The AMVER system does not reduce the time lost for vessels responding to calls for assistance.

An AMVER participant is under greater obligation to render assistance to a vessel in distress than a non-participant.

There is no cost to the ship or owner for messages sent within the AMVER system.

An AMVER participant is not relieved of the obligation to give 24 hour advance notice to the U.S. Coast Guard before entering a U.S. port from offshore.