WASHINGTON DC – APRIL 16th, 2025 — The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) continues to build out the agenda for the Safety at Sea Seminar happening on May 22nd in Washington D.C. A pivotal discussion, Keeping Our Mariners Safe and Secure, will conclude our program, leading into the AMVER Awards presented by the United States Coast Guard.
Mariners are the backbone of the maritime industry, and this panel will address critical safety, mental health, and workforce development challenges faced by seafarers while offering solutions to ensure their well-being. In this current climate, keeping our mariners safe is more important than ever.
This panel will be moderated by Jan-Willem Van Den Dijssel, Americas Lead for Cargill. The distinguished panel features three maritime leaders:
- The State of Our Mariners Today – Deacon Paul Rosenblum, Port Minister for the Apostleship of the Sea, President of NAMMA, and NAMEPA Board member, will discuss the current challenges mariners face, from safety risks to the social and psychological impacts of extended voyages. His background will provide a comprehensive overview of how these issues are being addressed at both the local and global levels.
- Moving Beyond Mental Health: A Smarter Approach to Human Risk in Maritime Operations – Maria Kolitsida, Founder of SignalFusion AI, will offer a forward-thinking approach to improving crew safety and mental health. Going beyond traditional mental health solutions, Maria will explain the innovative Voice AI technologies and smarter strategies designed to reduce human risk in maritime operations and improve the overall welfare of mariners.
- Adding to Our Ranks: NAMEPA’s Initiative for Workforce Development – Molly Dushay, Executive Director of NAMEPA, will present the organization’s initiatives to address workforce development within the maritime industry. As the industry faces increasing shortages of qualified personnel and rising attrition rates, NAMEPA is actively working to engage future generations through outreach programs, education partnerships, and career pathway development. From high school maritime academies to collaborations with maritime training institutions and shipping companies, NAMEPA’s workforce initiative is designed to build a pipeline of skilled, safety-conscious, and environmentally responsible professionals who are equipped to meet the demands of a modern, sustainable maritime industry.
This discussion will underscore the importance of ensuring the safety and security of mariners, as their health and well-being are fundamental to the safe and efficient operations of the maritime industry. The panel will examine the many facets of mariner safety, from the human element to technological advancements, and highlight the role of industry collaboration in tackling these challenges.
The Safety at Sea Seminar and AMVER Awards are made possible with support from sponsors including, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Alaska Chadux Network, The American Club, Blank Rome, Cargill, DNV, Dorian LPG, Fairfield Chemical Carriers, International Seaways, Navios, OPA 90, Port Everglades, The Pasha Group, Scorpio Group, SignalFusion AI, and Wasteline Solutions.
To become a sponsor, please contact Gail Nicholas, Development Director at g.nicholas@namepa.net
Register now and view the developing agenda, speaker profiles, and sponsors here! Safety at Sea Seminar and AMVER Awards Developing Agenda
National Maritime Week Supporting Organizations:
- Alaska Chadux Network
- American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)
- American Waterways Operators
- Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (ASBA)
- BIMCO
- Blue Sky Maritime Coalition
- Connecticut Maritime Association Shipping
- Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA)
- Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association Inc. (CRSOA)
- International Propellor Club
- International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P)
- International Work Boat Show
- INTERTANKO
- Maritime Association of Port NY and NJ (MAPONY)
- Marine Exchange of Puget Sound
- Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development (MIRAID)
- Maritime Accelerator for Resilience (MAR)
- OPA 90
- WISTA USA
About NAMEPA
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) was officially launched in 2007. NAMEPA is a maritime industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students, and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake, and river resources. For more information, visit www.namepa.net.