Athens to host 31st AMVER Awards to celebrate Greek Seafarers’ exemplary seamanship

The heart of seamanship takes center stage at this year’s AMVER Awards Gala Dinner, a major tradition of our industry. Set to unfold on December 15, 2023, at Athens’ Athenaeum Intercontinental Hotel, the event is organized by the International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Piraeus, in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Greece and the United States Coast Guard, marking another milestone in honoring Greek seafarers’ exceptional commitment to seamanship.

Over 800 distinguished guests are expected to attend the 31st edition of the event, including the US Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis, Greek shipowners and shipping executives, influential decision-makers, government officials, and other US Embassy personnel among others. They will be welcomed by Admiral Nathan Moore who will be the master of ceremony.

The AMVER Awards celebrate and honor the shipping companies, vessels and crew who have played a role in safeguarding the lives of seafarers leveraging the AMVER System, a joint initiative of the United States Coast Guard and merchant shipping leaders launched on April 15, 1958.

Standing as a beacon of safety in the maritime world during the last seven decades, this system actively monitors vessels, promptly identifies potential issues, and signals nearby ships to lend assistance—a lifeline in times of crisis.

With over 11,000 international ships actively engaged in the AMVER program and an average of 6,300 vessels joining the AMVER plot daily, its impact is substantial. The AMVER Center processes a staggering 40,000 AMVER messages daily, an indication to its vital role in ensuring maritime safety worldwide.

This year’s ceremony will celebrate 192 Greek-owned shipping entities and their fleet of 2,057 vessels for their committed participation in the AMVER initiative.

Costis Frangoulis, President of the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, and Vice President of the International Propeller Club of the United States, remarked: “Seafarers are not just navigators; they are unsung heroes safeguarding lives amidst the unpredictable expanses of the sea. Their care and compassion for others and their courage in executing daring rescues is a testament to their valor and preparedness, epitomizing seamanship’s noblest facets.

“Each rescue reflects their unwavering commitment to humanity, showcasing not just technical expertise but also incredible courage, camaraderie, and profound respect for the sea’s capricious nature.”

About the International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Piraeus

The idea for the Propeller Club was conceived in New York in 1922 by a group of professionals engaged in the shipping industry. They would meet regularly to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern. These meetings led to the foundation of the Propeller Club of the United States, with the aim of promoting the US merchant marine industry and international shipping to create a better world through sea commerce. The name “Propeller” is symbolic of propulsion, the driving force required to achieve the Club’s objectives. The Propeller Club’s world headquarters is located in Fairfax, Virginia, and today there are Clubs in 80 ports worldwide.

The International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Piraeus is a non-profit association and is one of the oldest maritime institutions in Greece. Founded in 1935, it is the largest and oldest non US Propeller Club among a network of 80 chapters worldwide. Its main purposes are the promotion, advancement and support of global merchant shipping and Greek-US relations at a social, cultural and business level, while it also carries out a significant social service towards the Greek society with donations and the provision of scholarships to distinguished students in Greek and American universities.
Find out more at https://propellerclub.gr 

About the AMVER Program

The need for the AMVER System became apparent during the Titanic disaster in 1912. As the distress flares from the Titanic brightened the sky, passing ships considered them part of the onboard celebrations. Little did they know that the ship had just hit an iceberg.

This highlighted the need to monitor ships, identify possible problems and to call on ships in the vicinity to assist. But this was an idea which only became a reality with the help of computer technology. The AMVER System (Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue) monitors ships, identifies possible problems and informs ships in the vicinity to approach and provide assistance. It officially came to life on 15 April 1958 through the efforts of the United States Coast Guard and a number of merchant shipping representatives.
Originally known as the (AMVER) System, it became operational on 18 July 1958.