May 5th, 2026–The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is proud to host the United States Coast Guard’s 2026 AMVER Awards Ceremony, honoring the maritime industry’s enduring commitment to safety at sea. The ceremony will take place on May 21, 2026, at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Offices (80 M Street SE) in Washington, D.C., following NAMEPA’s annual Safety at Sea Seminar during National Maritime Week.
Each year, the AMVER program recognizes the dedication, vigilance, and lifesaving contributions of merchant vessels and their crews. Awards are marked by distinctive pennants displayed aboard participating ships and within company headquarters worldwide, symbolizing sustained commitment to the program. A blue pennant denotes a vessel’s first year of participation, gold signifies five consecutive years, and purple represents ten years of continuous service. This year, the USCG will be recognizing 156 companies representing over 500 vessels.
Established in 1958 as the Atlantic Merchant Vessel Emergency Reporting System, AMVER began as a voluntary initiative focused on improving safety in the North Atlantic. By 1971, AMVER had expanded globally, evolving into the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System, a vital, technology-driven network supporting search and rescue operations worldwide.
Inspired in part by lessons learned from the Titanic disaster, AMVER reflects a long-standing commitment to improving communication and coordination at sea. Today, it serves as a cornerstone of international maritime safety, with participating vessels regularly reporting their positions to support rapid, coordinated response efforts when emergencies arise. Recent examples include the Carnival Legend rescuing a stranded sailor and his cat in the Gulf of Mexico, a Princess Cruises vessel diverting course to assist a distressed small craft, and Texas A&M Maritime Academy cadets being honored for their role in life saving operations. Widely shared across media and social platforms, these stories reflect the everyday reality of AMVER.
Admiral Thomas G Allan Jr, Vice Commandant of the USCG, will present the 2026 AMVER Awards during the official ceremony on May 21.
More than a recognition of achievement, the AMVER Awards Ceremony is a powerful reminder of what unites the maritime community: a shared responsibility to protect life at sea, and a collective commitment to always be ready to answer the call.
About NAMEPA
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a maritime industry-led organization preserving the marine environment by promoting resilient maritime industry best practices and educating seafarers, students, and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake, and river resources. For more information www.namepa.net.