NAMMA Honored with NAMEPA Award
New York, October 30, 2025 — During the North American Marine Environment Protection Association’s (NAMEPA) Annual Conference and Awards Dinner at SUNY Maritime College, the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) received the 2025 Seafarers’ Ministry Award. The award recognizes NAMMA members’ “firm support of seafarers and their families, ensuring well-being while promoting safe shipping.”
The evening’s theme, “Powering Progress: Maritime at the Crossroads of Innovation and Impact,” reflected on how the maritime industry can navigate rapid technological, regulatory, and social change. Deacon Paul Rosenblum, President of NAMMA, accepted the award and also offered the invocation at the dinner. He was joined by Rev. Marsh Drege of Seafarers International House and Matthew Morse of the Seamen’s Church Institute, representing NAMMA’s broad membership across North America.
“This award is not about me,” said Deacon Rosenblum. “It is a recognition of the organization as a whole — and even more, of the members and volunteers who serve seafarers every day. It’s an acknowledgment by our friends at NAMEPA that this work is an important contribution to the maritime industry.”
Reflecting on his conversations during the conference, Rosenblum highlighted the need for greater visibility of seafarers’ welfare within NAMEPA’s educational outreach.
“We need to do a better job of getting the word out about seafarers’ welfare,” he said. “Students in maritime schools — even cadets — need to know that there are people around the world ready to support them. Many young people are hesitant about going to sea because of the separation from family. We can help them see that while they may be away, they won’t be abandoned.”
He noted that NAMEPA’s expanding focus on workforce development presents an opportunity for collaboration:
“Helping seafarers care about the environment also means safer vessels and healthier workplaces. Seafarers’ welfare and environmental protection go hand in hand — keeping seafarers safe at work helps the environment, and protecting the environment keeps seafarers safe.”
Rosenblum also observed that NAMEPA continues to emphasize education and stewardship of the marine environment. “Their leadership in promoting responsible shipping and awareness of marine environmental issues remains vital,” he said.
NAMMA extends its sincere thanks to NAMEPA for this recognition and for its continued partnership in promoting safe, sustainable, and humane practices across the maritime world.