As 2024 comes to a close, the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) reflects on a year filled with impactful work and meaningful collaborations, all aimed at promoting the welfare of seafarers, fishers, and their families. From leadership transitions and advocacy at international organizations to regional meetings and creative outreach, ICMA demonstrated its commitment to serving those who navigate the seas while fostering collaboration across its global network.
At the core of ICMA’s work lies its dedication to ecumenism. This year saw the significant update of the ICMA Code of Conduct, first established in 2001. The revised code reflects the evolving maritime landscape, ensuring a unified focus on high-quality service for seafarers, fishers, and their families. This commitment unites ICMA members with a shared faith and a forward-looking vision for seafarers’ welfare.
Operationally, ICMA continued its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NAMMA, extending their partnership until 2027. This collaboration, along with ongoing policy review, trustee orientation, a website refresh, and online bookkeeping, reflects ICMA’s commitment to efficiency and organizational excellence.
The year also marked leadership transitions, with the Treasurer role passing from Hilbert Penninga (NZC) to Matthias Ristau (DSM) and the Chair position from Sara Baade (Sailors’ Society) to Mark Nestlehutt (SCI). These transitions were formalized during ICMA’s Annual General Meeting held at the headquarters of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in Geneva, which also provided opportunities to engage with the Swiss Shipowners, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the World Council of Churches.
Advocacy remained a cornerstone of ICMA’s efforts in 2024. Early in the year, ICMA issued a press release highlighting attacks on seafarers in the Red Sea, calling for the release of the crew of the Galaxy Leader, still held in captivity. Active participation in IMO and ILO committees led to significant contributions, such as proposals for updated language on shore leave in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), set to be discussed in 2025 and continuing to advocate on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) training and reporting and for fair treatment of seafarers accused of crimes at sea. ICMA’s research efforts also bore fruit, with participation in the publication of a report on seafarers’ vaccination programs in The Lancet Global Health and the ongoing maintenance of a comprehensive bibliography of welfare-related articles.
Regional gatherings played a vital role in connecting members and sharing best practices. ICMA re-engaged with its Northern Europe members during a meeting in Stockholm in April and held a successful gathering in Durban, South Africa in August. The UK/Ireland region met several times to discuss successes and challenges. ICMA also strengthened its relationship with labour groups, attending the ITF Congress in Marrakesh and working closely with ITF Inspectors and the ITF Seafarers’ Trust. A North American regional meeting with NAMMA highlighted ecumenism, with the Deutsche Seemannsmission and Seafarers International House formalizing a partnership. Training sessions in Houston and Singapore further emphasized professional development. Thank you to the ITF Seafarers’ Trust and The Seafarers’ Charity for their support.
ICMA’s global engagement took representatives to Taiwan for the Fisher’s Welfare Conference, Denmark for the ISWAN board meeting, to Australia for a Seafarers’ Welfare Conference and to meet the Australian National Seafarers’ Welfare Board, to Montreal for the ICS international meeting, and to Morocco to collaborate with ITF. These visits underscored ICMA’s commitment to amplifying the voices of those serving seafarers around the world.
Meanwhile, fun and creative outreach efforts brought lighthearted moments to the year. We were happy to share stories from our members on social media about a seafarers’ sports week in Yokohama, a painted rhino in Durban, a podcast on seafarer food featuring the Liverpool Seafarers’ Centre, port tours in Western Australia, and a unique exhibition on seafaring tattoos in France. ICMA also continued its series of short video tours showcasing seafarers’ centres in cities like Dubai, Stockholm, Bunbury and Kaohsiung, providing glimpses into the vibrant work being done in local communities.
While celebrating these successes, ICMA also takes the time to remember those who passed away this year. Carl Oserwald (Deutsche Seemannsmission – ICMA Chairperson, 1981-1985), Hero Feenders (Deutsche Seemannsmission – ICMA Chairperson, 2008-2010), and Lloyd Burghart, former NAMMA Executive Secretary and ICMA board member, are remembered for their invaluable contributions to the mission of seafarers’ welfare.
As 2024 concludes, ICMA looks back on a year of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to seafarers’ welfare. With gratitude to its members and partners, ICMA moves into 2025 with renewed energy and commitment, ready to continue serving those who navigate the seas.
Our programs in 2025 – please join us!
- Latin America regional meeting Santos, Brazil (23-25 April 2025)
- ICMA training Kaszuby, Poland – 1-6 June 2025)
- ICMA World Conference Barcelona, Spain (6-9 October 2025)