The origins of the Sailors' Union of the Pacific go back to March 6, 1885, when the Coast Seamen's Union was organized on the San Francisco waterfront by a group of three hundred sailors dissatisfied by the wages and conditions aboard ship that existed at that time. In 1886, the Steamship Sailors' Union was organized and in 1891 merged with the Coast Seamen's Union to form the Sailors' Union of the Pacific. The reasons for that merger are clearly stated in the preamble to the SUP Constitution: "...having been organized separately... and having thoroughly learned the value of organization, and further, that two organizations of the same craft are not for the best interests of men working at the said craft, we have determined to form one Union...". The Sailors' Union of the Pacific has been in continuous operation, through good times and bad, for over 121 years-an achievement unequaled by any maritime union in the world. The SUP is a union of unlicensed sailors that work in the deck, engine, and steward's departments in U.S.-flag vessels under contract to the Union. The SUP also has collective bargaining agreements with U.S.-flag companies where licensed personnel are also represented. SUP Headquarters in San Francisco, California

We're proud to be one of the largest and most comprehensive seafarers' support charities in the world. We all rely on seafarers; seafarers rely on us. Founded more than 200 years ago in 1818, we are a Christian charity dedicated to caring for merchant seafarers: the 1.6 million men and women who keep the world’s economy moving. We reach out to them where they work, on board the huge variety of cargo and cruise ships in many of the world’s key ports, and to their families and communities at home. Our chaplains and volunteers help hundreds of thousands of seafarers each year. We extend a hand of friendship, hospitality and pastoral care to everyone we meet, and offer practical help, like phone cards to connect with loved ones at home, the latest newsprint in many languages and access to Wi-Fi hotspots. We provide a wide spectrum of services – from chaplaincy and spiritual guidance to welfare support, access to education and financial help for those in desperate need. Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK

The Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO, represents professional United States merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades. SIU members sail in the three shipboard departments: deck, engine and steward. They work aboard a wide variety of vessels, including commercial containerships and tankers, military support ships, tugboats and barges, passenger ships, gaming vessels and many more. Camp Springs, Maryland

Seaspan is an association of Canadian companies primarily involved in coastal and deepsea transportation, bunkering, ship repair and shipbuilding services in Western North America. In addition to the marine transportation services offered directly through Seaspan, commercial ferry, shipyard and bunkering services are provided via affiliate companies: Marine Petrobulk, Seaspan Ferries, Vancouver Drydock, Vancouver Shipyards and Victoria Shipyards. North Vancouver, BC, Canada

Shipping, Maritime and Offshore Marine News. Seatrade, an integral portfolio within UBM provides a range of global exhibitions, conference, events, awards, news websites and publications that covers every aspect of the cruise and maritime industries. Founded in 1970, Seatrade connects people and creates opportunities for companies to develop new business, meet customers, launch new products, promote brands and expand markets. The Seatrade portfolio is headquartered in Colchester, England, UK, and globally represented across 23 countries from the UAE and Asia to South America and across Europe.

Shipping News and Bunker Price Indications. Ship & Bunker is the world's most read marine fuel-focused publication trusted by over 60,000 individuals every month. It is the leading independent source of quality daily industry news, analysis and daily & historical bunker price indications in over 200 global markets. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

SOCP is a non-profit organization of maritime industry professionals to promote beneficial innovations in ship and other maritime operations through the identification, development, and application of new methods, tools, and technologies. SOCP's overall objective is to improve the safety, productivity, efficiency, security, and environmental performance of U.S. vessel operations. Any organization with U.S. interests that support vessel operations is eligible to participate in the cooperative program. Woodinville, Washington

SHIPS DATABASE. More than 100.000 ships, cross links between ships, builders, owners, managers. Up to 70 data fields per ship. SHIP SEARCH module allows to find ship or group of ships by: Ship Name, Last Ex-name, IMO, Ship Type, Flag, Class, Call Sign, Builder, Owner, Manager, Deadweight, Gross Tonnage, Net Tonnage, TEU, Length, Beam, Draft, Buid year, Total Power KW/HP. Easy Sorting of Search Results.

Directory of services and suppliers to merchant marine vessels. Directory includes ship chandlers and ship service companies involved in general ship supply, ship spares and stores supply, as well as ship life-saving equipment, fire-fighting equipment and other services.

The Website for the Cruise & Ship Industry. Directory of Products and Services. Ship-technology.com is the only website that brings you the information you need on the latest ship projects, from cruise ships to dry cargo vessels, fast and conventional ferries and offshore support vessels, tankers and gas carriers. Based in the United Kingdom

The Shipbuilders Council of America represents hundreds of companies and shipyards owned and operated across the United States, including facilities on all three U.S. coasts, the Great Lakes, the inland waterways system, Alaska and Hawaii. SCA is comprised of more than 140 companies that build, repair, maintain, modernize and supply the U.S. shipyard industry. Through its representation in the nation’s capital, SCA members ensure the robust health of the domestic shipyard industrial base. Washington, D.C.

The Shipping Federation of Canada, incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1903, is the association that represents and promotes the interests of the owners, operators and agents of ships involved in Canada's world trade. The Federation's member companies are involved in all sectors of the shipping industry, including dry bulk, liquid bulk, container and cruise. The Federation's key activities are to provide advocacy for the ocean shipping industry; offer operational support to its membership; disseminate information to members, governments and the general public; and provide training to members and other industry stakeholders. The Federation's overall objective is to work towards a safe, efficient, competitive, environmentally sustainable and quality-oriented marine transportation system. Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Welcome to Ships Nostalgia, the world's greatest online community for people worldwide with an interest in ships and shipping. Whether you are crew, ex-crew, ship enthusiasts or cruisers, this is the forum for you.

World Leading Marine Marketplace for the Shipping Industry. ShipServ helps marine and offshore buyers to find the best suppliers easily, trade efficiently and build trusted relationships. Our products and services bring buyers and suppliers together online, in print, on ship and in person. London, England UK

Ship Photos and Ship Tracker. The Best Ship Information, Ship Photos and Shipping News! Shipspotting.com is an international web site with more than twenty volunteer Photo Administrators (Admins) from over ten countries across the world. They review all photos submitted, checking for compliance with site standards reached from the Support tab on the Home page.

Finding the correct and suitable shipyard is a difficult task for any Technical Department of a shipping company. Competition is hard and the determining criteria are many, while the market is open and globalised. The portal www.shipyards.gr developed to facilitate marine professionals in order to find quick the nearest shipyard to repair and drydock their vessels based to ship's location and work specification. Piraeus, Greece

The Motorship is a leading information source for senior marine engineers. The editorial content examines the technical aspects of ship operations and shipbuilding including machinery and propulsion systems. Since 1920, it has been a respected channel of business information which our clients have trusted to deliver their marketing message. It provides readers with authoritative editorial prepared by writers who are experts in their field in an easy to use layout. Fareham, Hampshire, England, UK

The Waterways Journal is the news journal of record for the towing and barge industry on the inland waterways of the United States, chiefly the watershed of the Mississippi River and its tributaries and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Our customers are the barge companies, ports, terminals, fleets, shipyards, refuelers, shippers, suppliers and marine contractors that form the inland waterways transportation industry. Our audience operates over 25,000 barges and over 3,500 towboats and tugs. Known as "The Riverman's Bible," the periodical has published continuously from St. Louis, Missouri, since 1887. It is the only American maritime publication that focuses exclusively on the inland waterways, and one of the few remaining family-owned, advertiser-supported trade weeklies of any description. St. Louis, Missouri

Latest shipping and maritime news. In-depth reporting of the shipping industry. Celebrating 30 years as the go-to news source in shipping, TradeWinds continues to offer market-leading coverage as it unpacks the key issues. We get close to the key movers and shakers on the ground in the US, UK, Norway, Greece, Singapore, China, India and all points in-between. Shipping never sleeps – so don't miss a moment with TradeWinds' unrivalled round-the-clock coverage. Offices in London, England; Oslo & Bergen, Norway; Stamford, Connecticut; Singapore; Athens, Greece; and Shanghai, China.

Transportation Institute closely monitors the workings and decisions of the US Congress and the wide range of administrative agencies of the federal and state governments as they affect waterborne transportation. The Institute staff conducts research and study projects on all maritime-related issues and testifies at congressional and government agency hearings and inquiries which affect marine transportation. Liaison is maintained with all congressional offices and those of the executive branch of government when maritime issues are under consideration. Transportation Institute issues a number of publications and other materials designed to inform the public, the Congress, and the government of important merchant marine matters. Transportation Institute plays a prominent role in national forums, seminars, and public policy meetings where questions of maritime policy are under debate. Camp Springs, Maryland

The USGLSA is an association of vessel agents. What is a vessel agent? An agent represents a vessel's Owner or Operator at each U.S. port-of-call and takes care of the needs of that vessel and its crew while there. Commonly, the vessel has just sailed from a foreign port and has numerous governmental regulatory requirements which must be met. The agent has a working knowledge of each requirement and stays current as they change - which they often do! A vessel agent can help with any vessel operation and need - whether commercial or private, international or domestic - while in the port(s) they cover. In fact, the vessel agent is the best first call if there are questions about a particular port, terminal, or operation.

An independent, nonprofit marine operations and maritime risk research center and training institution focused on: Navigation and operational safety, Maritime risk mitigation, Human capital development, Raising awareness of international shipping maritime trade and transport, Contributing to environmental stewardship. Middletown, Rhode Island

United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers of exemplary character who serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. With 95 percent of the world's products transported over water, these leaders are vital to the effective operation of our merchant fleet for both commercial and military transport during war and peace. Academy graduates abide by the motto "Acta Non Verba" - deeds not words, and are leaders that exemplify the concept of service above self. Kings Point, New York

Shipping. Information from the Legal Information Institute at Cornell University

The United States relies on its maritime industry for both military and economic security. For more than 200 years, the US-flagged merchant marine has contributed substantially to U.S. economic vitality and independence, and helped to underpin America’s position as a global power and the world’s biggest aid donor. A strong merchant marine also generates thousands of American jobs and millions of dollars in economic output at home. It is in the national interest of the United States that the government continues to enact, fund, and defend programs that promote the sustainability of this fundamental industry. USA Maritime is a coalition of carriers and maritime unions committed to promoting and protecting the U.S. Maritime Industry. The Coalition and its members work together to educate policy makers, the media and the public about issues impacting the U.S. flag merchant marine and maritime industry.

The Marine Safety Center (MSC) supports the people and objectives of the Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection programs through the verification of compliance with technical standards for the design, construction, alteration and repair of commercial vessels. The MSC is an independent Headquarters command that was established in 1986 by consolidating the Coast Guard Merchant Marine Technical offices located in New York, New Orleans, Cleveland and San Francisco. The MSC's primary mission is the review and approval of plans for the design, construction, alteration and repair of U.S. and foreign flag commercial vessels subject to the U.S. laws, regulations and international standards.

The Vane Brothers Company has served the maritime industry in the Port of Baltimore and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard for more than 100 years. Today, we are comprised of five divisions operating out of the ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk, and Charleston. Vane Brothers has a fleet of 30 tugs and 45 barges ready to meet the ever-changing challenges of the maritime industry. Baltimore, Maryland

VesselFinder is a FREE AIS vessel tracking web site. VesselFinder displays real time ship positions and marine traffic detected by global AIS network. Vessel Finder offers latest maritime news including news for accidents and piracy used by many seafarers in avoiding collisions and potential injuries. It also provides daily news about new built vessels, cruises, travel and finance conditions in the maritime business. Founded as a vessel tracking service provider in 2011, VesselFinder Ltd. is committed to providing the very highest standards of AIS-related services. We are dedicated in providing real-time data on the positions and movements of over 100,000 vessels every day, utilising a large network of terrestrial AIS receivers all over the world. Increasing the range of offered services over the years, VesselFinder has evolved into an international digital brand and become the premier source of vessel tracking solutions and news covering the world maritime industry.

Voyager Worldwide is the navigation services and solutions provider trusted by the global shipping industry to keep vessels safe and compliant. We know time is precious, that's why we're making it easier for you to access useful information on all of your ships, absolutely free. Save time and make sure your vessels have only the navigational products they need with your very own Voyager dashboard. Our Voyager solutions give vessels, ship operations and management a clear view of what's happening in today's complex maritime environment enabling issues to be identified and fixed faster, fleet performance to be improved and compliance risks to be reduced. We’re trusted worldwide to deliver robust navigation and ship management services and solutions which to date are used by over 11000 vessels and have saved our customers many thousands of dollars in increased productivity, efficiency and purchasing savings. Based in Singapore

The West Coast Tug & Barge team is educated in business and communications and experienced in moving freight, logs and vessels along the BC coast from Vancouver to Prince Rupert and the Queen Charlotte Islands. Because of our extensive experience we can take on the majority of all marine transportation projects on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.

An umbrella organization for women involved in shipping and trading related business throughout the world.

Magazine dedicated to the work boat industry. WorkBoat.com is a free online resource for commercial marine professionals, providing its members access to the latest news and information about the industry in a single place. The site includes articles on topics including inland waterways, harbors and ports, security, vessel construction, legislation, and offshore and passenger vessel operations. WorkBoat.com also contains business resources, blogs by industry leaders, discussion forums on the industry's hot-button issues, and current and archived articles from WorkBoat magazine. Relevant commercial marine media- from photos and video to podcasts and audio- provide members additional perspective on the industry.

The industry's seaborne news provider. World Maritime News delivers expert coverage of the industry sectors that matter most to you and your business. This includes news and updates on markets, projects, vessels, equipment, research, shipyards, shipping companies and the authorities dominating these markets. From breaking news, technological advances to shipping activities, World Maritime News experienced and well-respected team of editors, columnists and correspondents will keep you well informed.

The Society for anyone interested in ships or shipping, whether it be as a hobby or as a serious researcher. Interested in Shipping Company histories? Check out our "WSS Books Available" section. Interested in the naval side of shipping? Check out our NAVAL AFFAIRS sections. The World Ship Society is about Research and enjoyment by enthusiasts of ships and shipping company history. The World Ship Society exists to arouse, stimulate and maintain interest in ships, shipping and related matters amongst the general public; to promote understanding of these subjects and their rich heritage by compiling, publishing and preserving records and illustrative material concerning ships and their part in mercantile and naval activity; and to promote and advance public education in current and historical nautical affairs. Windsor, England, United Kingdom

The complete Database on World Shipping Industry. It contains thousands of service providers indexed by Category and Country with complete company information