Counter Piracy Firm's Vessels Join AMVER
The AdvanFort Company has volunteered its counter-piracy vessels in the waters in and around the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean to join the U.S. Coast Guard-coordinated Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER).
The AdvanFort fleet, which has vessels strategically positioned in key sea lanes surrounding the High Risk Area (HRA), is now “on plot” in the official USCG program, a computer-based voluntary global ship reporting system that is used by search and rescue authorities around the world to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea.
“AdvanFort helps ensure no call for help goes unanswered even in the most dangerous waters," said Benjamin M. Strong, director of Amver Maritime Relations at the Coast Guard, in a statement about the unique voluntary alliance with one of the leading private maritime security companies. "The high risk waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea make search and rescue cases challenging to manage,” Strong noted. “AdvanFort's participation in Amver gives search and rescue authorities new, specialized vessels to assist them in managing maritime emergencies.”
"The management of AdvanFort as well as the captains and crews of our fleet of vessels are pleased and honored to now be enrolled in the Amver program,” added AdvanFort President William H. Watson. “With vessels strategically located at the perimeter of the High Risk Area for piracy, our vessels are uniquely positioned to assist in Search And Rescue (SAR) missions should any other nearby vessel require assistance.”
Captain Watson also said: “Since our vessels also house our off-duty PCASP (Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel) teams, we will also be in a position to protect a distressed and vulnerable vessel from attack by pirates or other seagoing criminals who might seek to capitalize on their situation."
Picture: Undated photo of US Coast Guard Commandant Robert J. Papp, Jr. presenting AdvanFort President William H. Watson a plaque for service to the Amver program.)
