{View as Webpage}

MARINERS DEPEND ON SCI.

SCI DEPENDS ON YOU.

IN THIS ISSUE – March 2026

• 2026 Maritime Bell Luncheon—Register Now
• SCI Highlights Seafarer Support and Advocacy at CMA-Shipping 2026
• SCI Attends TTB2026 Conference in Mobile, Alabama
• SCI Welcomes Three New Members to the Board of Trustees in 2026
• Advancing Offshore Emergency Preparedness Through Simulation at CME Houston
• Building Connections on the Riverfront: SCI Hosts Paducah Community Luncheon
• Advancing the Conversation on Seafarer Fatigue at the IMO
• Meaningful Ministry is Wherever I Stand
• Crisis Response Follows Brutal Atlantic Storms
• Trinity Church Embraces “Adopt a Crew” to Support Seafarers
• 48th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner—Save the Date
• From the Archives: Bridging Boroughs—The Legacy of Othmar Ammann

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to our team at MBL@Seamenschurch.org

SCI Highlights Seafarer Support and Advocacy at CMA-Shipping 2026

The Seamen’s Church Institute’s President & Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, participated in a panel discussion alongside Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council; Sean Kline, President of the Chamber of Shipping of America; Adrian Tolson, owner of 2050 Marine Energy and Chair of IBIA; and Bud Darr, President and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association. Darr, who also serves as a Trustee of the Seamen’s Church Institute, gave a shout-out to SCI’s work and mission during the discussion.

The Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) Shipping Conference, held March 10–12, 2026, continues to serve as an essential forum for the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) to engage with global maritime leaders and to champion the rights and welfare of seafarers.

On the opening day of the conference, SCI’s President & Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, joined a keynote panel titled “Assessing the Impact of Geo-Political Conflicts, Tariffs and Regulations on US Shipping.” The discussion examined the evolving global landscape and its implications for the U.S. maritime industry.

A key focus was seafarer welfare amid ongoing hostilities in Iran and across parts of the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, where ships have been attacked, and thousands of seafarers remain in a volatile region. Speaking also as Chair of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), Nestlehutt highlighted the human impact behind operational disruptions.

“When we realised that the Strait of Hormuz had effectively shut down,” noted Nestlhutt, “there were about a thousand ocean-going vessels caught in the region—representing roughly twenty thousand merchant mariners facing a highly uncertain situation.”

Other panelists included Joe Kramek (World Shipping Council), Sean Kline (Chamber of Shipping of America), Adrian Tolson (2050 Marine Energy and IBIA), and Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA | Cruise Lines International Association and an SCI Trustee, who also recognized SCI’s work supporting mariners worldwide.

On the third day, SCI’s Director of the Center for Mariner Advocacy, Phil Schifflin, Esq., served on two panel discussions: “NAMMA Forum on Seafarer Abandonment: What can be done?” and “Sanctions, Ship Seizures, and Seafarers.”  In both discussions, Schifflin underscored the "human element" of these complicated and multifaceted issues, keeping the needs and treatment of seafarers at the forefront of these conversations.

Additionally, SCI hosted a booth on the exhibition floor, offering attendees insights into its work across the Port of New York and New Jersey, U.S. inland rivers, and the Gulf Coast, crisis response, advocacy, mariner training, and maritime feasibility studies.

During the panel discussion, “Sanctions, Ship Seizures, and Seafarers,” moderated by Tim Wilkins, Managing Director of INTERTANKO (far left), Phil Shifflin, Esq., Director of SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy (far right), joined three SCI Trustees: Bruce Paulsen, Esq., Partner at Seward & Kissel LLP; RADM (Ret.) John Nadeau, President & CEO of Nadeau Maritime, and Boriana Farrar, Vice President & Chief Legal Officer of Patriot Maritime.

SCI Welcomes Three New Members to the Board of Trustees

The Seamen’s Church Institute is proud to welcome three distinguished maritime leaders to our Board of Trustees in 2026:

• Jonathan Chia, Managing Partner at MTI Network USA

• George Leavell, CEO of WEPFER MARINE, INC./Wepfer Group, LLC.

• RADM John Nadeau (USCG Ret.), President and CEO of Nadeau Maritime, LLC.

We are honored to welcome them to the Board and are grateful for their willingness to lend their time, experience, and leadership to SCI. We look forward to the insight and guidance they will provide as SCI continues to strengthen its programs and expand its impact in service to seafarers and mariners around the world. Their perspectives will help support SCI’s mission and ensure that those who work at sea receive the care, advocacy, and resources they deserve.

Advancing the Conversation on Seafarer Fatigue at the IMO

by Phil Schifflin, Esq. — Director, Center for Mariner Advocacy, The Seamen’s Church Institute

In late February, I had the opportunity to represent the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) Subcommittee meeting, held February 23–27 in London. As Director of the Center for Mariner Advocacy at the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), I make it a priority to attend the HTW meetings when they occur, as among the IMO’s many committees and subcommittees, this body is most directly focused on seafarers.

This year’s meeting addressed several important issues. The agenda was largely dominated by the comprehensive review of the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Convention, which is a top-to-bottom examination of the international framework that establishes training standards for seafarers worldwide. The review is a long-term undertaking that has already been underway for several years and will likely require several more years before it is completed.

In addition, this subcommittee examined emerging questions around specialized training requirements for seafarers serving aboard vessels powered by alternative fuels. This is an issue that will only grow in importance as the maritime industry moves toward new energy technologies.

However, the topic that demanded most of my attention, and that I believe carries particularly significant implications for seafarers, was the scoping exercise examining fatigue-related provisions within the IMO framework. The purpose of the exercise was to determine what issues and reference materials should be considered as the IMO evaluates how best to address seafarer fatigue. Not surprisingly, opinions among delegates varied. Some preferred a more focused review on a narrower range of issues. ICMA, instead, advocated a broader, more holistic examination of the factors contributing to fatigue. Ultimately, ICMA’s view was supported by a majority of the delegates. 

The next phase of this work will take place through a correspondence group that will continue the analysis between now and the next HTW Subcommittee session, scheduled for 2027. I expect to participate in that group on behalf of ICMA as the work continues.

In addition, another IMO body, the Subcommittee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III), may also have a role to play in the fatigue discussion. This subcommittee develops much of the guidance related to port state control procedures, and there are ongoing questions about whether additional tools or processes could help inspectors more effectively detect violations of seafarers’ hours-of-work and hours-of-rest requirements. I will be monitoring the development of the III Subcommittee’s agenda ahead of its meeting later this July. If the fatigue issue appears there, I anticipate attending and again representing ICMA in those discussions.

The goal for ICMA, as always, is that the voices and well-being of seafarers remain central to the IMO's regulatory conversations. These subcommittee meetings, particularly HTW, remain the most important forums for advancing that goal. I am encouraged that the recent discussions have opened the door to a more comprehensive look at one of the industry’s most persistent human-factor challenges: fatigue at sea.

Advancing Offshore Emergency Preparedness Through Simulation at CME-Houston

SCI’s CME Houston team joined by HWCG partners for the two-day SVS simulation assessment.

The Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Maritime Education (CME) in Houston recently hosted an Alternative Single Vessel Solution (SVS) simulation assessment, bringing together industry partners for a comprehensive evaluation of an innovative offshore containment approach.

HWCG LLC, in partnership with AET and SCI, conducted the two-day performance validation to assess an Alternative SVS field layout utilizing a Side-by-Side lightering configuration—a meaningful evolution from the current Tandem arrangement used in offshore response operations.

The assessment was carried out using SCI’s five-bridge Kongsberg high-fidelity simulator, where a multidisciplinary team from HWCG stress-tested complex multi-vessel maneuvers under demanding environmental conditions. Scenarios ranged from 25% to 100% of a one-year Gulf of America winter storm event, allowing participants to evaluate operational performance across a wide spectrum of weather and sea states.

This data provides important validation of operational limits and emergency response procedures associated with this containment capability.

Exercises like this demonstrate how advanced simulation can support the offshore industry in strengthening its emergency preparedness. By replacing theoretical assumptions with data-driven, operational insights, industry partners can better refine procedures, enhance safety, and improve readiness for complex offshore response scenarios.

Building Connections on the Riverfront: SCI Hosts Paducah Community Luncheon

Kelly Butts, Assistant Director of CME–Paducah, shares insights into CME offerings for luncheon attendees gathered in Paducah, KY.

On March 5, our Paducah, KY, staff and leadership were delighted to welcome more than 50 community members for a special luncheon. Guests had the opportunity to get to know our team, tour the Center for Maritime Education (CME), and learn more about how SCI programs support and uplift mariners navigating the inland waterways

SCI President & Executive Director Mark Nestlehutt offered welcoming remarks, while Kelly Butts, Assistant Director of CME–Paducah, expanded on the Center’s training programs and the vital role CME plays in advancing safety and professional development across the maritime industry. Supervisory Chaplain, the Rev. Grace Pardun, also shared a moving reflection on the work of SCI chaplains, offering insight into the moments of crisis and care they encounter when visiting mariners and underscoring the importance of SCI’s multifaceted and comprehensive approach to supporting mariners.

Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, Paducah is a vital hub for river commerce in the United States, and Seamen’s Church Institute has long been a proud presence along the Paducah riverfront.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and extend a special thank you to our dedicated staff for their warm hospitality in welcoming friends, neighbors, and partners from across Western Kentucky. 

Meaningful Ministry is Wherever I Stand

by the Rev. Nancy Simpson — Chaplain, Ministry on the River, Houston Ship Channel & Gulf Coast Region

From the February 2026 Quarterly Activity Report

As I arrive at Gulf Coast boat docks, I take a moment to center my mind and heart before beginning mariner visits aboard the towboats. My vehicle is fully equipped with everything I need and clearly marked with SCI’s 1-800 crisis number, the cross and anchor logo, our full name—the Seamen’s Church Institute—and our website, seamenschurch.org.

Mariners and shoreside companies recognize the vehicle and readily welcome me to visit their boats. Mariner visits, however, do not always begin or end on board. Often, they start right outside my SCI vehicle. When I pull up to a dock and raise the Bronco’s liftgate, I begin by putting on my life jacket, safety glasses, and hard hat. This moment

frequently becomes a natural space for greetings and conversation. In good weather, the open liftgate provides a safe, visible, and accessible place to talk. Even before I step onto a vessel, my vehicle serves as a point of connection and support for maritime workers.

Each person who stops by brings different concerns or questions—experiences of grief or loss, personal or family challenges, health worries, prayer requests, or requests for spiritual materials or blessings, whether for themselves or for people close to them. I offer a listening ear and support, and from there, continue on to visit crews aboard the boats at the dock.

During one visit in the holiday season, I arrived just as a grocery delivery was being brought onboard; a busy time with all hands on deck. I made myself useful by holding the door as crew members carried in heavy boxes and cases. As they unpacked and organized supplies, I was invited to decorate their artificial flocked Christmas tree. I fluffed the white branches and hung small red, silver, gold, and green ornaments, while the crew prepared the tree topper. Once the lights were plugged in, the galley was instantly filled with warmth and sparkle. We shared lunch around the festive tree, exchanging life stories and strengthening our connections. I am grateful that most of my visits are marked by simple, human moments; opportunities to connect in conversation,

offer support when needed, and share unhurried time together. In each encounter, I remain rooted in faith and hope, extending respect, pastoral care, and the assurance of God’s blessing.

After finishing my boat visits, I return to my SCI Ford Bronco. What might seem like the close of the day often becomes another opportunity for connection as I lift the tailgate to stow my gear. Any number of mariners may walk over, and our conversations continue. In these moments, meaningful ministry can happen. I’m reminded that this work isn’t confined to a ship or office; it happens wherever mariners and maritime workers feel safe enough to share their thoughts and concerns.

Crisis Response Follows Brutal Atlantic Storms

by the Rev. Dr. Bill Allport — Chaplain, International Seafarers’ Center, Port of New York & New Jersey

From the February 2026 Quarterly Activity Report



For those of us in the New York metropolitan area, late January and early February have been marked by deep snow, sharp winds, and bitterly cold temperatures. In these moments, we may mutter about the changing seasons and our tendency to forget the full power of weather. For seafarers, however, the experience is very different. They have had to face brutal winter Atlantic crossings, navigating several major storm systems on open water, with punishing winds, ice, and massive swells.

While visiting the Yassa Sparrow, a bulk carrier transporting concrete and arriving from Elefsis, Greece, I encountered a crew that was clearly unsettled. From the

moment I arrived, there was a sense of weariness—quiet detachment and visible exhaustion. As I met crew members on deck, in the ship’s office, and in the mess

room, it was immediately apparent that they had been shaken. At first, however, I wasn’t sure what had happened.

We exchanged the usual conversation—contract lengths, family back home, prior voyages. When the chief officer mentioned their departure from Greece, I asked, “So, how was the transit and crossing this week?” He glanced at several crew members around the room and replied, “It was bad. The worst ever.” Others quickly echoed the same sentiment. They described navigating through three separate storm systems. Then, about 36 hours before arriving in Port Newark, during the night, they were hit by the full force of a bomb cyclone, a powerful and rapidly intensifying storm that drives heavy rain and strong winds.

The chief officer showed a video captured from various CCTV cameras during the storm. The waves reached above the B deck, tearing equipment from its securing points. Crew members described being awakened by the violent rolling of the vessel. Waves swept across the main deck and higher decks, flooding parts of the engine room. During the storm, an engine and a generator were disabled. Many of the crew members were in agreement, “I’ve never seen anything like that.”

Despite the conditions, each crew member remained professional and disciplined as the ship limped into port. Thankfully, no one was injured or lost. I was able to listen, offer care, and share suggestions focused on health, recovery, and mindfulness.

Seafarers know that rough weather and heavy seas come with this profession. Even so, experiences like this are traumatic and qualify as critical incidents—events that overwhelm normal coping mechanisms and cause significant emotional distress. While hardship is part of life at sea, moments like these bring acute fear and uncertainty. They are not everyday occurrences, and they underscore why presence and pastoral care matter so profoundly. Such experiences highlight the importance of crisis intervention not only in clearly defined emergencies but also in the moments that shape seafarers' lived reality. In many incidents, what may be described as “part of the job” for seafarers may not be something any human is meant to endure without support. These situations are precisely where, and why, chaplaincy becomes indispensable.

After further conversation, the crew invited me to share prayers and blessings with them. As I prepared to leave, the chief officer said quietly, “I’m glad you showed up today, Father Bill.”

Trinity Church Embraces “Adopt a Crew” to Support Seafarers

The Rev. Kristin Kaulbach Miles, Director of Parish Life at Trinity Church, and SCI’s Clerical Vice President, Amy Mugavero, SCI Director of Advancement & Strategic Initiatives, and Joanne Bartosik, SCI Senior Manager, Development and Christmas at Sea, were joined by dedicated volunteers from Trinity Church NYC who assembled care packages for seafarers.

On Sunday afternoon, March 15, 2026, a dedicated group of volunteers from Trinity Church in New York City came together to assemble 480 care packages for international seafarers calling on the Port of New York and New Jersey as part of SCI’s Adopt a Crew initiative.

Launched in 2025, Adopt a Crew is a volunteer program that invites individuals and groups to assemble care packages for seafarers, who often face restricted shore access and long periods of isolation. Through this initiative, volunteers help ensure that mariners feel remembered and supported, even while far from home.

These thoughtfully prepared packages offer more than essential items—they provide a meaningful connection to the world beyond the vessel. For seafarers who spend extended time at sea, such gestures can significantly boost morale and well-being, serving as a tangible reminder that their hard work is seen, valued, and appreciated.

SCI is deeply grateful to Trinity Church for its steadfast support of this vital ministry. We extend special thanks to Helen He, Program & Volunteer Coordinator for Community Engagement, for her leadership in organizing the event, and to the Rev. Kristin Kaulbach Miles, Director of Parish Life at Trinity Church and SCI’s Clerical Vice President, for offering a blessing over the care packages.

 FROM THE SCI ARCHIVES 

Bridging Boroughs—The Legacy of Othmar Ammann

On March 26, 1879, Othmar Ammann was born in Switzerland. A pioneering engineer, he led the design and construction of eight major bridges and one tunnel in New York City. 

Three of those bridges played a significant role in shifting the center of port activity from Brooklyn and Manhattan to Newark Bay—along with SCI’s base of support services.

The longest of these is the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which crosses the entrance to New York Harbor, connecting Brooklyn with Staten Island, seen here during the 6th Annual Governor’s Cup race on September 15, 1979.

SCI's CORPORATE SPONSORS

Sustaining Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

In-Kind Sponsor

Engage in the Conversation

If you received this newsletter as a forwarded email from a friend or colleague, or regularly receive our emails and would like a complimentary subscription to our print magazines, please click on the button below to complete an online subscription form.