Rand Logistics, Inc., a provider of bulk freight shipping and ship repair services throughout the Great Lakes Region, announced that three of the Company’s U.S. flagged vessels have been recognized by the United States Coast Guard for their commitment to safety at sea as part of the Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) System Program for the 2017 Sailing Season. The AMVER System, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, is a ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. Rand’s Calumet and Manitowoc received the AMVER Blue Pennant for the vessels’ first year of participation with AMVER. Towing vessel Defiance was honored for the third year and will continue to fly the AMVER Blue Pennant.
“Rand Logistics is honored to have been recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as part of the prestigious AMVER Award Program,” stated Michael C. Farrell II, Director of Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE). “The safety of our employees, customers, vendors and members of the communities in which we operate is our top priority and is one of our Rand Corporate Values.”
The AMVER Awards Program was inaugurated in 1971 to recognize those vessels which regularly participate in the AMVER system and the merchant shipping companies that volunteer to be available for maritime emergency response. Vessels in the AMVER Program commit to a minimum of 128 days on the system annually. Rescue coordinators are able to identify participating ships in the area of distress and divert the best-suited ship or ships to respond.