Seafarers International Union of North America

What Seafarers International Union of North America does

The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU; legal name: Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO) is the largest North American union representing U.S. merchant mariners, chartered on October 14, 1938 with the American Federation of Labor and headquartered at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland. The union represents unlicensed professional mariners — plus, via its 2004 affiliation, licensed personnel through the American Maritime Officers (AMO) — sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels across three operational departments (deck, engine, steward) and across deep-sea, Great Lakes, and inland waterway trades. Members crew containerships, tankers, military support vessels operated by the Military Sealift Command, tugboats and barges, and passenger vessels including Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America. Coverage extends across U.S. Atlantic, Gulf, Pacific, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters, plus Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with affiliated representation in Canada through the SIU of Canada.

SIU's core offering is labor representation through collective bargaining, but it operates a vertically integrated member-services platform: job placement via a network of 17+ port-city hiring halls; free entry-level vocational training through the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (Piney Point, MD), which includes the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, and the Bob McMillan Simulator Center; comprehensive health benefits (Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, administered via Cigna, OptumRx, and MCS in Puerto Rico); three retirement vehicles (Seafarers Pension Plan, Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, and the SIU AGLIW 401(k) Plan administered by Empower Retirement); a vacation pay program; the Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC, in continuous operation since 1975); and the Seafarers Disaster Aid Fund for emergency relief. The union's appendages include the Sailors' Union of the Pacific, Marine Firemen's Union, Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union, United Industrial Workers, and the Seafarers International Union of Canada, all under the SIUNA umbrella.

Commercially, the SIU is structured as an AFL-CIO-affiliated nonprofit labor organization, not an investable enterprise. Revenue is generated through membership dues paid by professional merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels under collective bargaining agreements with signatory maritime employers; dues are not publicly disclosed. The SIU's strategic posture is defined by advocacy for the Jones Act (1920) and broader cabotage protections, which it estimates support 650,000+ U.S. jobs and form the regulatory backbone of its member employment base. Current President David W. Heindel has held the office since February 2023, succeeding Michael Sacco, who led the union from 1988.

Name

Seafarers International Union of North America

Legal name

Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO

Website

https://seafarers.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1938

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU) is the largest AFL-CIO-affiliated union representing U.S. merchant mariners, providing collective bargaining, training through the Paul Hall Center, and integrated health and pension benefits to unlicensed (and via AMO, licensed) crew sailing aboard U.S.-flag deep-sea, Great Lakes, and inland vessels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Labor Union Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Other Support Activities for Water Transportation (488390)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Maritime & Port Labor (Dockworkers/Longshore) Staffing (BPACAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Engineering & Engine Room Operations (EDAOANAB), Merchant Marine & Deck Operations (EDAOANAA), Maritime Safety, Security & Compliance (STCW/ISM/ISPS) (EDAOANAD), Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE)

Keywords

• Merchant mariner representation
• Maritime labor union
• Maritime vocational training
• Maritime workforce services
• Merchant marine benefits

Headquarters

HQ city

District Heights

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Union Dues: The SIU generates revenue through membership dues from professional merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels in the deep sea, Great Lakes, and inland trades. Members work aboard a wide variety of vessels including commercial containerships, tankers, military support ships, tugboats, barges, and passenger ships.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU) is a labor union representing professional U.S. merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels in deep sea, Great Lakes, and inland waterway trades. The union provides collective bargaining representation, vocational training through the Paul Hall Center, job placement via its national hiring hall network, and administers comprehensive health, pension, vacation, and welfare benefits to its members. Members crew containerships, tankers, Military Sealift Command vessels, tugboats, barges, and passenger ships, with the union also providing free entry-level training through the Unlicensed Apprentice Program.

Product overview

Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU) is the largest North American union representing merchant mariners, chartered in 1938. The organization operates as a unified labor union with integrated member services rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. Its core offering is union representation for U.S. merchant mariners, supported by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (including the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) for vocational training, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan for medical/dental/vision coverage, multiple retirement plans (Pension Plan, Money Purchase Pension Plan, 401(k) Plan), the Seafarers Vacation Plan, the Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC) for substance abuse treatment, and the Disaster Aid Fund for emergency relief. Additional services include Hiring Halls for job placement, the Seafarers Log publication, and the Mobile News Network for communications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan: Provides medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage to employees of signatory maritime employers and their dependents
• Seafarers Pension Plan
• Seafarers Vacation Plan
• Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan
• SIU AGLIW 401(k) Plan
• Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC)
• Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education
• Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS)
• Seafarers Log
• The Federal Mariner

Products and services

• Seafarers International Union (SIU) Membership and Collective Bargaining Representation Union membership and collective bargaining representation for professional U.S. merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels across deep sea, Great Lakes, and inland waterway trades. Members work in deck, engine, and steward departments aboard containerships, tankers, military support ships, tugboats, barges, and passenger vessels, with representation on wages, benefits, and working conditions.
• Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Vocational training facility located on 60+ acres of waterfront in Piney Point, Maryland, operated by an SIU-affiliated entity. The largest training facility for deep-sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways mariners in the United States, featuring the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, the Bob McMillan Simulator Center, and library facilities.
• Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS) - Unlicensed Apprentice Program Entry-level vocational training program preparing students for careers as U.S. Merchant Mariners. Offers the Unlicensed Apprentice Program for new entrants and upgrading courses for experienced seafarers, with free tuition, room, and board for entry-level students and guaranteed first-job placement for graduates.
• Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Comprehensive health coverage providing medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits to employees of signatory maritime employers and their dependents. Offers Core-Plus and Core benefit tiers with coverage provided through Cigna (medical/dental), OptumRx (prescriptions), and MCS for Puerto Rico residents, with Medicare coordination for retirees.
• Seafarers Pension Plan (SPP) Retirement benefit plan providing monthly annuity payments to vested participants at normal retirement age. Available to employees of signatory maritime employers with collective bargaining agreements with SIU.
• Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) Defined contribution retirement plan providing benefits in multiple benefit forms to employees of signatory maritime employers. Participants' benefits are payable at retirement age or after cessation of covered employment.
• Seafarers Vacation Plan (SVP) Monetary benefit program providing vacation payments to employees of signatory maritime employers based upon service with contracted employers.
• SIU AGLIW 401(k) Plan Employee-contribution retirement savings plan for SIU members. Administered through Empower Retirement, providing multiple investment options and retirement account management.
• Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC) Private, nonprofit residential substance abuse treatment facility operated by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, providing DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluations, Level I early intervention/education, and Level II residential treatment (ASAM Level III) for U.S. Merchant Mariners.
• Seafarers Disaster Aid Fund Emergency relief fund providing monetary aid to SIU members and retirees affected by hurricanes and natural disasters, with payouts up to $500 per person based on available funds and individual needs.
• Hiring Hall Job Placement Services Job placement services delivered through union halls located in major U.S. port cities where mariners register for shipping jobs and receive job assignments on U.S.-flag vessels, including headquarters in Camp Springs, MD and port locations across the U.S. Atlantic, Gulf, Great Lakes, and Pacific coasts.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 650,000 jobs supported by the Jones Act that the SIU advocates for
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AFL-CIO Maritime Trades DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1946Created in 1946, the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) AFL-CIO gives workers in the maritime industry and allied trades a voice in shaping national policy. The MTD is one of seven constitutionally mandated departments within the AFL-CIO, with 23 affiliated international unions and 21 port maritime councils in the U.S. and Canada. SIU President David Heindel serves as MTD President.
• American Maritime Officers (AMO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAMO entered the SIUNA ranks in 2004 as an autonomous affiliate, bridging the divide between licensed and unlicensed maritime personnel. Located in Dania Beach, FL.
• Sailors' Union of the Pacific (SUP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SUP was founded in 1885 and was instrumental in the formation of the SIU in 1938. Located in San Francisco, CA. The SUP reorganized as an independent union in 1936 after the ISU revoked its charter, and was re-chartered by AFL to form the SIU.
• Marine Firemen's Union (MFU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine Firemen, Oilers and Watertenders Union joined the SIUNA in 1953. Located in San Francisco, CA.
• Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated union representing entertainment and hospitality workers in the maritime industry.
• Seafarers International Union of CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIU of Canada was granted a charter under the SIUNA umbrella in 1949. Located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
• United Industrial Workers (UIW)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUIW, formerly Marine Allied Workers Division (MAWD), was granted a charter under SIUNA in 1949. Karen Horton-Gennette serves as National Director. Offices include Algonac, MI; Columbus, OH; St. Croix, VI.
• Industrial, Professional, Technical Workers International UnionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated union within SIUNA representing industrial and professional workers. Located in Downey, CA.
• American Maritime Partnership (AMP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SIU is affiliated with the American Maritime Partnership, the voice of the domestic maritime industry. AMP coordinates advocacy for preservation of the Jones Act and U.S. maritime industry.
• Sugar Workers UnionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated union representing sugar industry workers. Located in Crockett, CA.
• Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Paul Hall Center, operated by an SIU-affiliated entity, is a vocational training facility located in Piney Point, MD. It includes the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, and the Bob McMillan Simulator Center.
• Seafarers Health and Benefits PlancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperates the Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC), a private nonprofit residential treatment facility specifically designed to address alcohol and drug dependency within the maritime industry, in continuous operation since 1975.
• MEBA (Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in opposition to Jones Act waiver extensions, working with SIU and other maritime unions to advocate for domestic shipbuilding and maritime industry protection.
• Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in coalition opposing Jones Act waiver extensions, advocating for the domestic maritime industry against foreign-flag vessel waivers.
• Seafarers' Rights InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization that released the 2025 Cabotage Laws of the World report, finding that 105 states now have cabotage laws. SIU leaders participate in advocating for cabotage protection globally.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• Transportation Institute: The Transportation Institute conducts research and advocacy for the U.S. maritime industry, including Jones Act protection. It is an aligned industry partner rather than a labor competitor, providing the data and policy analysis that supports SIU's regulatory positioning.
• Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD): MTD is the AFL-CIO department coordinating maritime labor policy across 23 affiliated international unions; SIU President David Heindel serves as MTD President. It is an ecosystem umbrella rather than a direct competitor, providing the broader political advocacy framework that supports SIU's interests.
• Crowley Maritime Corporation: Crowley is a major SIU signatory employer operating U.S.-flag vessels including the American Energy LNG carrier. It is a key customer rather than a peer, but provides the demand side of SIU's commercial vessel crewing business and represents the type of U.S.-flag operator SIU's advocacy supports.
• American Maritime Partnership (AMP): AMP is the U.S. domestic maritime industry coalition in which SIU is an active partner. While not a direct competitor, AMP coordinates the same Jones Act advocacy and shipbuilding revitalization that drives SIU's market protection, making it a closely aligned industry partner rather than peer.
• Military Sealift Command (MSC): MSC is the U.S. Navy organization that contracts civilian crews (including SIU members) for government vessels. As one of SIU's largest institutional customers via the Government Services Division, MSC is a strategic counterpart in the military maritime labor market.

Broad incumbents

• International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF): The ITF is a global federation of transport worker unions representing seafarers worldwide, including inspectors who work with SIU at U.S. ports. It is a broader incumbent in maritime labor, providing global advocacy that complements and overlaps with SIU's domestic focus.

Direct peers

• Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA): MEBA is the U.S. maritime union representing licensed marine engineers — the direct counterpart to SIU's unlicensed mariners. Both unions jointly advocate for Jones Act protection and crew Military Sealift Command vessels, making them the most comparable labor counterpart in the same industry.
• American Maritime Officers (AMO): AMO is an autonomous affiliate of SIUNA representing licensed maritime officers, operating out of Dania Beach, FL. Although organizationally affiliated with SIU, AMO functions as a separate union for licensed personnel and is a direct peer in the U.S. maritime labor market.
• International Longshoremen's Association (ILA): The ILA represents dockworkers and longshore labor across U.S. ports, overlapping with SIU's port-based employment footprint and AFL-CIO affiliation. Both unions share signatory employers at U.S. ports and face similar Jones Act-related advocacy interests.
• International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P): MM&P represents licensed deck officers (masters, mates, pilots) aboard U.S.-flag vessels. Like SIU, it is AFL-CIO affiliated, advocates for the Jones Act, and shares the same maritime employer signatory base — making it a direct industry peer in the U.S. maritime labor ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SeafarersUnion
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@mymaritimecareer
• Facebookfacebook.com/SeafarersInternational

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Seafarers International Union of North America