JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rand Logistics, Inc. (“Rand”), a leading 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 computer-based voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. The Rand’s M/V Calumet and M/V 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 for the vessel’s participation with AMVER.
“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) at Rand. “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.”
Captain Karl Hardesty from the Towing Vessel Defiance and Barge Ashtabula attended the AMVER Awards event on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. as part of the 2018 National Maritime Day celebration.
“Because of the efforts of mariners like our vessel Captains and crewmembers who play an active role in the AMVER Program, we can all enjoy the beauty of our Great Lakes and rivers knowing that assistance is available if ever it is needed,” Mr. Farrell continued. “We look forward to continuing our involvement with AMVER during our current sailing season and beyond.”
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.
About Rand Logistics
Rand Logistics, Inc. is a leading provider of bulk freight shipping and ship repair services throughout the Great Lakes region. Through its subsidiaries, the Company operates a fleet of three conventional bulk carriers and twelve self-unloading bulk carriers including three tug/barge units. The Company is the only carrier able to offer significant domestic port-to-port services in both Canada and the U.S. on the Great Lakes. The Company's vessels operate under the U.S. Jones Act – which reserves domestic waterborne commerce to vessels that are U.S. owned, built and crewed – and the Canada Coasting Trade Act – which reserves domestic waterborne commerce to Canadian registered and crewed vessels that operate between Canadian ports.
CONTACT:
Rand Logistics, Inc.
Corporate Communications:
Annemarie Dobler
(212) 863-9429
annemarie.dobler@randlog.com