Latvian Shipmasters’ Association was founded on 12 December 2001 with the aim to unite shipmasters into a single professional organization dedicated solely to the interests of shipmasters.
Today under the slogan of the Association - For the Safety of Navigation - 172 shipmasters from Latvia are united.
Since 08 April 2004 the Association is a Member of the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA).
Since 22 April 2008 the LSMA is an associated, but from 2010 full Member of the Confederation of European Shipmaster`s associations (CESMA).
Main targets of the Association:
- To strengthen and encourage the prestige of shipmasters, popularize the history of navigation and seafarer’s profession in Latvia.
- To promote the culture of navigation and safety at sea, development of the science of navigation and implementation of newest methods and achievements in navigation.
- To establish different funds or other systems to protect the interests of members of the Association and encourage development of professional interests.
- To use experience of shipmasters for promoting seafarers’ qualification and consulting on professional issues as well as for popularization of maritime traditions.
- To cooperate with shipowners, maritime educational and training institutions, crewing agencies etc.
- To participate in seafarers’ competency assessment boards.
- To encourage cooperation with colleagues from other Latvian and international maritime organizations.
- To organize lectures, meetings and other activities in connection with the targets of the Association
- To submit proposals to the government and international organizations on various aspects of maritime sphere.
- To inform the society on shipmasters’ viewpoint regarding maritime issues.
In January 2023 the amount members reached 200.
