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International

Ship

Masters'

Association

Chicago

Lodge 3

Mission

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.

History

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.

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.

We invite you to join us with the following membership types:

  • Active Professional - An individual who currently holds a merchant marine credential recognized by the government of either the United States or Canada. 

  • 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. 

  • Associate - An individual who is associated with the maritime industry.

  • Cadet - an individual working in the maritime industry with aspirations of obtaining a maritime credential.

Membership

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.

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.

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.

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.

Events

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.

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.

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.

  • Full scholarships at Explorer's Guide Maritime Academy are open to Cadet level members of Lodge 3 only.

  • Reimbursement Scholarships must be applied to USCG approved schools

    • Completion certificate must be shown to receive check

    • 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.

Scholarship

Meetings

We gather monthly to :

  • Discuss lodge business

  • Hear presentations or learn relevant skills

  • Discuss relevant topics on our waterways

  • 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.

2024 Meetings

Summer Meetings (May-Sept) start at 7 pm

Slow Season Meetings (Oct-Apr) start at 6 pm

January 9 - Columbia Yacht Club

February 13 - Columbia Yacht Club

Feb 28 - Industry Day Meet & Greet - 7:30 PM

Feb 29 - Industry Day - 8 AM

March 12 - Columbia Yacht Club

April 9 - Odyssey Chicago River - City Cruises

May 14 - (B)Lock Party BBQ - Chicago Harbor Lock

                 Lock Tours 3-7 pm - Meeting 6 pm

May 22 - Maritime Day & Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony

                Navy Pier More Details

June 11 - Chicago Electric Boats - Rockwell on the River

July 9 - Burnham Park Yacht Club

July 23 - Captain's Summit - Columbia Yacht Club

August 13 - Island Party Hut

September 10 - Crowley's Yacht Yard Lakeside

October 15 - Scholarship Fundraiser -

                       Summer of George 6-9 pm

November 12 - Chicago's First Lady Cruises

December 10 - Chicago Maritime Museum

Meetings

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

Contact
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