M.E.B.A., the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, welcomes you and invites you to join us. Despite the name, you need not be an engineer to join. In addition to thousands of Deck and Engine Officers, we also currently represent and continue to expand opportunities for ferry workers, port engineers and shoreside maintenance crews, building engineers, clerical employees and city workers among others. For over 150 years, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.) has built a legacy of empowering maritime professionals and securing their futures with industry-leading benefits, unwavering advocacy, and unmatched career opportunities. We are the most innovative maritime union in the United States, driving maritime policy in DC and always expanding work opportunities to suit whatever stage in life our members may be at.

We promise you will never regret taking a few minutes to review this website.

Founded in 1875 M.E.B.A. is the oldest maritime union in the world and the second-oldest union of any kind in the United States. Our work opportunities and benefits are unmatched by any other organization in our industry:

• Under M.E.B.A.’s deep sea collective bargaining agreements, our members generally work six months per year. Licensed Chief Engineers/Captains earn over $300,000 per year and brand new 3 rd Mates and 3 rd Engineers can earn $180,000 per year.
• Choose where, how, and when you work. Although most maritime officers work about 6 months per year, our shipping halls allow a member to work much less or much more at their sole discretion. Many members can take a year off for family matters, or a backpacking trip across Asia, and then pick right back up where they left without ever losing benefit coverage or seniority. Other members may want the security of permanent and regularly scheduled work, and choose among those offerings.
• You can work on the same vessel your entire career, or never work on the same vessel twice. You are in the driver’s seat with the M.E.B.A., and we have arrangements that fit any lifestyle.
• Virtually all of our members are covered by collective bargaining agreements that include employer paid pensions and health care. If sailing deep sea you can retire with a comfortable pension with 20 years of credit at age 42 and have retiree health care for you and your family for life.
• The M.E.B.A. Defined Benefit Pension Plan is fully funded and built to secure your future. After 20 years of service, you can retire with confidence and stability. Our medical and training plans go beyond the basics, offering comprehensive support for you and your family, so you can focus on what matters most: Building a fulfilling career and a secure future. There is no cost to the member for the MEBA Pension or Medical Plan, regardless if you are single or married with 10 kids.

Together, let’s power your future with the strength, advocacy, and excellence that have defined M.E.B.A. for over 150 years.