NATIONAL MARITIME WEEK ANNOUNCEMENT
April 6, 2026 – Washington, D.C. – As the United States looks to strengthen its maritime capabilities and rebuild a skilled maritime workforce, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) will convene maritime leaders, educators, workforce development organizations, and government stakeholders for a regional gathering in Washington, D.C. focused on advancing collaboration across the maritime workforce system. You can register here!
The event, titled “Building the Maritime Workforce System Through Collaboration”, comes at a critical moment following the release of the U.S. Maritime Action Plan, which calls for a national effort to expand shipbuilding capacity, strengthen maritime infrastructure, and develop the workforce needed to support a growing U.S. maritime industry. A central pillar of the plan emphasizes expanding maritime education and training programs to ensure the United States has the skilled mariners, shipbuilders, and maritime professionals required to meet future demand.
The gathering will highlight how organizations across the maritime ecosystem are already advancing workforce development initiatives that align with national priorities, demonstrating how collaboration across education, industry, nonprofit organizations, and government partners can help accelerate progress toward strengthening the U.S. maritime workforce.
“Strengthening the maritime workforce requires coordination across the entire ecosystem, from classrooms to training institutions to industry leadership,” said Molly Dushay, Executive Director of NAMEPA. “NAMEPA’s regional gatherings are designed to bring those perspectives together, highlight successful workforce initiatives, and explore how collaboration can accelerate the development of the next generation of maritime professionals.”
The program will feature an opening keynote from Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska, who will present “Building a Better Maritime Culture for the Future Workforce.” His remarks will focus on how leadership, workplace culture, and strong human connections play a critical role in attracting and retaining the next generation of maritime professionals.
The gathering will also spotlight established collaborative workforce development initiatives that support different stages of the maritime career pathway, from early awareness and education to skills development, professional training, and career entry.
NAMEPA has long served as a convener across the maritime industry, bringing together diverse stakeholders to advance dialogue, collaboration, and solutions that support both the maritime workforce and the broader maritime sector.
Featured speakers include:
Molly Dushay, Executive Director, NAMEPA – Strengthening maritime awareness and education through national partnerships and initiatives that introduce students to maritime careers earlier. Dushay will highlight collaborative efforts, including the Maritime Primary & Secondary Education Coalition (MPSEC), classroom resources, and experiential learning opportunities designed to expand early exposure to maritime careers and support the development of the future workforce pipeline.
Melissa Hebert, President & CEO, Marimed Foundation will share Marimed’s Tall Ship training and credentialing pathway that prepares the next generation of mariners and maritime professionals through professional development and maritime education programs that support career entry and advancement within the industry.
Jacquie Young-Hall, Workforce Development Program Manager, Port Houston will discuss the nationally recognized Port Houston Partners in Maritime Education (PHPME) collaborative model, which connects schools, industry leaders, and the port community to introduce students to maritime careers and provide tangible pathways into the maritime workforce.
Military Sealift Command (MSC) will provide perspectives on the operational workforce needs of the U.S. maritime sector, including career pathways for mariners and initiatives supporting recruitment, training, and retention within the nation’s maritime workforce. (Speaker to be announced.)
The gathering will create space for cross-sector dialogue among participants representing maritime industry leaders, training institutions, workforce development organizations, and federal partners.
As the United States works to strengthen its maritime workforce and expand the capacity of its maritime sector, collaboration across education, industry, and government will be critical. Convenings such as this National Maritime Week gathering play an important role in aligning efforts, sharing successful models, and advancing the partnerships needed to support the future of the U.S. maritime workforce.
Media Contact: Molly Dushay, Executive Director (m.dushay@namepa.net)
About North American Marine Environment Protection Association
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a maritime industry-led organization preserving the marine environment by promoting resilient maritime 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 www.namepa.net