Ship Masters Convene in Alpena, Mich.

The International Ship Masters’ Association 127th annual convention was held at Alpena, Mich., from February 2-4, 2017. In addition to business meetings and updates regarding Great Lakes and Seaway navigational matters, attendees heard speakers from a variety of agencies and organizations. Topics included U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation, current US Coast Guard licensing timeframes and procedures, National Weather Service updates, the Marine Technology Program at Alpena Community College, Great Lakes cargo and passenger vessel history, NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and possible marine uses for airborne drones. Attendees also viewed a video presentation from U.S. Senator Gary Peters.

 

Elected as Grand President for the ensuing year was Capt. Lee Barnhill of Alpena, tug captain for Durocher Marine. Also elected were Grand 1st Vice President Capt. Harold Dusseau, Grand 2nd Vice President Capt. Mark Mather, and Secretary-Treasurer Capt. Brian Eickel.

 

The International Ship Masters’ Association offers annual scholarships to persons preparing for careers as officers aboard U.S. and Canadian vessels. This year’s awards were presented to Donald Hicks, a Navigation cadet enrolled at Great Lakes International Marine Training and Research Centre at Georgian College, Owen Sound, Ontario; Derek McMullen, an Engineering cadet enrolled at Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Traverse City, Michigan; and Ian Brammall, a currently-employed Canadian mariner who is working toward obtaining an engineering license.

 

International Ship Masters’ Association currently consists of 16 lodges in U.S. and Canadian ports around the Great Lakes, with members including both licensed professional mariners and shore personnel involved in the maritime industry. The Association dates to 1886, in Buffalo, N.Y., where it began as a benevolent fraternal organization to assist widowed spouses and families of Great Lakes vessel captains. Today, ISMA’s mission is to promote navigation and safety on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System; to provide opportunities for licensed mariners to network and enhance their knowledge; and to encourage and assist those preparing for careers as merchant marine officers.