr. Malini V. Shankar, the chief guest, said AMVER is designed to ensure quick and efficient rescue of disabled and distressed ships at sea, saving lives and ensuring continuity of shipping operations.
U.S. Consul General Edgard Kagan said, “AMVER is an excellent example of mutual assistance and partnership. These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise Indian merchant mariners and their efforts to facilitate world trade while preserving safety at sea. It also reflects US-India dosti (friendship) and collaboration that saves lives and improves efficiencies for everyone.”
Dr. Shankar presented the awards along with Mr. Kagan. In her remarks, Dr. Shankar said, “AMVER is a unique and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide to arrange for assistance to ships in distress at sea. Instead of relying solely on specialised rescue operations, this initiative provides an excellent opportunity for mutual cooperation on seas. AMVER has proven to be an enduring example of international public-private partnership.”
AMVER was established by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1958.This year, the programme is celebrating its 60th anniversary of providing assistance to those in distress on the high seas. Over 140 nations participate in AMVER, providing a global safety network for mariners, comprising more than 7,850 ships available to carry out search and rescue services.
