"Deep Blue Is the New Green” was the theme of the International Ship Masters’ Association 125th annual convention held at Duluth, Minn., February 5-8.
The convention included business meetings as well as speakers from industry and government organizations covering such topics as Great Lakes environmental issues and scientific research, infrastructure renewal, LNG and CNG as fuel options, the economic impact of “green” initiatives, and nautical history.
Elected as Grand President for the ensuing year was Capt. Joseph Walters, master of the US Geological Survey’s fisheries research vessel Kiyi. Also elected were 1st Vice President Capt. Robert Lund, 2nd Vice President Capt. Lee Barnhill, and Secretary-Treasurer Capt. Albert Tielke.
The International Ship Masters’ Association offers annual scholarships to persons preparing for careers aboard US and Canadian vessels. Scholarship awards were presented to Kaitlin Whittall, a deck officer cadet enrolled at Great Lakes International Marine Training and Research Centre at Georgian College, Owen Sound, Ontario; Melissa Gooch, an engineering officer cadet enrolled at Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Traverse City, Michigan; and Rhys Weed, a currently-employed Canadian mariner who is working toward completing his Watch Keeping Mate’s Certificate.
International Ship Masters’ Association currently consists of 16 lodges in US and Canadian ports around the Great Lakes, with members including both mariners and shore personnel involved in the maritime industry. The Association dates to 1886, in Buffalo, NY, where it began as a benevolent fraternal organization to assist widowed spouses and families of Great Lakes vessel captains.