strengthening the United States Merchant Marine and the position of the Master

The Council’s Mission

The Council of American Master Mariners 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.

“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 led, counseled and directed by Master Mariners.”
— from the General Preamble to Council's Constitution

Declaration of Policy

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. was founded in 1936 by a nucleus of distinguished American Shipmasters who felt there was a need to share their expertise with other shipmasters, the Maritime Community and the public. They were concerned with maintaining the standards and prestige of the American Merchant Marine and the Shipmaster. Their principles are set forth in the Council’s Declaration of Policy.

  • To promote an effective, efficient, prosperous American Merchant Marine, which is of maximum benefit to the nation, the shipper, the mariner, the shipowner and the financial community.

  • To render a public service by expressing the considered professional opinions of Master Mariners regarding maritime issues.

  • To encourage and promote advances in nautical education, training standards, and the publication of professional literature for the American Mariner.

  • To cultivate an attitude of continuing education within the profession.

  • To foster an exchange of information between, and promote a spirit of friendship and common purpose among all organizations whose member share dedicated to a strong United States flag merchant fleet.

  • To support and encourage improvements in all nautical facilities.

  • To enhance the rightful prestige of the American Master Mariner.

Why a Council of American Master Mariners?

Why a Council of American Master Mariners? The answer can be found in the viability of an active, national, non-profit organization comprised of masters, pilots, and maritime professionals in an industry undergoing rapid and dramatic technological change. With reduced manning programs and ever increasing punitive regulations, the need for the Master's input into shipping policies and regulations has never been greater.

  • The Master is responsible for the ship and its safety, yet the ability of the Shipmaster to control his/her destiny has been seriously eroded. Modern ships are larger and more complex. Today's Master has little say in the selection of his officers and crew. He is often ignored in developing the regulations that effect his profession. Shipmasters and Pilots often find their views and opinions discounted and they are isolated from the fast-moving stream of progress.

    The voice of a single Master is easily overwhelmed by the tide of change. At best, the outspoken Master may be seen as an individual with an experienced but self-serving point of view. At worst, he or she may be perceived by their employer and others as a ‘trouble-maker’ or lacking in ‘team spirit’ if their views do not reflect the company goals. The stand-alone, say-what-I-think Master may have the courage of his convictions, but he or she is rarely effective.

    CAMM offers a means to be heard. As a member your voice is added to many others representing all types of vessels, cutting across company divisions and union affiliations. It is a voice based upon the prestige of the Master and backed by the collective expertise of over 20,000 years of maritime experience. The greatest irony of our industry is that the maritime community and its regulatory agencies recognizes the importance of the masters’ opinion. They sincerely wish to avail themselves of that maritime expertise, but generally have reservations in accepting such help from labor, lobbyist groups, or individuals.

    The Council of American Master Mariners is in a unique position to supply  expertise to the industry for the public good. This was the intention of the founding members and it remains true today. The Council, represents a broad and diverse spectrum of experienced Master Mariners. Today the Council is revitalized and energized with a sense of purpose supported by the membership. It is not about enhancing your social life, It is about being heard and making a difference for the Merchant Marine, our nation, and ourselves.

    If you are a Master Mariner, Pilot, or Maritime Professional you are welcome to join us in our endeavor to achieve the goals stated in the Declaration of Policy. They remain as valid today as they were in 1936.

COUncil Activities

The Council of American Master Mariners works in a variety of ways to support and strengthen the United States Merchant Marine and the position of the Master. These include:

Positions on Maritime Issues

Positions of Most Concern to the Council

  1. Jones Act (2012-04)

    The Council strongly supports the retention of the Jones Act, Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (Public Law 66-261).

  2.  Criminalization of Shipmasters (2004-01)

    OPPOSE the immediate arrest of shipmasters after civil maritime incidents until appropriate criminal investigations are completed and all rights of the master are protected.

    OPPOSE the detention of shipmasters by any arresting Port State not respecting the warrant and status of the shipmaster.

    OPPOSE the use of “risk of flight” as the sole judicial reason for detention of the shipmaster under domestic law.

  3. Seaman’s Manslaughter Act (2007-06)

    SUPPORT changing the Seaman’s Manslaughter Act (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1115) to require a higher standard of proof than simple negligence.

  4.  Support for PL480 - Food for Peace Program (2019-01)

    SUPPORT the position that the percentage of PL 480 (Food for Peace) cargoes required to be carried aboard U.S. Flag vessels be restored to 75%.

    SUPPORT meaningful regulations that penalizes organizations or other entities that do not comply with the minimum US Flag vessel carriage requirements.

    OPPOSE any efforts to replace U.S. grown food with monetary instruments in the Food for Peace program.

All Current Council Positions

  • OPPOSE the immediate arrest of shipmasters after civil maritime incidents until appropriate criminal investigations are completed and all rights of the master are protected.

    OPPOSE the detention of shipmasters by any arresting Port State not respecting the warrant and status of the shipmaster.

    OPPOSE the use of “risk of flight” as the sole judicial reason for detention of the shipmaster under domestic law.

    SUPPORT IFSMA Resolution 1/2004 (AGA 30) calling on IMO, ILO and other regulatory interests to develop guidelines for Port States with regard to the arrest and detention of Masters without trial following maritime casualties. (See IFSMA AGA 30 - Resolution 1/2004 for full statement.)

    Adopted 2004; 2013: Sent to committee for re-wording, amended 2014, continued 2015, amended 2016, Refereed to committee for update 2017 (AGA Resolution #), continued 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • SUPPORT the ancient doctrine of Port of Refuge and support the clarification of international law of said doctrine.

    Adopted 2004; amended 2013, continued 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

    2019 Action item for the Positions Committee, i.e. Are there specific regulations in place that address  Ports of Refuge? Continued 2020

  • OPPOSE one-man bridge watch.

    Adopted 2004; amended 2013, continued 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • OPPOSE detention of crew of violating ships for the purpose of serving as material witness(es), for an unreasonable period of time, resulting in loss of liberty, wages, and proper due process. “Unreasonable period of time” is defined in this instance as exceeding the 29-day shore pass period. process.

    Adopted 2006; amended 2008, 2013; continued 2015, amended 2016, continued 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • SUPPORT U.S. Ratification of the ILO Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006.

    Adopted 2006; amended 2008, 2013; continued 2015, amended 2016, continued 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • SUPPORT flag state implementation of IMO resolution A.1047, Principles of Minimum Safe Manning, into vessel manning documents and enforcement of SOLAS Chapter V/14, Ships’ Manning, and ISM revision to Chapter 6, placing responsibility on owners for proper manning under all operational conditions.

    Adopted 2007; reworded in 2012 to condense two related positions to one; amended 2014, 2015; continued 2016, 2017, 2018, amended 2019; continued 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • SUPPORT changing the Seaman’s Manslaughter Act (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1115) to require a higher standard of proof than simple negligence.

    Proposed 2007; adopted 2008, continued 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • SUPPORT the transfer of vessel documentation, vessel inspection and mariner credentialing from Department of Homeland Security to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

    Proposed 2007; adopted 2008, amended 2013, continued 2015, amended 2016, continued 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • SUPPORT IMO Resolution 1069(28) and the re-authorization of United Nations Security Council Resolution #2442 (renewed 2018 and recalling its previous resolutions) to authorize funding for international action to fight piracy, and to urge the governments of the world to work to defeat piracy wherever it occurs.

    Adopted 2009; amended yearly for resolution numbers and dates, continued 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • OPPOSE any expansion of the language of CFR 46 USC 8103 (b) (3) to include any vessel other than those specifically cited therein. Furthermore, require that any non-US citizen employed on a US Flagged vessel be required to meet the same standards of certification, endorsement and security check as a U.S. Seafarer.

    Adopted 2011; amended 2013, 2014; continued 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • SUPPORT international effort to require that redundant and independent electronic navigation system(s) be established to back up Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology.

    Adopted 2012; amended 2014, 2015, continued 2016, 2017, 2018, amended 2019; continued 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • SUPPORT the inclusion of celestial navigation competency as a component of deck officer certification.

    Adopted 2012, continued 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • REAFFIRM our staunch SUPPORT for and retention of the Jones Act, Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (Public Law 66-261)

    Adopted 2012, continued 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • SUPPORT efforts to review and reduce the administrative burden imposed on vessel masters.

    Proposed 2012; adopted 2013; amended 2014, continued 2015; retitled, amended 2016, continued 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • Continue to OPPOSE Coast Guard position that the agency owns the new Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)/License issued to a seaman and that USCG can revoke or recall the document any time without cause as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. CAMM contends that the credential is the property of the user, and that it is to be surrendered to the Coast Guard only after due process. CAMM SUPPORTS changing the CFRs to that affect.

    CLARIFICATION: Positions Committee notes that the Original Position was discontinued because the USCG has taken actions indicating that it considers this a moot point. USCG no longer uses the word “license” when referring to the merchant mariner’s license. Revived because CAMM members wish to press the issue with Congress. CAMM does not challenge USCG right to revoke the Z card, as long as due process is followed.

    Adopted 2008; discontinued 2013; reinstated 2014, continued 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • SUPPORT a safety requirement whereby all new ship construction shall include an elevator/lift from the main deck or pilot embarkation point to the navigation bridge

    Adopted 2012; tabled 2013; reinstated 2014, continued 2015, amended 2017, continued 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  •  SUPPORT U.S. Congressional legislation/bills which are introduced into Congress in support of U.S. Flag Ships, Mariners, Cargo Preference and U.S. Merchant Shipbuilding.

    Adopted 2017, Continued 2018, Amended 2021, Continued 2021, 2022, 2023, Amended 2024

  • SUPPORT the position that the percentage of PL 480 (Food for Peace) cargoes required to be carried aboard U.S. Flag vessels be restored to 75%.

    SUPPORT meaningful regulations that penalizes organizations or other entities that do not comply with the minimum US Flag vessel carriage requirements.

    OPPOSE any efforts to replace U.S. grown food with monetary instruments in the Food for Peace program.

    Adopted 2019, Replaces positions from 2013, Continued 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • CAMM SUPPORTS the use of the International Safety Management Code for the improvement of vessel safety and quality, and NOT as a disciplinary tool to be used against Masters.

    Adopted 2019, continued 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

  • Propose to the USCG  and IMO that the CFR(46 S/S 96.35-10) and SOLAS (Chapter 11-2)  regulations be amended to include that the company shall maintain a sufficient on board inventory of Firefighting Outfits (approved Protective Clothing, Boots, Gloves and Helmets ) to properly outfit a minimum of four (4) crew members. Such inventory must take into account diverse body types and varying foot sizes of crew members.

    Clarification Statement:

    CAMM supports Masters to use all regulatory means, such as Near Miss Reports, ISM, P&I,to require the company to provide sufficient and adequate firefighting outfits.

    Adopted 2021, continued 2022, 2023, 2024

Current Council Views

Views are statements that have been accepted for evaluation and possible approval by CAMM. A View is not to be considered as a CAMM Position. Current views on maritime issues are to be discussed and voted  on at the next Annual General Meeting.

  • OPPOSE U.S. ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty, which would give important domestic powers to an international authority based in Brussels. Specifically oppose provisions which would result in American ship masters accused of offenses at sea being tried by an international court in Europe, and proceedings conducted without the benefit and protection guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.

    Text of UNCLOS may be found online at the U.N. website.

    Adopted 2004; tabled for further analysis, 2013, 2014, 2015 , 2017, 2018

    2019 Action Item for Positions Committee - Review, update and re-write, then report back as View for consideration as a Position in 2021 - remains tabled.

  • CAMM SUPPORTS the rightful authority of the MODU or Dynamic Positioning (DP) certified Master to cease operations for safety reasons, without pressure from the company to take actions he considers unsafe.

    Proposed 2015. Maintain as View, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024