AMVER means Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System. This interconnected system is used during rescuing operations at sea.

Yesterday, the Chairman of GM International Services Limited, Mr John A. Gauci-Maistre K.M, attended the “Amver Awards”. This event is an opportunity to reward the vessels using actively the system and also to recognize the contribution of brave seafarers for their heroic rescues.

This event is a perfect way to remind all of us that safety is always the priority.

This year around 210 companies were awarded , among which Minerva Marine Inc., Thenamaris Inc., Danaos Shipping Co. Ltd., Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd. and Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd.

Special Rescue Awards were also given by the President and the Board of Governors to 12 companies for the rescue of live at sea. More specific;

• M/V NIKOLAOS A: TARGET MARINE S.A

For the rescue of 13 persons aboard a sailing vessel adrift near Julo Sulo, Philippines, In August 2018.

• M/V BULK BEOTHUK: SEAMAR MANAGEMENT S.A

For the rescue of 9 persons from a capsized vessel adrift at NW Providence Channel, in December 2017

• M/V SINGAPORE: DANAOS SHIPPING CO.LTD

For the rescue of 7 fishermen and 1 dog from a sinking boat outside Manila, Philippines, in July 2018

• M/V EXPRESS ARGENTINA: DANAOS SHIPPING CO. LTD

For aiding and rescuing 3 fishermen from a sinking fishing boat, in November 2017

• M/V MSC KORONI: V. SHIPS

For the rescue of a family of 4 abroad a vessel damaged by fire, South of Isola, Italy, in July 2018

• SBI CRONOS: OPTIMUM

For the rescue of 4 persons aboard fishing boat adrift near Wilmington, USA, in July 2017

• SBI SAMSON: OPTIMUM

For the rescue of 4 persons aboard a capsized vessel South of Grand Bahama, in March 2018

• M/V SUNRISE: SAMOS STEAMSHIP CO.

For the rescue of 2 persons from a sinking boat at Algerian territorial waters, in November 2017

• M/T LEON HERMES: LEON SHIPPING & TRADING S.A

For rescuing and aiding 17 persons from a plastic boat near Egypt, in June 2018

• M/V OMIROS: KYLA SHIPPING & TRADING CORP

For aiding and rescuing 2 persons aboard a sailing vessel that had lost its steering near New Orleans, USA, in June 2018

• M/V KEFALONIA: LYDIA MAR SHIPPING CO. S.A

For the rescue of 2 persons aboard a life raft near Aviles, Spain in December 2017

• M/V FINESSE: EURONAV SHIP MANAGEMENT (Hellas) Ltd.

For the rescue of 2 persons aboard a small boat, at the Gulf of Oman, in April 2017