Windows to the World: NAMMA Conference 2026 Brings Seafarers’ Welfare into Focus
More than 100 delegates gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from August 4–6 for the 2026 North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) Conference. Under the theme “Windows to the World,” participants from seafarers’ welfare organizations across North America, the Caribbean, and beyond joined colleagues from across the maritime industry to reflect on the changing realities of life at sea and the continuing mission of caring for those who serve the world’s shipping industry.
A Local Host and a Meaningful Theme
This year’s conference was generously hosted by the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) of Philadelphia & South Jersey. Since 1843, SCI has served the maritime community in the Delaware River region, adapting its ministry as the needs of seafarers have evolved. From its early floating chapel to today’s mobile shipboard ministry based at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, SCI continues to provide hospitality, advocacy, and practical support to crews visiting the Port of Philadelphia.
SCI President Robert Herb welcomed delegates alongside Rebecca Pierson and Ted Dahlberg, introducing participants to the organization’s history, ministry, and vision for serving today’s maritime community. Their presentations reflected not only the remarkable work of SCI but also the generous hospitality extended throughout the conference.
The conference theme, Windows to the World, provided a compelling framework for the gathering. Those engaged in seafarers’ ministry occupy a unique vantage point at the intersection of global trade, international migration, and local port communities. Every ship that arrives carries stories that reveal global trends, emerging challenges, and human realities. At the same time, maritime chaplains and ship visitors become windows for visiting seafarers, offering welcome, trust, and friendship in unfamiliar ports. As participants reflected throughout the conference, when we see the world more clearly through the experiences of seafarers, we are better able to serve them with wisdom and compassion.
Maritime Industry Leaders Share Their Perspectives
One of the conference’s greatest strengths was the participation of senior leaders from across the maritime industry, government, and labor, whose presentations helped frame many of the discussions that followed.
Delegates first received a video greeting from International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, who encouraged participants to continue placing seafarers’ welfare at the center of the maritime industry’s future.
The opening day also featured Rear Admiral Rob Compher, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy of the United States Coast Guard, Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, and the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, President and Executive Director of The Seamen’s Church Institute and Chair of Trustees of the International Christian Maritime Association.
Industry engagement continued throughout the conference. Bud Darr, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association, Kathy Metcalf, President Emeritus of the Chamber of Shipping of America, Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer of the Seafarers’ International Union of North America, and Thomas Damsgaard, Head of Americas for BIMCO, each brought valuable perspectives on the changing maritime landscape. Their presentations highlighted workforce challenges, regulatory developments, international shipping trends, and the importance of continued investment in the welfare of seafarers. The willingness of these leaders to engage directly with maritime welfare organizations demonstrated a shared commitment to improving life for those who work at sea.
Seafarers’ Welfare and Advocacy in Focus
Alongside industry perspectives, the conference devoted significant attention to the practical realities of seafarers’ welfare.
A panel on advocacy and partnership brought together The Ven. Dr. Peter Rouch, Secretary General of The Mission to Seafarers, Phil Schifflin of the Center for Mariner Advocacy at the Seamen’s Church Institute, and Simon Grainge of ISWAN. Moderated by Chaplain Michelle DePooter, the discussion explored how cooperation between welfare organizations, industry, and advocacy groups can increase support for seafarers worldwide.
The conference also addressed ministry in areas experiencing conflict and instability. Dr. Jason Zuidema presented ICMA’s work documenting seafarers’ experiences in the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, while Fr. Paul Makar reflected on serving Ukrainian seafarers during the ongoing war in Ukraine. A recorded presentation by Captain Raman Kapoor added further perspective from the Gulf region. Together, these presentations reminded participants that maritime ministry often responds first to the human consequences of geopolitical events, providing practical care and reliable information when seafarers face uncertainty.
Workshops for Ministry and Professional Development
Several workshops focused on strengthening the skills needed for effective maritime ministry.
The Rev. Dr. David W. Fleenor presented the findings of his study, Essential Competencies for Maritime Chaplaincy, prepared for the Seamen’s Church Institute. His research encouraged participants to consider the knowledge, character, and practical skills required for future generations of maritime chaplains.
Brenna McGinnis of JUST Listening led an engaging workshop on improving listening skills, reminding delegates that attentive listening remains one of the most valuable gifts chaplains and ship visitors can offer. Participants also celebrated the presentation of the NAMMA Seafarers’ Welfare Awards, recognizing excellence and dedication in ministry.
Publications That Extend the Conversation
Several new publications were introduced during the conference.
Philadelphia author Mark Staples presented Pedro’s Delivery, a children’s book inspired by his relationship with the Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia & South Jersey. Through the story of a migrant worker, the book helps younger readers understand the sacrifices made by seafarers and other workers who spend long periods away from their families.
Kaylena Radcliff introduced delegates to the latest issue of Christian History magazine, Christianity on the Seas, which explores the long history of Christian ministry within maritime communities. Together, these publications demonstrated different ways of telling the stories of seafarers and helping wider audiences appreciate their lives and contributions.
Prayer and Worship at the Heart of the Conference
As a gathering rooted in Christian ministry, prayer and worship remained central throughout the conference.
Each day opened and concluded with prayer, providing opportunities for participants to reflect together before engaging in discussion and learning. The conference also included opening worship at historic Christ Church Philadelphia, connecting delegates with one of the city’s oldest congregations and reminding participants of the long tradition of Christian ministry in one of America’s great port cities.
The conference concluded with worship led by Chaplain Michelle DePooter, NAMMA’s new president, bringing delegates together one final time before returning to ministries across North America and beyond.
Looking Ahead
The atmosphere throughout the conference was one of genuine collaboration, encouragement, and hope. Conversations continued long after formal sessions ended as participants renewed friendships, exchanged ideas, and built new partnerships. Delegates represented ports on the Pacific Coast, Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, the Great Lakes, Canada, the Caribbean, and international ministries, reflecting both the diversity and unity of the maritime welfare community.
The 2026 NAMMA Conference demonstrated that while the maritime world continues to face significant challenges, those committed to serving seafarers remain united in purpose. The theme Windows to the World proved to be much more than a conference title. It described the unique perspective of maritime ministry itself. Through the lives of seafarers, welfare organizations gain a clearer understanding of the world. Through their ministry of welcome, hospitality, advocacy, and friendship, seafarers in turn encounter communities ready to receive them with dignity and care. That mutual exchange of understanding remains at the heart of NAMMA’s mission and was on full display throughout three memorable days in Philadelphia.
