A Summer of Service and Advocacy: Noah Falk Reflects on His CMA Internship
For over three decades, the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Mariner Advocacy (CMA) has hosted summer interns from Tulane University School of Law (Admiralty and Maritime Law). This year, SCI was thrilled to welcome Noah Falk to the longstanding program.
This summer, Noah had the opportunity to experience SCI’s mission from multiple perspectives while working under CMA Director Philip Schifflin, Esq. in New Orleans. His internship combined maritime law, advocacy, mariner wellness, and hands-on exposure to life and work on the water. He conducted legal research in support of distressed seafarers, participated in IMO discussion spaces, helped organize presentations focused on mariner mental health, and accompanied the U.S. Coast Guard on vessel inspections.
For Noah, however, the most meaningful experiences came from joining SCI Chaplains on ship visits and speaking directly with international seafarers and inland mariners. “The most rewarding part of my summer was getting to join SCI Chaplains on ship visits, where I personally interacted with both international seafarers and inland mariners to learn about their livelihoods.”
Those conversations gave him a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices mariners make. “My biggest takeaway from the internship was seeing firsthand how challenging a career on the water truly is,” Noah reflected. Time away from home and family, demanding working conditions, and strenuous responsibilities all underscored the importance of supporting those who make their living on the water. “I was deeply humbled to meet such hardworking mariners, and I’ll remember those interactions for years to come.”
The experience also strengthened Noah’s interest in maritime law as he continues through law school and his desire to remain connected to organizations serving the maritime community. Looking back on the summer, he shared, “I have so much respect and adoration for the mission of this organization, and I am truly grateful to have been a small part of it.”
His advice to future SCI interns is simple: make the most of the people you encounter. “I would encourage all future interns to be intentional with their conversations and interactions, especially with the mariners you have the privilege of serving.”
On behalf of everyone at SCI, we thank Noah for his contributions, enthusiasm, and commitment throughout the summer. We wish him all the best as he continues his studies at Tulane Law School and pursues his interest in maritime law. We look forward to seeing where his journey takes him and hope he remains connected to the SCI community for years to come.
