The following is text of a news release from the North American Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA):
(WESTON, Conn.) — The North American Environment Protection Association and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MarAd) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance maritime education and public understanding of the maritime industry’s benefits to local communities.
The MOU was signed at MarAd’s Washington, D.C., headquarters by Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby; Dr. Shashi Kumar, deputy associate administrator for maritime education and training; and Carleen Walker, NAMEPA’s co-founder and executive director.
“As someone who fell in love with the sea as a young man, I am pleased our new partnership with NAMEPA will support MarAd’s efforts to attract a new generation of mariners and educate all Americans about the vital role the maritime industry plays in our nation,” said Buzby.
The MOU’s intent is to foster a collaborative effort between the two organizations that encourages learning about the maritime industry, its role in facilitating commerce, and the value of the industry both locally and globally. These efforts will be directed toward K-12 students, enhancing diversity and inclusion within the maritime workforce, building awareness about the marine industry in general, as well as post-secondary maritime education and training institutions, and promoting careers in the industry.
“NAMEPA is excited to secure this partnership with MarAd, which will advance our mission to influence our youth’s awareness of the maritime industry and how they can protect the marine environment in their daily lives,” Walker said.
MarAd’s mission is to foster and promote the U.S. merchant marine and the American maritime industry to strengthen the maritime transportation system — including landside infrastructure, the shipbuilding and repair industry, and labor — to meet the economic and national security needs of our nation. For more information, go to www.maritime.dot.gov.
NAMEPA was officially launched in 2007. It is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. For more information, go to www.namepa.net.
