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HistoryToday'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.
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. While ISMA no longer has a benevolent fund, its purpose is still to unite shipmasters and promote safety of navigation. |
Mission Statement
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. We promote professional excellence in navigation, engineering, and education while encouraging entrance and supporting advancement in the maritime industry.
About Us
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.
Benefits of International Ship Masters' Association Membership
• The chance to meet professional mariners with the same interests and concerns as your own.
•A forum in which to exchange opinions and ideas on issues concerning maritime operations and safety.
•Being informed of happenings in the maritime industry through our bi-monthly newsletter, the ISMA Letter.
•The opportunity to meet and discuss issues with industry and regulatory officials.
•The opportunity to plan an essential part in the future of our profession.
•Recognition by your peers through your involvement in an organization of Merchant Marine officers for the betterment of our profession.
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.
Benefits of International Ship Masters' Association Membership
• The chance to meet professional mariners with the same interests and concerns as your own.
•A forum in which to exchange opinions and ideas on issues concerning maritime operations and safety.
•Being informed of happenings in the maritime industry through our bi-monthly newsletter, the ISMA Letter.
•The opportunity to meet and discuss issues with industry and regulatory officials.
•The opportunity to plan an essential part in the future of our profession.
•Recognition by your peers through your involvement in an organization of Merchant Marine officers for the betterment of our profession.
To download a membership application, click here.
Send completed application, along with a check for $65.00 (made out to ISMA Lodge #3) to:
ISMA - Chicago Lodge #3
10038 S. Ewing Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
Send completed application, along with a check for $65.00 (made out to ISMA Lodge #3) to:
ISMA - Chicago Lodge #3
10038 S. Ewing Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
Existing Members
You may renew your membership by clicking on the Buy Now Paypal button below. At that point, login into Paypal if you have an account to make payment. If you do not have an account you can still make a credit card payment through Paypal. Under the login prompt, click the link that says "Don't have a Paypal account?" and fill in the information for your credit card to make the payment. You will receive an emailed receipt after transaction from Paypal.
You may renew your membership by clicking on the Buy Now Paypal button below. At that point, login into Paypal if you have an account to make payment. If you do not have an account you can still make a credit card payment through Paypal. Under the login prompt, click the link that says "Don't have a Paypal account?" and fill in the information for your credit card to make the payment. You will receive an emailed receipt after transaction from Paypal.