Established in 1951 to safeguard the interest and well-being of seafaring officers, SMOU plays a pivotal role in promoting good industrial relations between members and their employers, improving the wages and working conditions of members in the maritime industry through collective bargaining agreements with shipping companies which employ them. SMOU promotes good industrial relations between seafarers (members) and their employers, the ship-owners and ship-management companies, and the governments through its strong tripartite relationships with the local, regional and international maritime community. The union has seen tremendous progress, especially in the last 40 years, with membership increasing from 400 to more than 32,000 members. SMOU values our members’ contributions to the maritime industry and global economy. While they focus on the challenges ahead, we continue to protect them wherever they are through our affiliated international representative offices around the world. We represent our members at international meetings organised by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). In addition to industrial matters, SMOU advances the cultural, recreational and educational aspirations of all its members and families. We CARE for: Your Welfare, Your Family, Your Employment, Your Education Whether you’re sailing or ashore, SMOU provides a range of welfare benefits, social activities and education programs to take care of you and your family’s needs.