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TOLEDO, OH – Captain Rick Brown, president of the International Ship Masters’ Association (ISMA) Toledo Lodge No. 9, has announced that one of the most prestigious maritime conventions will return to Toledo Jan. 28 – 31, 2027 when the city hosts the 137th Annual International Ship Masters’ Association’s Grand Lodge Convention at the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel.
“This is the 13th time that Toledo will host the annual Grand Lodge convention,” said Capt. Paul LaMarre, director, Port of Monroe, and a board member of ISMA Toledo Lodge No. 9. LaMarre will be installed as ISMA Grand Lodge President in 2027.
The International Ship Masters’ Association is a voluntary organization of dues-paying licensed professional mariners and others associated with the maritime community of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Founded in 1886 as a benevolent organization, ISMA adapted its needs along the way to provide educational opportunities and to allow Great Lakes masters a voice in the formation of safety and navigational rules and regulations. With 16 active Lodges throughout the U.S. and Canada, the ISMA works together to help create a safer and more informed waterway system.
ISMA Toledo Lodge No. 9 was established on Feb. 24, 1892, with 27 founding members. Meetings were first held in the basement of the Waldorf Hotel. Other venues over the years included the Wine Cellar Restaurant, Bay View Yacht Club, the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority Offices, and most recently, Conference Room A at One Maritime Plaza. The Toledo Lodge No. 9 hosted its first convention in 1899 at the Boody House, and the last one was in 2018 at the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel.
A kick-off reception will be held Thursday, Jan. 28, at the National Museum of the Great Lakes, a sponsor of this year’s convention. ISMA delegates and representatives will caucus at NMGL to discuss numerous maritime issues, setting the stage for weekend activities.
“This is a bona fide convention that will bring some 300 maritime professionals to Toledo putting us at the forefront of the maritime community,” said Capt. Brown. “The convention allows us to showcase in part Toledo’s rich maritime tradition, including the National Museum of the Great Lakes.
Friday evening will include the ISMA Grand Ball with a formal dinner with music by Arctic Clam. In addition to several issues concerning the maritime industry, there will be an Educational Panel discussing maritime education and outreach.
“The most unanswered question we receive from parents is ‘how do I get my child involved in the maritime industry or where can they go to get educated on how to find work,’ said Capt. LaMarre. “We hope this event will go a long way to getting parents comfortable with directing their children to the lucrative jobs and careers the maritime community has to offer.”
Saturday evening will feature an informal dinner with a MASH television show theme.
As part of the weekend’s festivities, there will be a drawing for a freighter cruise on the Great Lakes vessel Hon. James L. Oberstar, good for the 2027 season. Guests must be at least 18 years old and adhere to all company policies and procedures, as well as be flexible concerning ports of departure / return. The drawing will be Sat. Jan. 30, 2027 at 10 p.m. at the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel. Donation – $10 each or six for $50. The winner need not be present to win. Tickets cannot be redeemed for cash. To purchase tickets: Mail check made payable to ISMA Toledo Lodge 9 / P.O. Box 5218 / Toledo, OH 43611.
“Many people throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan made their living on the Great Lakes,” said Capt. Brown, who will serve as event chairman. “Our membership not only includes licensed maritime professionals, but also memberships for retired maritime workers, as well as associate members for those who have other ties to the maritime industry.”
Sponsors include the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority, The Port of Monroe, and The National Museum of the Great Lakes. The Toledo Lodge will be seeking additional sponsorships for the event as well as recruiting new members both nationally and locally.
Those interested in becoming members of the International Ship Masters’ Association can e-mail Jim Byrne, Secretary / Treasurer, ISMA Lodge No. 9 Toledo, at ISMALodge9@gmail.com. See less
International Ship Masters’ Association
