Washington, D.C. – As part of National Maritime Week, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA)’s Safety at Sea Seminar and the U.S. Coast Guard AMVER and Benkert Awards will bring together maritime leaders to examine the evolving realities shaping maritime safety and operations.
As the maritime industry faces rapid technological advancement, workforce shifts, and the operational impacts of the energy transition, the future of maritime safety will depend on how effectively the industry prepares the next generation of mariners and integrates emerging technologies into daily operations. Panel #3, Building the Future of Safe Maritime Operations, will explore the strategies, training, and leadership needed to support safe and resilient maritime operations in the years ahead.
Moderated by NAMEPA Executive Director Molly Dushay, the panel will feature leaders from across the maritime sector with perspectives spanning workforce development, operational readiness, and emerging fuel safety:
- Adam Lukasiewcz, Kings Point Class of 2020 graduate, 2nd Officer, and Co-Founder of SOTAS, will discuss workforce development and the future mariner, including the evolving expectations facing younger maritime professionals entering the industry today.
- Buddy Custard, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alaska Chadux̂ Network, will explore how the industry is preparing mariners for new technologies and operational systems through training, adaptation, and real-world readiness.
- Doug Martin, Chairman of the OPA90 Forum, will examine the safety considerations surrounding new maritime fuels and the operational challenges associated with the industry’s ongoing energy transition.
Together, the discussion will examine how maritime organizations can continue advancing safety while navigating significant industry transformation. From attracting and preparing future mariners to ensuring operational readiness amid changing technologies and fuel systems, the panel will focus on practical approaches to maintaining safe maritime operations in a rapidly evolving environment.
“The future of maritime safety depends on our ability to prepare people, adapt responsibly to new technologies, and maintain operational readiness through change,” said Molly Dushay. “This conversation brings together leaders focused on the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping the next generation of maritime operations.”
Join NAMEPA and industry leaders for a forward-looking discussion on the people, technologies, and operational strategies helping build the future of safe maritime operations.
EVENT DETAILS:
NAMEPA Safety at Sea Seminar and AMVER & Benkert Awards – Register Now!
Thursday, May 21, 2026
ABS Offices
80 M Street SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
Registration and networking begin at 12:30 PM, with programming from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Additionally, attendees are encouraged to join NAMEPA’s Regions Gathering on Workforce Development on Wednesday, May 20th during National Maritime Week, where organizations from across the maritime sector will discuss current workforce initiatives, collaboration opportunities, and collective efforts supporting the long-term goals of the Maritime Action Plan.
Media Contact: Rachel McCloskey, Operations and Communications Director, NAMEPA (r.mccloskey@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