Membership Application
The Propeller Club was conceived in 1922 and The Propeller Club, Port of New York, organized January 24, 1923. On November 7, 1927, The Propeller Club of the United States as a national and international organization was formed, with individual member clubs designated as "Ports."
The membership comprises a cross section of the maritime industry throughout the United States and in many cities overseas. The Propeller Club is particularly well equipped to promote, further and support the merchant marine. "Propeller" in the name refers to the propulsion of ships and is symbolic of the driving force required for Americans to appreciate the need for an adequate, privately-owned merchant marine for both overseas and domestic commerce.
Today, The Propeller Club is the largest and the only grass roots maritime association in the United States.
In 1932, the Propeller Club began to expand to overseas ports. The Club currently has 33 International Ports throughout the world. The Club believes strongly that the continued health of the U.S. Merchant Marine is enhanced by vibrant international maritime commerce.
Objectives and Declaration of Policy
- To promote, and support the United States merchant
marine, including shipyards and other allied industries, to meet the requirements of national security and economic welfare; and - To promote waterborne commerce and the marine
industry in all its segments; and - To promote worthy and economically justifiable lake,
gulf, bay, river, inland waterway, coastal, harbor and Great Lakes improvements. - To develop policies to enhance mutually beneficial
relationships between all member ports. - To maintain a continuing program of public relations,
education, and goodwill among exporters and importers, the maritime industry and the public generally. - To collaborate with other organizations whose members are dedicated to the promotion of the best interests of maritime shipping and allied industries.
- To promote a spirit of friendship and common purpose among persons engaged or having an interest in the merchant marine and allied industries.
- To encourage the development of trade between countries.
- To conduct annually a convention and conference to promote these objectives.
Membership
National Sponsor Program
The Propeller Club has supported and represented the U.S. Merchant Marine and the maritime industry in general since its inception in 1927. As a grassroots organization, we have provided many valuable avenues to get our message out via the annual Salute to Congress dinner, the annual U.S. Merchant Marine and Maritime Industry Conference, the Student Port Program, the Quarterly magazine and our Propeller Club website.
As an organization, we have partnered with organizations such as The Coastwise Coalition, the M.T.S. National Advisory Council, Youth Maritime Training Association, Waterways Works, and others. The Propeller Club of the United States is making every effort and taking every opportunity to promote and support the U.S. Merchant Marine and waterborne commerce worldwide in Washington, D.C. and all across the United States and overseas. Your much needed support will help us accomplish our current and new ways of supporting the maritime industry.
Member Propeller Club Ports
There are 52 Propeller Club Ports located in the United States and 33 clubs overseas. Additionally there are 16 Student Port Clubs in the U.S. and 5 overseas at colleges teaching naval architecture, marine engineering, foreign trade, transportation and kindred subjects. Local Propeller Clubs sponsor luncheons, dinners, and other events monthly, provide local forums for discussion and speeches pertaining to maritime matters, and implement local and national objectives and programs.
Individual Membership in Ports
Total membership exceeds 10, 000 worldwide.
Activities and Programs
Annual Convention and American Merchant Marine and Maritime Industry Conference
Provides an open national forum for discussion of problems confronting the American merchant marine and waterborne commerce by industry, government and Congressional leaders. Conducted in October.
American Merchant Marine and Maritime Industry Conference
The speeches and panel discussions of the Conference and Resolutions adopted at the convention each year can be retrieved from our website.
Positions
During the year, Positions are adopted which encompass legislation and matters of major significance to the American merchant marine. Positions and Resolutions are widely disseminated to members of Congress, government officials, and others calling for appropriate action.
National Maritime Day, May 22
Proclaimed annually by the President of the United States to commemorate the day on which the first steam powered vessel, the S.S. Savannah, crossed the Atlantic in 1819. Headquarters secures the President’s proclamation and elicits proclamations from state governors distributing both to local clubs. The Propeller Club headquarters and its member Port Clubs spearhead observances throughout the country with appropriate events which gain much publicity.
Quarterly Magazine
The Propeller Club Quarterly is published and distributed to all members. It contains industry news, legislative updates and Propeller Club news and issues.
Insurance
Low cost group life insurance is available to all members and liability insurance to all clubs.
Student Ports Annual Award
Membership in Pi Sigma Phi together with certificates, pins, and keys are awarded annually to outstanding college students.
Adopt-a-Ship Plan
Each year The Propeller Club, in partnership with the U.S. Maritime Administration, arranges and administers this program whereby the officers and crews of merchant ships exchange correspondence with students in grade school classes from the fifth to the eighth grades. Several hundred ships are "adopted" annually by schools throughout the country.
Maritime Industry Salute To Congress
The Propeller Club hosts a Maritime Industry Salute to Congress at a dinner in Washington, D.C. each Spring. Representatives of each Port of The Propeller Club of the United States invite their Congressional delegates and government officials to honor a member of Congress who has provided outstanding leadership in supporting a strong American flag merchant marine and a United States shipbuilding capability. This is a great opportunity to educate your legislators on matters important to the maritime and transportation industries.
HEADQUARTERS
THE PROPELLER CLUB OF THE UNITED STATES
3927 Old Lee Highway, Suite 101A
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Telephone: (703) 691-2777 - Fax: (703) 691-4173
E-Mail: info@propellerclubhq.com
Website: www.propellerclubhq.com
