Washington, D.C. – May 13, 2025 – The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is pleased to announce that the keynote speaker for its Safety at Sea Seminar will be Joan Bondareff, Senior Counsel, Blank Rome Government Relations LLC. Her address, titled: A Maritime Renaissance from the View of Congress and the White House, will take a closer look at the evolving regulatory, environmental, and policy landscape impacting the U.S. maritime industry. The Safety at Sea event and AMVER Awards is being held on Thursday, May 22nd beginning at 1300hrs at the offices of ABS (80 M Street, SE Washington DC) as part of National Maritime Week.
Ms. Bondareff’s distinguished career includes serving as Chief Counsel and Acting Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration, Majority Counsel to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, and a key member of the Transition Team for the Department of Transportation. She played a significant role in developing the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and has helped shape major environmental and maritime policy frameworks over the past three decades.
Currently at Blank Rome LLC, Joan advises clients on maritime law, government relations, renewable energy, offshore wind, and federal grants. She has successfully secured funding for shipyards, guided international coalitions on Jones Act compliance, and supported energy developers in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
A widely respected voice in the industry, Ms. Bondareff has received numerous accolades, including the International Day for Women in Maritime Honoree from The Maritime Executive and the Marine Environment Protection Individual Award from the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA). She has served in leadership roles for the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority, the United Nations’ World Ocean Assessment, NAMEPA and the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources.
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, Chevron, DNV, Dorian, MOL Chemical Carriers, International Seaways, Sealift, Navios Maritime Partners, OPA 90, The Pasha Group, Port Everglades, Scorpio, Singal Fusion 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 Maritime Officers
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 Propeller 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)
National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE)
OPA 90 Forum
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.
Featured Image: Joan Bondareff, Senior Counsel, Blank Rome Government Relations LLC