As the year draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on NAMMA’s successes in 2024. From new initiatives to international partnerships, this year showcased NAMMA’s commitment to seafarers’ welfare and maritime ministry.
The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the NAMMA Conference held in Newark, NJ, from September 24-26. This gathering brought together NAMMA members, international partners, and inspiring speakers. The conference not only celebrated maritime safety, highlighted by the display of a Titanic life vest, but also provided a platform for long-standing and emerging leaders to share their insights. This event was a testament to the enduring spirit and collaboration within the NAMMA community.
NAMMA’s Intern Program continued to thrive, with the summer of 2024 marking another successful year. Thanks to the ITF Seafarers Trust, this program has supported 72 interns since 2016. These young professionals bring fresh energy and perspectives to maritime ministry, and many continue their work in the field long after their internships. Their contributions enrich NAMMA and the wider community.
A leap into technology saw NAMMA introduce a chatbot on its website. Designed to provide reliable answers and resources, the chatbot represents a step forward in engaging with a digital audience. It’s a work in progress but promises to enhance NAMMA’s outreach and accessibility.
The celebration of members is at the heart of NAMMA’s mission. This year, distinguished service awards were presented at both the NAMMA Conference and the Houston Training in February. These awards recognize the extraordinary dedication of individuals who serve seafarers with compassion and perseverance. Hearing their stories was a highlight of these events, offering a glimpse into the transformative impact of maritime ministry.
The MARE Report, NAMMA’s flagship publication, shone brightly in 2024. With contributions from talented writers like Susan Huppert and audio recordings by Don Sheetz, the print magazine and news website captured the year’s achievements and shared best practices across the network.
Training remained a cornerstone of NAMMA’s work, with February’s Houston Training drawing participants from diverse nations. This, combined with online courses such as MareTraining and the Ship Welfare Visitor course, exemplifies NAMMA’s commitment to equipping members with the skills and knowledge needed for effective ministry.
Strategic planning played a pivotal role in NAMMA’s activities this year. A notable example was the work in Sept-Îles, QC, where NAMMA helped encourage a local ministry. These planning sessions, coupled with best practice sharing, support NAMMA members in navigating challenges and charting new paths.
The Canadian National Seafarers’ Welfare Board achieved a milestone in November with the presentation of the Elizabeth Bertrand Humble Servant Award to Patricia “Patty” Sarazen of Montreal’s Ministry to Seafarers. This event was a beautiful celebration of Patty’s remarkable contributions to seafarers’ welfare.
International collaboration flourished through NAMMA’s partnership with the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA). These connections allowed NAMMA to share best practices and learn from global peers, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose.
Finally, NAMMA represented industry best practices at various conferences, including CMAC in Canada, and CMA Shipping and NAMEPA in the U.S. These gatherings provided opportunities to engage with the maritime industry and advocate for the welfare of seafarers.
Beyond these top ten, 2024 also saw a creative burst of media activity, with video tours of seafarers’ centers and vibrant photos capturing NAMMA’s work. In November we passed 10,000 photos uploaded to the photo website since we began a decade ago. It’s been a year of innovation, collaboration, and heartfelt service, setting a strong foundation for 2025.
