Admiralty Lawsuit Attorneys

Introduction to AMVER

Created in 1958 and sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, the Atlantic Merchant Vessel Emergency Reporting System (AMVER) is a computer-based global ship reporting system. This system is utilized by a variety of search and rescue organizations and authorities in order to assist persons and ships who need help while at sea.

AMVER works to provide search and rescue teams with accurate information in order to locate the positions of vessels in distress. In the event of a rescue mission, AMVER also works to divert participating ships to the location of the mission in order to provide any needed assistance. In some cases, the Coast Guard is further away from a distressed boat than one of the nearby ships participating in the AMVER program, allowing for aid to reach the distressed boat as quickly as possible.

Originally used in the North Atlantic area, AMVER was created from an idea that had been discussed shortly after the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Although there were ships nearby that could have aided the Titanic, the ships were unaware that the flares seen that night were a call for help. According to many of the other ship captains, they thought that the flares were merely a celebration of the ship’s maiden voyage. With a system like the AMVER program, ships in distress can receive the assistance they need in a very short amount of time.

If you have been injured while at sea, contact the admiralty injury lawyers of Williams Kherkher for information about your legal rights. Call 800-220-9341 to speak with an experienced admiralty lawyer today.