The strongest voice in American maritime.

Since 1875, M.E.B.A. has represented the licensed officers who keep the U.S. merchant fleet running. The best wages, the best benefits, and the strongest advocacy in the industry.

1875

Founded

The oldest maritime union in the world.

20+

Union Halls · AFL-CIO

Nationwide coverage. Part of the largest labor federation.

4,000+

Licensed Officers

Captains, chief engineers, DDEs.

03

What's happening at M.E.B.A.

View All News

What we're fighting for.

The Jones Act · Maritime Security Program · Cargo Preference

See Our Priorities →

04

About M.E.B.A.

The voice of the maritime industry.

When it comes to the American merchant marine, M.E.B.A. is the source. For press, for policy, and for the people who sail the ships.

For Press & Media

Need an expert on the maritime industry?

M.E.B.A. has represented licensed marine officers since 1875. Our leadership comes from the industry and speaks with 150 years of institutional knowledge. For interviews, commentary, or background on the Jones Act, Maritime Security Program, cargo preference, or any maritime policy issue, contact our communications team.

Make Your Voice Heard

Tell it to Congress.

Maritime policy affects your job, your family, and your future. It takes two minutes to send a message that makes a difference.

Turbine blueprint line art

06

What We Stand For

What we've fought for since day one.

01 · Bridge & Control Room

Leadership from the deckplates.

Our leaders stood watch and sailed the ships. We speak on maritime issues with unmatched depth.

02 · Working deck

A crew. Not just a union.

Everyone treated the same. No bribes, no favorites. Join M.E.B.A. and you join a crew that has your back.

03 · Cargo holds

The strongest benefits in the industry.

A defined benefit pension, zero-premium healthcare, bankable vacation, fully funded training. No union matches it.

04 · Bow

150 years of advocacy.

150 years defending the Jones Act, growing the fleet, and making Congress hear the people who sail the ships.

07

Crew Members

Companies that contract with M.E.B.A.

M.E.B.A. officers serve on vessels operated by some of the largest and most respected companies in the maritime industry.

Liberty Maritime

◆

Interlake Steamship

◆

Chevron

◆

NOAA

◆

Army Corps of Engineers

◆

Alaska Tanker Company

◆

BluePoint Engineering

◆

Dynamic Concepts

◆

Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force Vessels

◆

Alaska Marine Highway System

◆

Black Ball Ferry Line

◆

Cape May/Lewes (DRBA)

◆

Golden Gate Bridge Ferry

◆

King County Water Taxi

◆

Staten Island Ferry

◆

Washington State Ferry

◆

ACME Industry

◆

American Crewing Svcs (ACS)

◆

Philly Shipyard

◆

Charleston Industrial & Marine Repair

◆

City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ)

◆

Current Maritime

◆

Equiliem, Inc.

◆

GFC/NFOPAPE

◆

Impulse Consulting, LLC

◆

Padgett Swann Machinery

◆

Philadelphia Ship Service

◆

Professional Office and Industrial Division (POID)

◆

Boston Marine Transport

◆

Connolly-Pacific

◆

Florida Institute of Oceanography

◆

Lamont-Doherty Observatory

◆

NYC Department of Corrections

◆

N/S Savannah w. Keystone

◆

Pilots Assoc.-Bay/Riv. Del: Pilot Boats

◆

Samson Tug & Barge

◆

San Francisco Bar Pilots

◆

Maersk

◆

Hapag-Lloyd

◆

OSG

◆

Crowley

◆

Keystone Shipping

◆

Norwegian Cruise Line

◆

Overseas Shipholding Group

◆

Pasha/Sunrise

◆

Waterman

◆

Patriot

◆

APL

◆

Military Sealift Command

◆

Intl. Shipholding

◆

Ready to join America’s oldest maritime union?

Six steps. $150 to start. The best pension, healthcare, and training in the industry from day one. Download the application or find your nearest hall.

Est. 1875 · How to Join