M.E.B.A. Benefits
This is why you choose us.
The best pension in the industry. Healthcare with no premiums. Vacation on your terms. World-class training, fully paid. M.E.B.A. contracts don't just lead the industry. They set the standard.
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Why You Need A Union
Without a union, you have virtually no rights.
If you are not in a union, particularly on a ship where many laws that protect land-based workers do not apply, your employer can fire you for any reason or for no reason at all. They can cut your wages, cut your benefits, and change your duties. You have no recourse.
There is no such thing as seniority or fairness in the non-union workplace. You must have a union contract if you want to protect your job, your wages, your benefits, and your right to challenge violations.
Without a union contract
No job protection. Fired for any reason or no reason.
No guaranteed wages. Employer sets the rate.
No benefits guarantee. Can be reduced at any time.
No seniority. No arbitration. No recourse.
No long-term security for you or your family.
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A Message from the President
Industry-leading benefits. No exceptions.
Every M.E.B.A. contract includes these. No premiums. No market risk. No catches.
$100k+
Annual Pension
Pension
Defined benefit plan. No market fluctuation. Retire after 20 years at any age. Based on your top 5 earning years.
See the Benefit
$0
Premiums
Healthcare
Blue Cross Blue Shield. Delta Dental. No premiums for you or your family. Coverage continues for 6 months after your last day of work.
See the Benefit
30/30
Vacation Accrual
Vacation
Senior officers earn one day off for every day worked. Bank it, backdate it, or use it to extend your medical coverage for years.
See the Benefit
Free
Training
Training & School
Train where you want. We pay. Or come to the Calhoon School: 690 acres, state of the art. Travel, room, board, and tuition covered.
See the Benefit
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Pension Calculator
See what your pension could look like.
The M.E.B.A. Defined Benefit Pension Plan is fully funded and built to secure your future. No market risk. No guesswork. Select your start year and rank to calculate your projected annual pension.
*Figures based on publicly available pension plan information. Current OSG wage rates with 2.5% annual increase.
Pension Calculator
FIG. 04
Start Year
Years of Service
Rank
Captain / Chief
CM / 1AE
2M / 2AE
3M / 3AE
Calculated Annual Pension
$0
After 20 years of service
*Figures based on publicly available pension plan information. Current OSG wage rates with 2.5% annual increase.
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Work On Your Terms
You decide where, when, and how you work.
Most M.E.B.A. officers work about six months per year. Some work more. Some less. You choose.
$300k+
Annual Earnings
Licensed Chief Engineers and Captains under deep sea contracts.
$180k+
Starting Earnings
Brand new 3rd Mates and 3rd Engineers in their first year.
6 months
Typical Work Year
Work half the year. Take a year off for travel or family. Pick right back up.
You can work on the same vessel your entire career, or never work on the same vessel twice. Our shipping halls let you take on as much or as little work as you want. Take a year off for family or travel, then pick up right where you left without losing benefit coverage or seniority. M.E.B.A. has arrangements that fit any lifestyle.
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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
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Interlake Steamship
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Chevron
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NOAA
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Army Corps of Engineers
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Alaska Tanker Company
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BluePoint Engineering
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Dynamic Concepts
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Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force Vessels
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Alaska Marine Highway System
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Black Ball Ferry Line
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Cape May/Lewes (DRBA)
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Golden Gate Bridge Ferry
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King County Water Taxi
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Staten Island Ferry
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Washington State Ferry
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ACME Industry
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American Crewing Svcs (ACS)
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Philly Shipyard
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Charleston Industrial & Marine Repair
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City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ)
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Current Maritime
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Equiliem, Inc.
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GFC/NFOPAPE
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Impulse Consulting, LLC
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Padgett Swann Machinery
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Philadelphia Ship Service
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Professional Office and Industrial Division (POID)
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Boston Marine Transport
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Connolly-Pacific
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Florida Institute of Oceanography
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Lamont-Doherty Observatory
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NYC Department of Corrections
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N/S Savannah w. Keystone
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Pilots Assoc.-Bay/Riv. Del: Pilot Boats
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Samson Tug & Barge
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San Francisco Bar Pilots
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Maersk
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Hapag-Lloyd
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OSG
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Crowley
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Keystone Shipping
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Norwegian Cruise Line
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Overseas Shipholding Group
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Pasha/Sunrise
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Waterman
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Patriot
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APL
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Military Sealift Command
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Intl. Shipholding
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Stories at Sea
“I did 20 years. I retired at 46. And I’ve been collecting ever since.”
Marshall · Retired Master · Hapag-Lloyd · Member since 1989
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MEBA plans
External Resource
Best Benefits in the Maritime Industry
M.E.B.A. Plans administers the pension, medical, and training plans on behalf of members. For specific plan details, claims, and enrollment information, visit their site.
External Resource
State of the Art Training for US Mariners
For the full course catalog, enrollment procedures, class schedule, and travel instructions, visit the school's website.
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.
