NAMMA member chaplaincy
About
The North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) is the regional federation of seafarer-welfare ministries operating in US, Canadian, and Caribbean ports. NAMMA-member centres include local Seamen's Church Institute branches, Catholic Stella Maris chaplaincies, Lutheran and Anglican seafarer ministries, and the long-established Seamen's Christian Friend Society. Many operate jointly under the NAMMA banner for industry-relations purposes while keeping their denominational identity.
Mission
Coordinated North American port-side welfare — covering ship visits, centre operations, helplines, and seafarer advocacy across roughly 80 ports.
What to expect at a centre
A NAMMA-affiliated centre will normally have free wifi, basic shop, chaplaincy support, often transport to and from the ship, and access to van-rides into town for crew change shore-leave. Many centres also coordinate with the local Apostleship of the Sea / Stella Maris and the Sailors' Society where multiple agencies operate the same port.
What to bring
Photo ID and your seaman's book are useful in US and Canadian ports — TWIC card holders may have additional access. For shore leave, ensure your visa or letter of arrival paperwork is in order; centres can advise on the local CBP / CBSA position.