The wellbeing of seafarers is the chief concern for those working in maritime ministry and shore-based seafarers’ welfare. An ambitious research initiative led by Professor Helen Sampson and her team at the Seafarers International Research Centre (SIRC), Cardiff University, shed important light on the current state of seafarers’ health across both the cruise and cargo […]
In May 2025, Deacon Paul Rosenblum traveled to Washington, D.C. to take part in a series of events marking National Maritime Day and related observances. Over several days, he represented Stella Maris and the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA), of which he is President, while also serving as a board member for the North […]
Jason ZuidemaHello, friends. This is Jason Zuidema, and I am here with the Reverend Eric Phinney, who has been recently named the Director of the Canada region for the Mission to Seafarers. Previously, Reverend Eric was a chaplain at the Saint John, New Brunswick mission and has lots of other pastoral and executive experience. Eric, […]
On May 13, 2025, over 25 maritime ministry leaders and volunteers from British Columbia and Washington State gathered at the Mission to Seafarers in Vancouver, BC, for the North-West Regional Meeting of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA). While the day began with practical training in suicide prevention through the SafeTALK course, the afternoon […]
In advance of a NAMMA regional meeting in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Jason Zuidema (Executive Director, NAMMA) met with Rev. Gary Roosma, Chaplain for the Ministry to Seafarers of the Christian Reformed Church. Following their one-on-one conversation, there was also an opportunity to address the full board of M2S Vancouver to discuss the challenges and opportunities […]
by NAMMA On April 2, 2025, more than 25 maritime ministry leaders from across the US East Coast gathered in Stamford, Connecticut, for the North-East US regional meeting of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA). Held in the Aspen Room of the Hilton Stamford Hotel, the gathering took place alongside the bustling CMA Shipping […]
by Jason Zuidema (NAMMA/ICMA) Catharina Silberman, Stiftelsen Sjömanskyrkan i Stockholm – Sjömansinstitutet 100 år. 2017. The 100th anniversary volume of the Stockholm Seamen’s Church and Institute is a rich and detailed account of an organization that has continually adapted to the needs of seafarers over a century. Established during World War I in 1917, the […]
The North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) regional meeting on March 4 in Canaveral brought together seafarers’ welfare organizations, port chaplains, and industry representatives for a day of discussion, collaboration, and insight into the evolving landscape of maritime ministry. Hosted at the Canaveral Port Ministry, the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on both the […]
The maritime world is constantly evolving, and those engaged in maritime ministry must continue to develop their skills and knowledge to effectively serve seafarers. From February 23 to 28, a diverse group of participants gathered in Houston, Texas, for a course on seafarers’ welfare and maritime ministry. This program, managed by the North American Maritime […]
On Sunday 19 January, we listened to fascinating presentation hosted by La Bibliothèque Réjean-Ducharme de St-Ignace-de-Loyola, where Louis-Vincent Barthe, a former seafarer and author, shared the history of the iconic “White Fleet” of passenger ships on the St. Lawrence River. The talk, based on his book l’Épopée des Bateaux Blancs (éditions GID), was a journey […]
