The Mariners for America Conference brings together maritime educators, industry leaders, employers, government agencies, workforce development professionals, and mariners to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the U.S. maritime workforce.

We invite experienced professionals, educators, researchers, and industry innovators to submit presentation proposals that offer practical strategies, emerging trends, and innovative solutions.

Suggested Presentation Topics

Attracting the Next Generation of Mariners

• Innovative strategies for recruiting future mariners
• Using social media and digital marketing to promote maritime careers and training programs
• Success stories from recent graduates and apprentices
• Securing funding to support maritime workforce initiatives
• Maintaining engagement with graduates after program completion
• Supporting service members as they move into civilian maritime careers

Mariner Retention and Career Development

• Helping mariners build long-term careers through effective HR practices and technology
• Preparing today’s mariners for the workforce of the next 20 years
• The future of alternative fuels, autonomous systems, and nuclear-powered vessels
• Skills and certifications that will make mariners more competitive in the future
• How maritime training institutions are adapting to industry changes

The Future Mariner: Skills, Careers, and Technology

• Training mariners to safely handle LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, batteries, nuclear, and hybrid propulsion
• Closing the gap between new vessel technology and current credentialing requirements
• Human factors and emergency response involving alternative fuels
• Transitioning experienced mariners to new propulsion systems
• Training and credentialing responsibilities for maritime academies and training institutions for alternative propulsion
• The potential effect of nuclear propulsion on crew composition and career advancement
• The effect of decarbonization on shipboard roles and career pathways