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The AdvanFort fleet (http://www.advanfort.com/index.php?page=frontlinephotos),
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 added: “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."
Any commercial vessel of more than 1,000 gross tons that are on voyages
of 24 hours or more, regardless of nation or flag, ought to enroll and
participate in the Amver program, the AdvanFort president pointed out.
Due to participating merchant vessels regularly reporting their position,
those ships near a position of distress are more readily identified,
and thus rescue coordinators are able to compress the search area in
cases where a participant vessel is unreported or overdue.
By identifying those vessels best positioned to respond to distress
calls, other vessels are able to continue their voyage—having
met those obligations set down in international law—thus saving
fuel, time and cost of payrolls
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