International
Ship
Masters'
Association
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Chicago
Lodge 3
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Our Mission
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 waterways of the greater Chicago area.
Advocacy
We are a sector leader for the merchant mariner on the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee lending our unique and informed perspective to the discussion as safety related issues are debated across all sectors of our industry.
Tradition
Being part of an organization with over 130 years of history we work to preserve the traditions of the mariners of the Great Lakes. These are the traditions that bind us to those who came before us and to those who will come after us.
Education
Relying on the experience within our membership and experts of the industry, we work to produce workshops and seminars for the working members on deck of the ships on our waterways.
Community
More than ever, it is time to focus on creating a larger, more engaged community by building partnerships with other nonprofits and partnering with community outreach groups.
OUR HISTORY
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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While ISMA no longer has a benevolent fund, we are still working to give back to our maritime community. As a nonprofit we work to put on programs that teach and inform about topics relevant to our industry. By hosting these events we put our mariner members in the room with the agencies that regulate us for productive conversations.
Our membership is comprised of mariners, active & retired, and those who support our industry. We are a social group that gathers throughout the year to discuss relevant topics, to network, and simply to raise a glass with and share some stories with those who share the same passion for this industry.
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We invite you to join us with the following membership types:
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Active Professional - An individual who currently holds a merchant marine credential recognized by the government of either the United States or Canada.
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Retired Professional - 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.
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Associate - An individual who is associated with the maritime industry.
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Cadet - an individual working in the maritime industry with aspirations of obtaining a maritime credential.
Our Annual Events
Our lodge works hard to organize events that highlight the traditions of our past and educate those working our waterways today. With a growing presence we are working to expand our mission into the larger maritime community and strive for the betterment of the mariner.
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As we work to expand our reach into the maritime community, we are hosting a number of outreach events throughout the year.
Maritime Industry Day
A day long seminar that we organize and put on with members of local regulatory agencies to address changes in regulations and other pressing issues.
(B)Lock Party
At the start of the season we bring everyone together for a BBQ at the Chicago Harbor Lock, including tours of Chicago Harbor Lock. All our welcome.
Maritime Day &
The Blessing of the Fleet
We gather together once a year to remember those who came before us and lost their lives to the waters of the Great Lakes and then hold a Blessing of the Fleet ceremony for all to participate in.
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Summer Social Calendar
Business meetings take a back seat during our Summer. Members are invited to join us for brewery tours, golf outings, movie nights, and much more. This Summer calendar is wrapped up with a big BBQ at Crowletys.
End of Season Party & Scholarship Fundraiser
We cap the season with a fundraiser for our scholarship held at the original Billy Goat Tavern.
Chicago's Christmas Ship
Members of Lodge 3 were part of the group that founded this event which donates 1,200 trees each year to deserving families in the Chicago area. Our lodge continues to donate to this deserving cause and participate in the ceremony each year.
Cadet Program
Our Cadet level of membership allows us to engage those who are newer to our industry. Through some educational workshops and social outings we can also start to build a stronger community while driving those on our decks to strive for more within our profession.
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Educational Series -
Marlinspike
This hands on workshop will teach essential knots, splicing, and decorative rope work.
Marine Diesel Engines - 101
Credentialed Engineer will lead workshop and discussion to demonstrate how diesel engines work and common problems that arise.
Financial Literacy
With seasonal employment and freelance work prevalent in our industry, learn more about budgeting, taxes, and planning for your future.
Scholarship
Our lodge awards 5 scholarships in 2 separate categories.
2 full scholarships for OUPV & Master class combo at Explorer's Guide Maritime Academy. For original captain credential only.
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3 $500 reimbursement scholarships each year for those going after their first mariner credential or are continuing their education and adding onto their existing credential.
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The deadline for applications is September 30th.
Criteria
​Here are a few of the requirements for our scholarship. Please click the application button below to see the full list and the application to apply for the scholarship.
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Full scholarships at Explorer's Guide Maritime Academy are open to Cadet level members of Lodge 3 only.
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Reimbursement Scholarships must be applied to USCG approved schools
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Completion certificate must be shown to receive check
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While you don't need to be a member of ISMA to be awarded the scholarship you will have to have a letter from a current member of ISMA in order to complete the application process.
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Meetings
2025 Meetings
Summer Meetings (May-Sept) start at 7 pm
Slow Season Meetings (Oct-Apr) start at 6 pm
January 14 - Chicago Legend Events
February 11- Chicago Legend Events
1438 W Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60642
Feb 26 - Industry Day Meet & Greet - 7:30 PM
Feb 27 - Industry Day - 8 AM
March 11 - Uncle Bobby's Tavern -
13359 S Av M Ste 1503, Chicago, IL 60633
April 8 - Odyssey Chicago River
May 13 - Chicago Harbor Lock BBQ
May 22 - Maritime Day & Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony
Navy Pier
June 10 - Chicago Electric Boat
July 8
August 12
September 9 - Crowley's Yacht Yard Lakeside
October 14 - Chicago's First Lady Cruises
November 11
December 9
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We gather monthly to :
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Discuss lodge business
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Hear presentations or learn relevant skills
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Discuss relevant topics on our waterways
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Network
And, of course, to simply enjoy each other's company. Feel free to bring some topics to discuss as we figure out ways to engage with our membership and the rest of the maritime community.
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CONTACT
ISMA Lodge 3
OUR MAILING ADDRESS
City Cruises
Attn: Chicago Shipmasters
455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr.
Suite 2600
Chicago, IL 60611
Email: info@chicagoshipmasters.com
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