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Today's International Ship Masters' Association traces its history to Buffalo, NY where the Excelsior Marine Benevolent Association was formed in 1886, set up to provide financial assistance to the family of a deceased local captain. In addition to providing financial support to disabled members, or in case of death, to their beneficiaries, the organization provided educational opportunities for the improvement of navigational skill and allowed Great Lakes ship masters to have a voice in the formation of safety and navigation rules and regulations.
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The association was soon embraced by most Great Lakes ship masters, and other branches, or lodges, formed around the Lakes. The first convention was held in Buffalo in 1891 and the Grand Lodge was officially established. In 1893, at the third convention in Port Huron, Michigan, with nine lodges represented, the organization's name was changed to Ship Masters' Association. A growing Canadian presence was reflected in another name change in 1917 to International Shipmasters Association.
As we move forward into more modern times, our core tenants remain the same. Our mission is to provide professional mariners and others involved with the maritime industry, a platform to collaborate in order to achieve safety on the waters of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway System.
As we move forward into more modern times, our core tenants remain the same. Our mission is to provide professional mariners and others involved with the maritime industry, a platform to collaborate in order to achieve safety on the waters of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway System.
Benefits of Membership:
Advocacy: |
Stay informed on the issues that impact you as a mariner, and lend your voice to benefit the greater industry. ISMA represents merchant mariners locally and nationally to legislative bodies and regulatory agencies which govern our work and our waterways. |
Education: |
With continuing education opportunities and scholarship benefits, ISMA invests in the excellence of our professional community, today and for the future. |
Community: |
Connect with our extensive network of active and retired professionals at monthly meetings, social events, and our annual Grand Lodge Convention |
Only through a commitment to the benefit of our profession can our voices continue to be heard and respected. If you support the goals and philosophy of ISMA, if you want to make a difference in your profession, and if you enjoy meeting and sharing friendship with marine people from around the Great Lakes, you are invited to join us through membership in one of the following categories:
Active Professional An individual who currently holds a merchant marine license recognized by the government of either the United States or Canada.
Active Retired An individual who holds or has held a merchant marine license recognized by the government of either the United States or Canada but is now retired from active service.
Associate An individual who is associated with the maritime industry.
Cadet An individual who is enrolled in any maritime academy in pursuit of a merchant marine license.
Honorary Bestowed upon individuals recognized for their contribution and achievement in the marine industry.
Active Professional An individual who currently holds a merchant marine license recognized by the government of either the United States or Canada.
Active Retired An individual who holds or has held a merchant marine license recognized by the government of either the United States or Canada but is now retired from active service.
Associate An individual who is associated with the maritime industry.
Cadet An individual who is enrolled in any maritime academy in pursuit of a merchant marine license.
Honorary Bestowed upon individuals recognized for their contribution and achievement in the marine industry.