🔍 Key Concepts

• AMVER (Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue system) – its purpose and who typically runs global SAR-related reporting systems • Which U.S. agencies have search and rescue (SAR) and maritime safety as a core mission • Difference between regulatory/resource agencies (e.g., minerals, engineering, energy) and operational maritime safety agencies

💭 Think About

• Think about which organization actually coordinates or supports maritime distress and rescue efforts on a day-to-day basis • Ask yourself: which of these agencies routinely communicates with ships worldwide about position reports, safety, and emergencies? • Consider the primary mission of each option: which one is most directly tied to saving lives at sea and monitoring vessel reports?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which agency operates maritime safety and search-and-rescue communications centers in U.S. waters • Check which organization is internationally associated with voluntary ship reporting systems used for rescue coordination • Confirm that the agency you pick has direct operational authority over merchant vessel safety and SAR, not just resource management or infrastructure projects