The Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) had its beginnings in the tragic burning of the steamboat Seawanhaka in New York Harbor on June 28, 1880. The 612-ton, 230-foot side paddle wheeler, under the command of Capt. Charles P. Smith, suffered an explosion in the boiler room; an event not uncommon in the early days of steam-powered vessels. As flames spread rapidly through the wooden-hulled boat, Capt. Smith was faced with few options in the narrow Hell Gate channel. He stayed at the helm and was burned by the flames while taking the boat aground in shallow waters off the channel where passengers could safely escape the burning vessel. Ultimately, Capt. Smith was recognized for his heroism in handling the situation, but he was first scapegoated. Stated Frank O. Braynard, maritime historian and curator of the American Merchant Marine Museum at Kings Point, NY, "Eventually he was cleared of any wrongdoing but his shabby treatment, especially since the evidence indicated that he had risked his life, so outraged his colleagues, other pilots and captains that they formed a committee. That committee was the genesis of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots." Since that fateful day in 1880, the Masters, Mates & Pilots has worked to secure and protect the rights and working conditions of its members and of all persons who work in the seagoing maritime industry. It also works closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and with port commissions around the country to establish safe vessel traffic standards to safeguard the environment, life and property. Internationally, the MM&P is involved in the creation and enforcement of safe and humane standards for vessel safety on third world flag-of-convenience registered vessels whose crews have few advocates for their well-being.
From the description of The International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots records, 1903-1990. (San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Library). WorldCat record id: 697283317
