a National organization of Captains, Pilots & Maritime Professionals
Sharing Our Experience
Established in 1936, the Council of American Master Mariners is a national professional organization of active and retired Captains, Pilots and Maritime Associates working for the betterment of the American Merchant Marine.
The Council is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the United States Merchant Marine and the position of the Master by fostering the exchange of maritime information and sharing our experience. We are committed to the promotion of nautical education, the improvement of training standards, and the support of the publication of professional literature. The Council monitors, comments, and takes positions on local, state, federal and international legislation and regulation that affect the Master.
A nonprofit 501(c)(6) corporation, the Council is independent of any union, school or company.
Who We Are
The Council of American Master Mariners is composed of approximately 600 active and retired shipmasters, pilots, marine and maritime consultants, educators, and others. The organization is led by a Board of Governors comprising National Officers, National Vice Presidents, and Chapter Presidents. Active chapters are located in major ports from New York to Seattle.
Council News & Events
Sidelights: The Council’s National Magazine
CAMM’s magazine, Sidelights, is written by master mariners and pilots for master mariners and pilots. The foremost advocate for the American Merchant Mariner, Sidelights focuses on current legislative and regulatory topics and covers environmental issues, new shipboard technology, regulations, vessel management, and shipboard safety.
Sidelights is distributed to US Flag Ships, key industry officials, government officials (including MARAD, USCG, and Congressional committee chairs), all CAMM members, international shipmaster associations, IFSMA, and the IMO. Paid subscriptions to cover costs for printing and postage are also available to those who take keen interest in CAMM and our collective views.
CAMM Sponsors
Thank you to the generous sponsors of our 2025 Annual General Meeting and Professional Development Conference. Sponsorships not only help cover conference costs but also additional operational expenses throughout the year. See sponsors of this year’s conference in California on our Conference page.
American Maritime Officers
(platinum)
Texas A&M University Galveston Campus
(Gold)
International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots
(Gold)
Propeller Club of Baltimore
(Silver)
Captain Frank Zabrocky, CAMM VP-Positions
(Bronze)
MASTER MARINER LEVEL SPONSORS
Sea-Jay Maritime LLC
Black Ball Ferry Line
Maritime TV
MEETING BREAK SPONSORS
Western Great Lakes Pilots Association
William Watson Group, LLC
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS
Admiral Mark Buzby
Captain David Dwyer
Captain Chris Edyvean
Captain Nate Lammers
Captain Doug Subcleff
Captain Andrew Triandafilou
Captain Kurt Yost
Marine Exchange of Southern California
Captain Kevin Coulombe
Bayshore Marine Consultants, LLC
CAMM Seattle Chapter
Join Forces with America’s Master Mariners!
With vessels that are ever larger and more complex, the ability of the Shipmaster to control his/her destiny has seriously eroded. The modern Shipmaster and/or Pilot can find their views and expertise ignored, and in the fast-moving stream of “progress,” the voice of a single Master is easily overwhelmed by the tide of change. CAMM offers a channel to be heard.