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Houston training 2027

Maritime ministries have undergone profound developments in the last generation, which the COVID-19 pandemic only emphasized.  Those involved in seafarers’ welfare and ministry need to continue to develop professionally to help their work adapt to changing realities.  This course gives an overview and discussion of key issues in seafarers’ welfare and maritime ministry. The course is designed for new chaplains, ship visitors and volunteers, but should also be useful for those who have experience in maritime ministry, but wish to sharpen their skills.   

Dates: 14-19 March 2027

Course Coordination and Endorsement: This course is managed by the North American Maritime Ministry Association with the assistance of local hosts, the Chaplain committee of the Houston International Maritime Center. This course has the endorsement of Stella Maris – United States region and the International Christian Maritime Association.

Registration Cost (including accommodation): $550 (includes full registration fee for online and in-class program at the Houston International Seafarers’ Center, up to 6 nights accommodation (with complimentary breakfast, wifi, parking and transport to Hobby airport), coffee breaks and lunches Monday-Friday, and dinners on select evenings). (extra hotel nights for an additional fee)

Registration costs (without accommodation): $275 (for local students not needing accommodation)

Register here.

Course size: 15 students maximum (priority given to students early in their posting in maritime ministry whether full- or part-time, ordained or lay). Personnel of ICMA members globally are welcome to register.

Accommodation: Townplace Suites, 9101 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77017, United States. 

Airports: Houston Hobby Airport (HOU, about 2 miles from the hotel) or Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH, about 30 miles from the hotel). Taxis and ride-hailing services are available from both airports.

Classroom: Houston International Seafarers’ Center, 9750 High Level Road, Houston, Texas, 77029

Topics and lecturers: 

  • (anytime before February 15) – online – Maritime World: Ship Welfare Visitor Course online (free registration required)
  • online – Lesson 1 (online) (training.namma.org/)
  • online – Lesson 2 (online) (training.namma.org/)
  • online – Lesson 3 (online) (training.namma.org/)
  • March 14 – Sunday – 4 p.m. – Beginning of In-class Houston program (at Houston International Seafarers’ Center)
    • March 14 – Sunday – 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. – orientation, worship, opening dinner – Dr. Jason Zuidema (NAMMA)
    • March 15 – Monday – morning – “Mission and Vision for Maritime Ministry” – Dr. Jason Zuidema (NAMMA)
    • March 15 – Monday – afternoon – “Seafarers’ Advocacy and MLC,2006” – Phil Schifflin, Esq. (Director, Center for Mariner Advocacy, The Seamen’s Church Institute)
    • March 15 – Monday – end-of-afternoon – visit to Seamen’s Church Institute Center for Mariner Education ship simulators (located next door to the Houston International Seafarers’ Center)
    • March 16 – Tuesday – morning – “Seafarers’ Advocacy and MLC,2006” (con’t) – Phil Schifflin, Esq.
    • March 16 – Tuesday – afternoon – “History and Structures for Maritime Ministry” – Dr. Jason Zuidema (NAMMA)
    • March 17 – Wednesday – off-site – Houston Norwegian Seamen’s Church – Dcn. Dr. Jeff Willard – Stella Maris port chaplain, Galveston, TX; and Pastor Line Kvalvaag (Houston Norwegian Seamen’s Church); Lunch provided by Norwegian Church
    • March 17 – Wednesday – early afternoon – visit to CMA Shipping Conference Exhibition + panel presentation
    • March 18 – Thursday – Partners in the Maritime World (US Coast Guard); (WGMA); Shipping agent; Seafarers’ health
    • March 18 – Thursday – afternoon – (excursion) – 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Maritime World: Visit to Seafarers’ International Union Hall (including meeting with ITF Inspector)
    • March 19 – Friday (morning) – “Structures and Resources for Maritime Ministry” – Dr. Christopher Graham (NAMMA)
    • March 19 – Friday –  morning / early afternoon – final “One Photo” presentations
    • (excursion) March 19 – Friday – afternoon – Tour Boat visit of Port Houston (Sam Houston tour boat)
  • March 19 – Friday – 5 p.m. – End of In-class Houston program

Course coordinator: Dr. Christopher Graham, christopher.graham@namma.org

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