Nine Bermuda shipping companies received awards for participating in the US Coast Guard’s voluntary worldwide search and rescue network this year.The Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) system is a ship reporting system that search and rescue authorities around the world use to help ships and aeroplanes in distress at sea.The nine companies had a combined 21 ships participating in the AMVER programme, ten of which were enrolled for the first time this year. The Bahamas Spirit and the Channel Alliance had the longest participation records of the 21 ships, serving for 14 and 16 consecutive years respectively.US Consul General Bob Settje presented letters of appreciation, certificates of merit and pennants for their ships to representatives from the nine companies.“I want to thank these companies, the ships, and their crew members for participating in the AMVER programme,” Mr Settje said.“These ships were constantly available to help engage in a rescue, which is absolutely essential when human lives are at stake. We welcome the ten ships that are new to AMVER this year and encourage continued participation in this search and rescue programme by the other ships.”In the AMVER system, ships submit a sail plan before departing on voyages and check in every 48 hours. This allows rescue coordinators to determine the approximate location of a ship in distress and send nearby vessels to its aid.Ships participating in AMVER rescued 496 people from vessels in distress around the world in 2012.