International Ship Masters' Association

10/14/2026

Only one month remains to get the early-bird rate for the 2027 Mariners for America Conference!

Register for $650 before the price increases to $1,100. Join maritime leaders and industry professionals in Baltimore from April 5–7, 2027, for important conversations about the future of the U.S. maritime workforce.

Learn more and register:
https://www.mitags.org/mariners-for-america-conference/

10/09/2026

10/02/2026

Great Lakes = Great Opportunities!

Applications are now open for the Grand River Navigation Maritime Apprenticeship Program!

Offered through MITAGS in Baltimore, this two-year program combines classroom instruction, simulator training and paid onboard experience. Apprentices work toward an Unlimited Tonnage Mate – Inland & Great Lakes license while preparing for a long-term career aboard Great Lakes vessels.

No previous maritime experience is required. The program begins March 29, 2027, and applications close December 31, 2026.

View the requirements and application instructions:
https://www.mitags.org/maritime-apprenticeship-programs/grand-river-navigation-apprenticeship-program/

10/01/2026

09/14/2026

The new USCG NMC Navita webpage/portal has gone live today:

09/13/2026

ISMA Past Grand President Capt. Luke Clyburn was awarded the Joyce S. Hayward Award for Historical Preservation tonight at the annual awards banquet of the Association of Great Lakes Maritime History (AGLMH). This event was the finale of their annual convention, which took place in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

According to AGLMH’s website, the Joyce S. Hayward Award is given annually to an individual who has made a major contribution to the interpretation of Great Lakes maritime history, in furtherance of the goals of the Association.

Photo 1: Capt. Luke Clyburn and partner, Dianna Kriebel

Photo 2: (L to R): ISMA members in attendance were Joel Stone, Dianna Kriebel, PGP Capt. Luke Clyburn (all from Detroit Lodge # 7), GP Capt. Chris Edyvean (Twin Ports Lodge #12), and Todd Gordon (Milwaukee Lodge # 6).

For more info about the AGLMH: https://www.aglmh.net

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