International Ship Masters' Association

08/24/2026

07/31/2026

ISMA members from Toledo Lodge # 9 and Chicago Lodge # 3 are attending the annual American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) conference yesterday and today in Chicago. The AGLPA is the most prominent industry conference for Great Lakes maritime issues.

These ISMA members are working to increase the visibility of the ISMA organization and to boost attendance at the upcoming 2027 Grand Lodge Convention in Toledo. A Ship Masters’ Salute for their efforts!

Photos:

Captain Paul LaMarre III, ISMA Grand First Vice President and President of AGLPA

Capt. Harold Dusseau, ISMA Past Grand President (2018) on left, Capt. Rick Brown (ISMA Toledo Lodge # 9 President) on right, with Mark Barker, President of the Interlake Steamship Company in the center, on the dinner cruise. (Interlake has been a longtime supporter of ISMA functions.)

(L to R) L Capt. Rick Brown (Toledo Lodge # 9), Capt. Tom Blakely (Chicago Lodge # 3 and ISMA Grand Second Vice President), Capt. Harold Dusseau (ISMA PGP), Matt Zaleski & Betty Zaleski (ISMA Toledo Lodge # 9)

ISMA members Matt & Betty Zaleski work an ISMA information table at the AGLPA conference

07/21/2026

The ISMA Summer newsletter is available now!

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/international-ship-masters-association_isma-summer-2026-newsletter-activity-7485140500598124544-Vj50?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAGFL5sBznJSXpVUpDGNHB_vzvFyBc14pC8

07/13/2026

07/04/2026

Happy 250th anniversary to the United States of America!

The Great lakes shipping industry has played a prominent role in the history of our nation. Let us remember the mariners of the Inland Seas as we celebrate the semiquincentennial!

Pictured below is the tug America, captained by none other than ISMA Grand First Vice President Capt. Paul LaMarre III. The old girl got a special makeover to celebrate the big 250! The tug America has been around for over half of our country's history, a testimony to the resilience of our industry and the spirit of our country.

Let freedom ring! Have a safe Independence Day!

06/11/2026

Milwaukee Lodge 6 was proud to sponsor and participate in the We Work The Waterways Maritime Interaction Day with Milwaukee Public Schools in Milwaukee! See video below.

06/09/2026

Are you considering joining us on Saturday July 18th for "Voices at the Valley Camp"? I would certainly love to see you there!

It's a fundraiser for the International Ship Masters' Association Scholarship Fund, and it's going to be an AMAZING night! I will be interviewing this fabulous panel of SIX Great Lakes Captains, and there will be food catered by the Sault Sault Ste Marie Country Club, I will have auction tables set up with items you can bid on and take home at the end of the evening, and your ticket will enter you in the Door Prize draw at the end of the night!

I am currently looking for Sponsors so if you or someone you know in business would be interested in being a Sponsor for this event I would love to talk to you about it! Sponsorship means the expenses would be paid for and that would allow me to donate 100% of the ticket sales and auction earnings to the Scholarship Fund!

Another way to help is by purchasing a DONATION TICKET!! These are tickets I had made for folks who would like to help raise money but can't be here the night of the 18th! Your ticket will include you in the Door Prize draw at the end of the night and if your name is picked I just ship the prize to you! I also send you the ticket so you have it as a memento of the evening even though you can't be here.

If you CAN be here, send me a private message for details on how to order your tickets! I will also include the poster about the event in the comments below so check it out!

I hope to see you here on Saturday July 18th so we can raise a lot of money for the ISMA Scholarship Fund!!

06/02/2026

Attention Ship Masters:

Port Huron Lodge #2 invites all ISMA members, family, and friends to join them for their summer cruise aboard the Huron Lady II on September 12. Details below.