Ship Masters' Chicago

10/01/2026

Did you know the Chicago Shipmasters off 5 scholarships each year? 2 of them are for cadet level members only (there’s time to join before the deadline) and 3 are open to all working in the maritime industry.

The deadline for the scholarships has been extended until October 31st this year. Learn more on our website at www.chicagoshipmasters.com

09/24/2026

This week, we learned of the passing of Camilla Ross, a longtime fixture of our organization. She felt the importance of preserving our traditions, and led the way with kindness and professionalism, both at the helm and at our meetings. She always made time for meaningful dialogue with members, and inspired a few young mariners along the way. Her presence will be missed, and we hope her spirit continues to guide our lodge.

Camilla used to welcome guests aboard the Ft Dearborn with Handel's Water Music playing — so next time you're out on the boat, put it on and raise a glass in her honor.

Fair winds and following seas, Camilla. Thank you for all you did for our lodge and our waterways. Your friends at Lodge 3 will miss you.

Celebrate the life of Camilla Ross and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

09/11/2026

To Our Members, Friends, and Maritime Community:

Today, the International Ship Masters’ Association, Chicago Lodge No. 3, pauses to remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost during the attacks of September 11, 2001.

We honor the passengers and crews aboard the four aircraft, those inside the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the families whose lives were forever changed. We also recognize the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, military personnel, mariners, and ordinary citizens who answered the call with extraordinary courage.

The maritime community played an important role that day. When roads and bridges were closed, commercial mariners and private boat operators brought their vessels forward to help evacuate hundreds of thousands of people from lower Manhattan. Captains and crews saw people in danger and acted without hesitation.

Their actions reflected the values we hold as Shipmasters: courage, leadership, sound judgment, service, and responsibility for the lives entrusted to our care.

May we never forget those we lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the families who continue to carry the weight of that tragic day.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

Respectfully,

Raymond Novak
President
International Ship Masters’ Association
Chicago Lodge No. 3

09/01/2026

It’s that time of year, BBQ and Movie Night at Crowleys. Coming up in one week on Tuesday, Sept 8th.

We need a movie…

So far we have watched:
• Captain Ron
• Down Periscope
• Jaws

Submit some movie choices in the comments. Try to keep them nautical and under 2 hours.

As for the event, bring your drink and feel free to bring a side or dessert. Shipmasters will take care of the main course.

08/07/2026

Join us Tuesday at Columbia Yacht Club for our monthly meeting. Come early and treat yourself to dinner and drinks at the bar. Parking code will be emailed to members.

07/25/2026

Coming up this Tuesday. Register for the event to get parking code and to submit any topics for discussion.

Come by early to treat yourself to food and drinks at the bar as well.

This is open to all licensed captains operating commercial vessels in and around the Chicago Harbor Lock. This is to discuss issues we commonly are running into while navigating these waters and to have constructive dialogue to work towards a safer waterway.

Calling all commercial captains operating in and around the Chicago Locks. It’s time for our annual Captain’s Summit where we come together to discuss trends and issues that we can discuss and resolve together. Come and meet your fellow captains, get an understanding of the different operations, and let’s all grow together.

Tuesday, July 28th at 7 pm.

Register and submit topics at www.chicagoshipmasters.com/summit

07/17/2026

Calling all commercial captains operating in and around the Chicago Locks. It’s time for our annual Captain’s Summit where we come together to discuss trends and issues that we can discuss and resolve together. Come and meet your fellow captains, get an understanding of the different operations, and let’s all grow together.

Tuesday, July 28th at 7 pm.

Register and submit topics at www.chicagoshipmasters.com/summit

07/14/2026

Looks like a nice night for some tropical drinks at Island Party Hut. We look forward to seeing you at tonight’s meeting!

See y’all next week at Island Party Hut.

07/08/2026

See y’all next week at Island Party Hut.

06/25/2026

⚓ Happy International Day of the Seafarer! 🌊

Today, June 25th, we at Chicago Shipmasters — ISMA Lodge 3 — pause to honor every mariner on the water, from the Great Lakes to the high seas. 🚢

The men and women who crew our vessels keep commerce moving, communities connected, and maritime traditions alive. Their skill, dedication, and sacrifice often go unseen by the world ashore — but not by us.

For over 135 years, our lodge has stood alongside the professional mariner — advocating for their safety, preserving the traditions of the Great Lakes, and building the next generation of seafarers through education and scholarships. Today reminds us why that mission matters more than ever.

To every captain, mate, engineer, and deckhand out there — thank you. Fair winds and following seas. 🧭

👉 Learn more about our mission at

Chicago Shipmasters is a 501(c)3 nonprofit group of maritime captains in Chicago which advocates for the professional mariner, supports advancement in our industry, and honors maritime traditions. We offer learning opportunities and scholarships for those in the maritime industry who are looking to....