ICMA invites its members and partners to the 2027 Latin America and Caribbean Regional Conference in Panama City, Panama, from 13-14 September 2027.
Under the theme “Present at the Crossroads: Accompanying Seafarers (and Their Families) in Moments of Crisis,” the conference will bring together chaplains, ship visitors, staff, volunteers and leaders from ICMA member organizations and partners across Latin America and the Caribbean. The gathering will provide opportunities to share experiences, discuss current challenges affecting seafarers and their families, strengthen cooperation across the region, and enjoy fellowship and worship together. Particular attention will be given to supporting seafarers during times of crisis, conflict and abandonment, as well as the important role of Panama in international shipping.
Meeting Location Panama City, Panama – The programme also anticipates visits to maritime locations in Panama, including the Port of Balboa and the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal.
Conference hotel: To be determined.
Further information concerning accommodation, included nights, rates and booking arrangements will be provided.
Registration – Registration opening soon.
Programme
The conference programme is currently being developed in cooperation with regional partners. The theme, “Present at the Crossroads,” reflects both Panama’s important position in global maritime trade and the challenges faced by seafarers and their families at critical moments in their lives. The programme will include presentations and discussions on seafarers’ welfare, maritime security, abandonment, international cooperation and the role of maritime ministries in responding to crises.
Sunday, 12 September
- Arrival of participants
- Hotel check-in
- [Informal welcome arrangements – to be confirmed]
Monday, 13 September
- 09:00 – Registration
- 11:00 – Conference welcome and introductions
- Introduction to the conference theme
- ICMA Latin America and Caribbean regional presentation
- Panama Canal at the Crossroads – The role of the Panama Canal in international shipping
- 13:00 Lunch
- Supporting Seafarers under the Panama Flag – The role of the Panama Maritime Authority in promoting seafarers’ welfare
- Working Together to Support Abandoned Seafarers – Cooperation with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)
- Visit to the Port of Balboa
- Ecumenical evening prayer
- [Evening dinner – arrangements to be confirmed]
Tuesday, 14 September
- Morning prayer
- Seafarers’ Welfare in Times and Places of Conflict – Panel discussion considering challenges affecting seafarers in regions such as the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea and Black Sea
- Working with the Diplomatic Corps – Supporting seafarers through consular and diplomatic cooperation
- Port Security and Its Impact on Seafarers – Maritime security, narcotics and the challenges these create for crews
- Lunch
- [Afternoon visit to the Miraflores Locks – to be confirmed]
- Evening prayer and reflection
- Conference conclusions and closing
- [Evening reception – arrangements to be confirmed]
Wednesday, 15 September
- Breakfast
- Departure of participants
- Beginning of a separate regional training programme organized by The Mission to Seafarers and Deutsche Seemannsmission
A more detailed programme, speaker information and arrangements for visits will be published as plans are confirmed.
Who Should Attend?
Leadership, chaplains, ship visitors, staff and volunteers from ICMA member organizations and partners in Latin America and the Caribbean are warmly invited to participate. The conference is intended especially to strengthen relationships among those engaged in Christian maritime ministry and seafarers’ welfare across the region, while providing opportunities to learn from one another, develop practical approaches to supporting seafarers and their families, and consider ways to strengthen regional cooperation.