WISTA USA, founded in 1997, is among the largest National WISTA Associations (NWAs) worldwide, with nearly 700 members spread across eleven regional Chapters: Connecticut; Delaware River & Bay Area; Florida; Great Lakes/Midwest; New England; New Orleans; New York/New Jersey; the Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Washington, and Oregon); Texas; Washington, DC Metro; and West Coast (California and Hawai’i). WISTA USA members represent all facets of the maritime industry, including shipowners, charterers, operators, brokers, bankers, insurance professionals, attorneys, analysts, and government officials. WISTA USA’s main goals are providing networking and educational opportunities for WISTA USA members. In pursuit of these objectives, our various regional Chapters hold periodic meetings, seminars, and social gatherings throughout the year, occasionally in conjunction with larger marine industry events. In addition, the WISTA USA Annual General Meeting takes place each spring, and the International Conference, open to all WISTA members worldwide, takes place each fall. All of these events – whether local, regional, national, or international – provide tremendous networking and educational opportunities for our members and thereby enhance the benefits of membership in the organization.