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Register for Shipping with SUP
The Sailors' Union of the Pacific is currently registering qualified mariners to crew merchant ships such as tankers, government vessels, container ships and in other jobs. Registration will be conducted in accordance our established practiced and the SHIPPING RULES of the SUP. To register, a mariner must apply at any SUP union hall or fill out the registration form available on this website. See addresses of Headquarters and Branches on the Contact Us page of this site.
Documentation and credentials are a critical part of gaining work at sea on U.S. merchant ships. You need a Merchant Mariner's Document (AB, OS, QMED, etc.), STCW qualifications including a Basic Safety Training certificate, passport, TWIC card, a valid Fit for Duty (within one year), a clean drug screen not more than 180 days old, and $100.00 to register, which is valid for 90 days. Also a VPDSD-VI/6 (Vessel Personnel Designated with Security Duties/Security Awareness) is recommended and needed for most jobs. The MMD and STCW certification is handled by the U.S. Coast Guard. See links below and on the training page for information on this process.
Generally, you must be present in the hall to be shipped to any SUP vessel. Jobs are shipped by seniority and by registration date. Read an overview of the SUP and information about our seniority system elsewhere on this page.
Additional questions may be addressed to any Branch Agent, Business Agent or Vice President Matt Henning, at SUP HQ at 415 777 3400.