Written by master mariners and pilots for master mariners and pilots, Sidelights magazine is the place we share our ideas, concerns, and experiences with others in our profession across the country and around world. It is an outlet for our views to be heard by industry, government and regulatory officials. Sidelights is how we communicate.
The magazine is one of the benefits of CAMM membership and is sent at no charge to all members. Complimentary copies are also distributed to US Flag Ships, key industry officials, government officials (including MARAD, USCG, and Congressional committee chairs), international shipmaster associations, the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Magazine of the Council of American Master Mariners
Summer 2026: Vol. 56, Number 1
In this issue:
America’s Maritime Action Plan Update - The US Must Move More Quickly
Navigating the Shift: How NOAA’s Move to Custom Charts Is Impacting Maritime Education
Turbulent Seas and Bright Skies: The Emergence of Cal Poly Maritime Academy
Inland Marine Highways: Proposal to Revive the Stockton and Sacramento River Barge Service
American Maritime Officers: What’s Going on with the Unions
Sidelights Archives
Recent Sidelights issues are available to the public for download in PDF format. Members have access to all issues in PDF format. A limited number of print copies of some issues are also available.
Advertise in Sidelights
Sidelights accepts advertisements to support publishing and distribution costs. All ads are subject to approval by the Sidelights Committee. Sidelights is the foremost advocate for the American Merchant Mariner. It focuses on current legislative and regulatory topics and covers environmental issues, new shipboard technology, regulations, vessel management, and shipboard safety. By advertising in Sidelights you will reach potential customers and an influential audience. Your company will be promoted throughout the U.S. maritime industry.
Sidelights Submissions
Sidelights welcomes your articles, comments, illustrations, photographs, and letters to the editor. All submissions will be reviewed, but are not guaranteed to be published. Sidelights’ goal is not to regurgitate the news; it is to use that news and explain how it affects the Master and industry, both pros and cons.