From left to right: Chaplain Michelle DePooter, Montreal Ministry to Seafarers; Simon Grainge, Chief Executive, ISWAN; the Ven. Dr. Peter Rouch, Secretary General, the Mission to Seafarers; Phil Schifflin, Esq., Director of SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy, participate in a panel discussion about advancing advocacy for seafarers on the second day of the NAMMA Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

SCI leaders played a prominent role at the 2026 North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) Annual Conference held in Philadelphia from August 4–6, contributing their experience and perspectives to conversations about collaboration, advocacy, and the future of maritime ministry.

SCI President and Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, who also serves as Chair of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), spoke about the close relationship between NAMMA and ICMA and the importance of greater collaboration among maritime ministries and seafarer welfare organizations. He emphasized how opportunities like the NAMMA Conference allow chaplains and ship visitors to learn from one another, strengthen relationships, and work collectively to better serve mariners around the world.

Phil Schifflin, Esq., Director of SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy, also took part in the conference, joining Dr. Peter Rouch (Secretary General, Mission to Seafarers) and Simon Grainge (CEO, ISWAN) for a discussion on Advocacy for Seafarers: Partnerships, Experience, and Increased Impact.

Their conversation explored how partnerships, shared expertise, and collective advocacy can amplify the voices of seafarers and strengthen the maritime welfare community.

Together, Mark and Phil’s participation reflects SCI’s continued leadership within the maritime ministry community and its commitment to building partnerships that advance the welfare of mariners and seafarers.

Watch Mark Nestlehutt’s and Phil Schifflin’s presentations from the 2026 NAMMA Conference.