Membership

Membership is open to all ladies and gentlemen, at least 18 years of age, of good moral character and reputation, who can prove lineal descent from an American (including immigrant) ancestor who had active service within the timeframe 1607 through 1850 in one or more of the maritime occupations: Captain, Ship Owner, Shipwright, or Mariner. The ancestor must have sailed the coasts or open ocean.

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One of the requirements for membership is that the qualifying ancestor must have resided on the North American continent sometime during his/her lifetime.

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There are four Minor Order categories:
Captain (commanders of ships)
Ship Owner (those who invested in/build ships)
Shipwright (builders and designers)

Mariner (crew, mates, deckhands)

Members who have approved applications for each Minor Order become a "Keeper of the Star and Sail."