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Maritime Unions

Maritime unions play a vital role in protecting the rights, safety, and fair working conditions of merchant mariners. These unions negotiate labor contracts, ensure competitive wages, and provide critical training programs to keep crews skilled and compliant with industry standards.and others provide job opportunities, training, and career support for entry-level mariners. Many unions operate hiring halls or apprenticeship programs that connect new workers with jobs on cargo ships, tugboats, and other vessels—no prior experience required. They also offer free or low-cost training to help beginners earn necessary certifications (like STCW, AB, or QMED). By joining a union, entry-level mariners gain access to steady work, fair wages, and long-term career growth in the maritime industry.

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 Seafarers International Union (SIU)

  • SIU Headquarters – Camp Springs, MD

    • SIU Hiring Halls:

      • East Coast: Baltimore, MD; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Jacksonville, FL; New York, NY; Newark, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Portsmouth, VA; San Juan, PR

      • Gulf Coast: Houston, TX; Lake Charles, LA; Mobile, AL; New Orleans, LA

      • West Coast: Alameda, CA; San Pedro (Los Angeles), CA; Seattle, WA; Honolulu, HI

  • Website: https://www.seafarers.org

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Sailors’ Union of the Pacific (SUP)

  • SUP Headquarters: San Francisco, CA

  • Primary Halls:

    • San Francisco, CA (Headquarters)

    • Wilmington (Los Angeles), CA

    • Honolulu, HI

    • Seattle, WA

  • Website: https://www.sailors.org

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International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P)

  • Headquarters: Linthicum Heights, MD

  • Union Halls:

    • Baltimore, MD

    • New York, NY

    • San Francisco, CA

    • Seattle, WA

    • Honolulu, HI

    • Tampa, FL

  • Website: https://www.bridgedeck.org

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Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA)

  • Headquarters: Linthicum Heights, MD

  • Union Halls:

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American Maritime Officers (AMO)

  • Headquarters: Dania Beach, FL

  • Union Halls:

    • Dania Beach, FL

    • Houston, TX

    • New Orleans, LA

    • New York, NY

    • San Francisco, CA

    • Seattle, WA

    • Toledo, OH

  • Website: https://www.amo-union.org

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Marine Firemen’s Union (MFOW) – ILWU

Union Services

1

Finding Employment

Many employers hire through one of the Unions. By joining a union you will open up your employment opportunities instead of applying to individual non union jobs. Most operate through "Union Halls" where you go to see what employment opportunities and positions are being offered and on which vessels.

2

Assist in Completing Training

Unions also assist in completing necessary training as your progress in your career. Many have union specific schools which are open to you free of charge as a union member to go complete classes and expand on credentials.

3

Benefits and Services 

Unions have their own benefits such as health insurance, retirement investment programs, legal representation, member events, and much more. These benefits and services allow member

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