The Latin American Network of Women in Maritime Authorities (Red MAMLa) has reached a new milestone in its regional trajectory after being unanimously approved as an Observer Member of the Latin American Agreement on Port State Control of Vessels (Viña del Mar Agreement), during the XXXI Meeting of the Committee, Information Centre Administrators and Technical Working Groups, held from September 29 to October 2, 2026, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

The decision was adopted by the Member States following consideration of the application submitted by Red MAMLa, through which the Network expressed its interest in establishing a formal relationship with the Agreement in order to strengthen opportunities for cooperation, the exchange of experiences, and the development of initiatives of common interest to the Maritime Authorities of the region.

Red MAMLa’s incorporation as an Observer represents recognition of the work the organization has carried out since its establishment in 2017 to promote capacity-building, regional cooperation and women’s leadership in the Latin American maritime sector. It also opens new opportunities to contribute to knowledge exchange, training and technical dialogue on matters related to Port State Control and the functions of Maritime Authorities.

This important achievement comes at a particularly significant time for the Network. During the current cycle of meetings of the Viña del Mar Agreement, Red MAMLa also presented a technical document on the participation and leadership of women in Port State Control activities in the region, an initiative that generated a valuable opportunity for reflection and exchange among the participating Maritime Administrations.

The President of Red MAMLa, Magdalena Santos, highlighted that: “…this outcome is the result of the collective work carried out over recent years by the representatives of the different Member States, as well as the Network’s ongoing commitment to regional cooperation and to promoting more inclusive spaces for new generations of maritime professionals.”

With this incorporation, Red MAMLa begins a new stage of collaboration, which it embraces with honour and a profound sense of responsibility. The Network expresses its gratitude to the Member States of the Viña del Mar Agreement for the confidence placed in its ability to contribute to these technical forums and reaffirms its commitment to continuing to build bridges among the Maritime Authorities of the region and to contributing to the strengthening of the Latin American maritime sector.

Fair winds for this new voyage of regional cooperation!