NAMMA CONFERENCE SEATTLE 2023

The Annual meeting of NAMMA (North American Maritime Ministry Association) took place in Seattle at the University of Washington with about 100 in attendance from Port Welfare Ministries across N.America and in addition from the UK,India, New Zealand and Panama.

As well as the immense benefit of getting together to reconnect, exchange ideas and form new partnerships we had a series of speakers on the theme for the conference of  being 'Ready for the Future of Seafarers Welfare'.

We heard from the maritime community in Seattle/ Tacoma and the Coast Guard. We got good information on resources to assist Seafarers in need esp. around mental health from ISWAN, the Sailors Society and Health and Welfare Denmark. We were challenged to look at the role of centres with examples from across the continent and how to recruit and train volunteers and staff and keep them safe. 

We heard about the importance of doing the basics well, evolving to deal with future challenges, delivering services to Seafarers in the best way possible, to have policies in place and be proficient in the use of  technology and the data that goes with it.

We all recognize that an important focus is on the wonderful things we can do for Seafarers which don't cost them money such as a warm welcome, a listening hear, a compassionate heart and the ministry of sacrament and scripture.

Everyone came away with the sense that we are doing God's work, are there to help each other and that by working together we can achieve so much more in the care of the Seafarer.