The AMVER Awards Program

The U.S. Coast Guard created an annual AMVER Awards Program as a way of rewarding those ships which remain “on plot” for at least 128 days in a calendar year. These awards have become instrumental in AMVER recruitment and retention. AMVER awards are a tribute to the support of a ship’s crew, management, and ownership, which is so integral to the program’s success.
Amver award ceremonies have been hosted by U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, maritime industry organizations, such as the Norwegian Shipowners Association, the German Shipowners Association and the Propeller Club of the United States (Ports of Piraeus – HELLAS London – UK and Limassol – CYPRUS), among others.

The awards consist of a Letter of Appreciation to the Shipping Company, a Certificate of Merit to each ship and a colored AMVER pennant, representing a ship’s continuous participation in the program: blue for (1) year; gold (5) years; purple (10) years. A distinctive plaque is presented for (15) years, an engraved pewter plate for (20) years and an acrylic globe for (25) years.
In addition, several special annual awards have been subsequently created by maritime organizations such as LLP, Ltd. (Publishing) (UK), PTT Telecom Netherlands (U.S.) (Satellite Communications) Inc., Argus Business Media (SAFETY AT SEA Magazine) (UK), the Association For Rescue At Sea (AFRAS), and the New York Council of the Navy League, honoring ships involved in rescues requiring extraordinary ship-handling, heroism or danger.