General Preamble to the Constitution

"An adequate, efficient, prosperous MERCHANT MARINE is necessary for the naval and military safety and economic well being of the UNITED STATES."

 

Throughout the course of world history the seaman in general, and the Master Mariner in particular, have contributed immeasurably to the development of science, culture and civilization. The great discoveries, lines of communication, and commerce of the world have been developed by seamen and by commercial interests who were lead, counseled and directed by Master Mariners.

 

WHEREAS, the Master Mariners of the United States of America recognized the professional accomplishments off those who have preceded them, and,

 

WHEREAS, they, the Master Mariners, desire to maintain and enhance the professional tradition by continuing to advance the causes of maritime science, did in the year 1936, form THE COUNCIL OF AMERICAN MASTER MARINERS.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, The Council of American Masters Mariners declares its objects shall be to advance the causes of Maritime and Nautical Science by recognizing training criteria; accepting standard practices; fostering the exchange of maritime information, sharing experiences; encouraging the publication and study of professional literature; assisting in maritime research; assuming a public and impartial responsibility; and cultivating a continuing attitude of learning within the profession.

 

The Council of American Master Mariners is pledged to serve no personal or private ambition or interest but to promote broad general policies for the benefit of the national interest and of maritime endeavors.     (amended 2014)

Table of Contents

Article I: Name

Article II: Declaration of Policy

Article III: Membership

Article IV: Chapters

Article V: Ratification of Constitution and By-Laws

Article VI: Composition of Port Chapters

Article VII: Governing Body

Article VIII: Officers

Article IX: National Meetings

Article X: Revenue

Article XI: Membership Insignia

Article XII: Adoptions

Article XIII: Amendments

Article XIV: Adoption

 

Constitution of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc.

Corrected through 2021

 

ARTICLE I

NAME

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be "The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc."

 

ARTICLE II

DECLARATION OF POLICY

Section 1. The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc., is a nonprofit association of persons having common professional interests, the objects of which are:

 

1. To promote an effective, efficient,prosperous American Merchant Marine which is of maximum benefit to the nation, the shipper, the mariner, the ship owner, and the financial community.
   
   
2. To render a public service by expressing the considered professional opinions of Master Mariners regarding maritime issues.
   
   
3. To encourage and promote advances in nautical education, training standards, and the publication of professional literature for the American mariner.
   
   
4. To cultivate an attitude of continuing education within the profession.
   
   
5. To foster an exchange of information between, and promote a spirit of friendship and common purpose among, all organizations whose members are dedicated to a strong United States flag merchant fleet.
   
   
6. To support and encourage improvement in all nautical facilities.
   
   
7. To enhance the rightful prestige of the American Master Mariner. (amended 1992)

 

 

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP

Amended 1976, 2014, 2016

Section 1. The membership of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. shall consist of five classes of members, namely: (A) Regular, (B) Special, (C) Associate, (D) Honorary, and (E) Life. The number of Associate Members shall not exceed 20%, and the number of honorary members shall not exceed 5% of the Regular, Special and Life members combined. The requirements for membership in the several classes are: (amended 1992, 2016)

 

A. Regular Membership: (#-R)

1. (#-RU) A Master Mariner holding a valid USCG unlimited Master’s License and who has commanded a vessel or vessels of over 5000 GRT on voyages may become a Regular Member on approval of the Executive Committee and upon subscribing to the Constitution and By-Laws and paying the admission fee, if applicable, and the dues for the current year. (amended 1991, 2008)
   
   
2. (#-RP) American Citizens serving as a Senior or First Class Pilot, with at least one years experience, certified to pilot vessels of 20,000 GRT or over and duly registered and licensed by their respective state, federal authority, Panama Canal Commission or authority recognized by the Board of Governors, shall be eligible for membership and may be accepted as a Pilot-Regular member on approval of the Board of Governors and subsequent payment of applicable fees and dues for the current year. A Pilot-Regular shall have all the rights and privileges as a Regular member as provided by the By-Laws. (added 1992, 2008)

 

 

B. Special Membership: (#-S)

Special Membership must be approved of by the Board of Governors and upon subscribing to the Constitution and By-Laws and paying the admission fee, if applicable, and dues for the current year. A Special Member shall have all the rights and privileges as a Regular Member except holding elective office other than as provided in By-Laws. (re-lettered 2008)

 

1. (#-S)A person holding a valid USCG unlimited Master’s license but who has not commanded a vessel or vessels of over 5000 GRT on voyages. (amended 1991, 1992)
2. 
   (#-S16)A person holding a valid USCG 1600 ton Master’s license who has commanded a vessel or vessels on voyages. (amended 2000)
3. 
   (#-SP)American citizens serving as a Second or Third class pilot or pilot certified for less than 20,000 GRT or having less than three years credited pilot service and duly registered and licensed by their respective state, federal authority, Panama Canal commission or authority recognized by the Board of Governors. (added 1992)
4. (#-S5) A person holding a valid USCG 500 ton Master’s license who has commanded a vessel or vessels on voyages. (added 2008)

 

 

C. Associate Membership: (#-A)(amended 1992, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2016)

An Associate Member on approval of the Board of Governors and upon subscribing to the Constitution and By-Laws and paying the admission fee, if applicable, and the dues for the current year shall have all the rights and privileges of a Regular Member, except holding elective office other than as provided in By-Laws. Associate Members will be as follows:

 

1. #A: A person, even though not a licensed Master Mariner, who is serving as an official of a U.S. water transportation company in an executive, administrative or operational capacity; a member of the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, or Military whose rank and responsibilities would be comparable to those of a Master Mariner; or a notable person serving with distinction in maritime related fields of education, training, research, regulation or government.
   
   
2. #AL:A licensed deck officer holding a USCG Chief, Second, or Third Mate license/credential, Any Gross Tons and currently sailing on his/her license on vessels over 5,000 GT.
   
   
3. #AF: A person holding a foreign Master Mariners unlimited license, and who has commanded vessels over 5,000 GT. If the country that issued the Master’s License of said person has an equivalent national organization (example Company of Canadian Master Mariners, The Honorable Company of Master Mariners (UK), etc.) then applicant must be a member of his/her country’s organization before becoming an Associate Member of CAMM.
   
   
4. #AC: Any Cadet/Midshipmen attending one of the state maritime academies, or the USMMA, may apply for Associate Cadet Membership(AC) with CAMM, and will pay only $25 for annual dues.

 

 

D. Honorary Membership: (#-H)

A notable citizen of the United States of America or of a foreign country, of preeminent distinction in the maritime or related industry, and who is not qualified for Regular Membership may be elected as Honorary Member by the Board of Governors by an affirmation vote of all members present at any meeting of the Board. Honorary Members shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of other members except of voting for and holding elective office. Honorary Members shall be exempt from payment of admission fees and dues. (re-lettered 1992)

 

E. Life Membership: (#-L)

Any member in good standing may become a Life Member upon making written application to and with the approval of the Board of Governors and payment of the fee hereinafter provided; A member in good standing who has (a) completely retired from the maritime industry, (b) is over 70 years old, and (c) has paid total dues equal to or exceeding the amount required for Life Membership applicable at he time he joined the Council, may request in writing for Life Membership. The Board approve Life Membership. Life Members shall retain the rights and privileges of their class of membership. Life Members shall be dues exempt.(amended 1997, 2008, 2016)

 

Section 2. Transfer of Membership: A Special or Associate Member shall be eligible for transfer to Regular Membership upon the requirements as defined in paragraph (1.) or (2.) of Article III, Section 1 (A.) of the Constitution. Application for transfer shall be made in writing to the Board of Governors (BoG). Said transfer shall be subject to approval by the BoG.(amended 1991, 1992, 2008, 2016)

ARTICLE IV

CHAPTER

Section 1. Chapters: Chapters which, having agreed to be bound by the Constitution and By-Laws of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. and having been granted a Charter, continue to perform the obligations as set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws and each Chapter shall be named: The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc., XX Chapter. (amended 1991)

 

ARTICLE V

RATIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Section 1. Every Chapter heretofore or hereafter granted a charter in The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. and accepting same, thereby accepts, ratifies and agrees to be bound in all things, not contrary to law, by this Constitution and the By-Laws of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. and amendments thereof, and to faithfully observe the provisions thereof.

 

ARTICLE VI

COMPOSITION OF PORT CHAPTERS

Section 1. The Port Chapters shall be composed as follows:

 

1. Any class of member of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. in good standing may become a member of the same class of Port Chapter of his choice so long as he continues to be a member in good standing of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc.

 

ARTICLE VII

GOVERNING BODY

Section 1.

The Governing body of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. shall be the Board of Governors consisting of the President, the Immediate Past President, the Executive Vice President, the Task-Based Vice Presidents, and the Secretary/Treasurer, together with the Presidents of the Port Chapters. The President of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. shall serve as chairman of the Board of Governors provided for in Article III of the By-Laws of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. (amended 2008, 2014, 2020)

 

Section 2. The Board of Governors shall act on all matters pertaining to the operation and management of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. between meetings, as the Board is responsible to The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. for the control and management of the affairs of the Council, in conformity with the Constitution and By-Laws. The Board of Governors shall not incur any total financial obligations in excess of the sum of the estimated income determined by the Finance Committee for the current fiscal year and fifty percent (50%) of the accumulated surplus existing at the beginning of the fiscal year. (amended 1991, 2008)

 

Section 3. The powers not specifically reserved to or exercised by the National Board of Governors under this Constitution and By-Laws shall be exercised by the appropriate national officers with the advice of the Board of Governors. (amended 1991, 2008)

 

ARTICLE VIII

OFFICERS

Section 1. The Officers of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. shall be a President, an Executive Vice President, various Task-Based Vice Presidents, and a Secretary/Treasurer. (amended 2020)

 

Section 2. The President, the Executive Vice President, the Task-Based Vice Presidents, and the Secretary/Treasurer of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. shall be nominated in accordance with the By-Laws and elected by a majority of the votes cast by the members in good standing at each National Annual General Meeting, and they shall be installed as the last order of business at each National Annual General Meeting. (amended 1998, 2020)

 

Section 3. The Secretary/Treasurer shall be one elected office. In accepting these dual responsibilities he/she is permitted to accept a stipend as Secretary and does not relinquish the right of the Treasurer to vote at all meetings. He/she shall keep the records of the National Annual General Meeting, the Regular Meetings, and the Board of Governors. He/she shall take office upon being elected (amended 1997, 1998, 2008, 2020)

 

Section 4. Officers of the Chapters shall be those specified in their respective Chapter following the election of officers as prescribed by the individual Constitution or By-Laws. (amended 1991, renumbered 2020)

 

ARTICLE IX

NATIONAL MEETINGS

Section 1.

 

1. The site of the National Meeting shall be determined at the Annual Board of Governors Meeting one year before the approximate date thereof, subject to change by the National Board of Governors to meet any emergency or special condition. The specific dates for each annual meeting shall be determined by the National Officers and subject to the approval of the Board of Governors. (amended 1998, 2008)
   
   
2. Chapters desiring the National Meeting shall submit their request to the National Board of Governors via the National President not less than two years in advance of the expected approximate date of such National Meetings. Such requests shall be in writing, signed by the President of the Chapter, attested by the Secretary thereof and approved by the Regional Vice President of the geographical region in which the Chapter is located. (amended 1991, 1998)
   
   
3. If no bona fide invitation is received for a National Meeting or if no agreement is reached on a site for the Annual Meeting, the selection of the time and place of the National Meeting shall be made by the Board of Governors. (amended 1998, 2008)

 

 

ARTICLE X

REVENUE

Section 1. Dues as provided for in the By-Laws shall be paid to The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc.

 

ARTICLE XI

MEMBERSHIP INSIGNIA

Section 1. Every member in good standing of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. during the continuance of his membership shall be entitled to wear the emblem, badge or other insignia of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc.

 

ARTICLE XII

ADOPTIONS

Section 1. By-Laws not inconsistent with this Constitution embodying additional provisions for the governing of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. shall be adopted, and may be amended from time to time.

 

ARTICLE XIII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Amendments to this Constitution shall be made only at an annual business meeting provided:

 

1. The proposed amendment has been delivered to the National Secretary/Treasurer at least one hundred twenty (120) days before the opening of the Annual Meeting and a copy thereof shall have been sent to the chairman and members of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee by the National Secretary/Treasurer as soon as practicable for review; and
   
   
2. At least ninety (90) days before the opening of the National Meeting any proposed amendment accepted by the Constitution and By-Laws Committee shall have been sent to the National Secretary; and
   
   
3. A copy thereof shall have been sent by the Secretary to each Chapter at least sixty (60) days before said opening.

 

No amendment shall be placed on the ballot without prior review by the Constitution and By-Laws Committee.

 

Adoption of the proposal will be determined by two-thirds (2/3) preference of the votes cast on the ballot. Amendments shall become effective on adoption unless otherwise stated in the motion for their adoption.

 

Or, after a unanimous approval of the Board of Governors, amendments may be proposed and require a similar unanimous vote for adoption. (amended 1976, 1991, 1995)

 

ARTICLE XIV

ADOPTION

Section 1. Upon the adoption of this Constitution all previous Constitutions of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. and Amendments thereto shall become null and void. (adopted 1967)