The Grand Lodge of the Order of the Captain Experience operates through a clearly defined leadership and administrative structure designed to promote effective governance, accountability, discipline, continuity, representation and responsible service throughout the Order.
Consistent with the maritime identity of O.C.E., the principal leadership title is Captain. The Order does not use “Master” as an official leadership title. The administrative structure operates primarily through National, Zonal and State levels, with each level having defined responsibilities and accountability.
Grand Captain / Founder
The Founder and principal custodian of the vision, identity, philosophy and institutional heritage of O.C.E. Grand Lodge.
- •Preserves the founding vision, philosophy and identity of O.C.E.
- •Provides strategic and institutional guidance.
- •Protects the Constitution, traditions, symbols and established principles.
- •Promotes unity and continuity across successive administrations.
- •Serves as a senior institutional representative where appropriate.
National Grand Captain
The principal national executive officer, responsible for effective administration and coordination of the Order nationwide.
- •Provides national executive leadership and presides over national meetings.
- •Coordinates National Grand Officers.
- •Supervises Zonal and State administrations.
- •Ensures implementation of approved policies and programmes.
- •Represents the Order nationally when officially required.
Deputy National Grand Captain
Assists the National Grand Captain and may act on behalf of the National Grand Captain when properly authorised or as provided by the Constitution.
Zonal Grand Captains
Each recognised Zone is headed by a Zonal Grand Captain who coordinates State Lodges within the Zone.
- •Coordinates State Lodges within the Zone.
- •Implements national policies and directives.
- •Coordinates approved zonal programmes.
- •Reports developments to the National Grand Lodge.
State Grand Captains
The State Lodge represents O.C.E. at state level and is the principal operational structure through which members participate in the programmes of the Order. Each state shall have its recognised Lodge in the state capital, subject to the Constitution and national approval.
Chain of coordination
- Grand Captain / Founder→
- National Grand Captain→
- Deputy National Grand Captain→
- National Grand Council of Officers→
- Zonal Grand Captains & Zonal Officers→
- State Grand Captains & State Grand Officers→
- Recognised Members — Middle Circle→
- Prospective Members — Outer Circle
Except where the Constitution provides otherwise for the founding office, O.C.E. administrative officers shall serve a tenure of two years. Leadership positions are positions of service and responsibility, not permanent personal possessions.
“A Captain does not lead merely because of a title. A Captain leads through responsibility, direction, integrity, service and example.”