Seaworthy News | Spring | 2024

Why YOU Need to be a part of National Maritime Week! 

The United States is the largest trading nation in the world—yet has one of the smallest maritime footprints. With the myriad of competing interests in our country, the maritime agenda, and corresponding allocation of resources, gets buried—until a container ship hits a bridge.

Clearly maritime needs to amplify its voice. At every conference, we bemoan our image (or lack thereof) yet do nothing to change it. Other maritime nations have recognized the need to bring a focus on our industry by creating Maritime Weeks (think Singapore, London, er. al). Now it is our turn!

Over 40 organizations are coming together in Washington, D.C. from May 21-23rd for National Maritime Week to recognize our industry and help shape its future. Blue Sky Maritime Coalition will look at the pathway to decarbonization, MARAD will recognize the industry in a morning event “Navigating the Future: Safety First.” Hosted at ABS’ DC office, NAMEPA will hold its annual Safety at Sea event followed by the presentation of the USCG AMVER and Benkert Awards by Commandant Linda Fagan and the DC Propeller Club’s National Maritime Day Reception. NAMEPA will also launch its Regions event focusing on Workforce Development, and Donjon-Smit will hold a PREP exercise followed by an OPA 90 Forum reception.

We need to come together as an industry to raise awareness about our value to the nation- national, economic, energy, climate and workforce security- and our need for resources. Port infrastructure, rebuilding our shipbuilding industrial base, and bringing new mariners into our industry, and retaining them, is a good start!

Every Action Counts! Join us in Washington, D.C. for National Maritime Week!

National Maritime Week

National Maritime Week, an extension of the traditional National Maritime Day observed on May 22nd, is a time to recognize and celebrate the significant achievements within the maritime industry. This initiative aims to foster unity and propel collective progress within the maritime sector. This year, the celebrations and collaborative efforts will be hosted in Washington, D.C., marking a significant opportunity for professionals, government representatives, and stakeholders to come together in recognition and support of our maritime heritage and future. Currently, we have over 40 different Supporting Organizations looking forward to this incredible week!

Want to get involved?

Email: contact@namepa.net

May 22, 2024: Safety at Sea Seminar and AMVER & Benkert Awards

Celebrate excellence and advance industry standards at NAMEPA’s 2024 Safety at Sea Seminar and AMVER & Benkert Awards. The past year has seen an acceleration of events that could compromise maritime operations, and therefore global trade.  From geopolitical aggression and mechanical failures to cyber intrusions; from climate mitigation to mariner well-being, safety has to be at the forefront of our ecosystem. At this event, a part of National Maritime Week, engage in enlightening discussions on pivotal topics such as digitalization, cybersecurity, decarbonization, mariner welfare, and the seafarer shortage. Then, conclude the day with the prestigious AMVER & Benkert Awards ceremony, with notable achievements recognized and presented by U.S., Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan. Join us as we reflect and examine the many facets of Safety at Sea!

Space is limited. Be sure to secure your seat ASAP.

May 23, 2024: NAMEPA Regions: Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Gathering

The Future of Maritime Careers is Human-Centric! Join NAMEPA's Washington D.C. - Metro gathering and workshop on Thursday, May 23rd during National Maritime Week. Held at the ABS offices, this event tackles the challenge of building a skilled maritime workforce for the future.

Key presenters: 

• Dr. Shashi Kumar, Deputy Associate Administrator and National Coordinator for Maritime Education and Training, MARAD, will share insights from the latest workforce development report.
• Kai Martin, Chief Sustainability Officer at The Pasha Group, will address challenges in recruiting and retaining maritime personnel. 
• Molly Dushay, Education & Outreach Director at NAMEPA & MPSEC, will discuss community engagement's role in supporting maritime careers. 

A Message from the Sustainability Director

NAMEPA’s Maritime Sustainability Passport® (MSP) Program is proud to announce significant achievements in the first quarter of 2024, marking a milestone in its commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the maritime industry. An impressive 80% of participants have chosen to renew their commitment to the MSP Program. This re-enrollment rate reflects the tangible value and positive impact that the program continues to deliver, encouraging companies to deepen their engagement with ESG initiatives.

Email the Sustainability Director at m.crowley@namepa.net to learn how NAMEPA can help you reach your sustainability goals!

Discounts may apply. Scroll down for a special offer honoring World Ocean Day.

View the Recording of our Previous Webinar Session

Missed our latest Sea Safety Series webinar on Environmental Awareness? Don’t worry – you can catch up by viewing the recording on YouTube! Explore how maritime stakeholders are bridging commerce and conservation efforts, while supporting community engagement and workforce development in the latest webinar session.

Our next webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 8th, at 3:00 p.m. ET, covering Search, Rescue and AMVER. Join us as we explore the latest advancements in search and rescue operations, discussing key strategies, technologies, and best practices that play a crucial role in saving lives at sea. Register now!

Maritime & Logistics Youth Expo at San Jacinto Maritime Training Center

LA STEM Symposium

NAMEPA’s Education Team presented the Recycle Regatta at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles Country as part of the LA STEM Symposium. As a founding member of the LA STEM Collective, NAMEPA has been able to provide enrichment to LAUSD students since 2020. The Recycle Regatta is sponsored by NAMEPA and our educational partners, Educational Passages and the New England Science and Sailing Foundation to teach students STEAM principles.

WISTA x NAMEPA Cleanup - Celebrating Earth Day!

Norwalk Earth Day Celebration on the Green

Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives!

Want to partner with NAMEPA on education initiatives?

Contact Molly at m.dushay@namepa.net

Thank you to our Annual Sponsors!

Your tax-deductible donation will help us promote sustainable marine industry best practices, preserve the marine environment, and educate the public to Save Our Seas.