The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) has been a presence on Canada’s West Coast for decades, with one of the first Canadian Union Halls of the Seafarers’ International Union being established in Vancouver in 1945. Our Union has a long history representing unlicensed seafarers across Canada. We are a union run by seafarers, for seafarers, and we have an unparalleled understanding of the marine sector and issues facing seafarers. We take great pride in being able to secure industry leading contracts for our members, and we continue to push companies to ensure that all seafarers get what they deserve: great pay, great benefits, and safe and secure working conditions.
Members of the SIU Canada have long taken pride in our work in British Columbia, with our members serving the communities in which they have lived for generations. Recently, SIU Canada members have seen more and more work coming their way, with a new contract with Quebec-based Ocean Group with the Port of Vancouver providing an abundance of work and stability for our members working on tugboats in B.C., securing jobs for SIU members for many years to come. Our collective agreements with Ocean Group are industry-leading, providing excellent conditions, benefits, and wages.
The SIU Canada has a growing membership working with Ocean Group as they continue to expand their operations on Canada’s West Coast, but those aren’t the only members getting a lot of work. SIU Canada members can also be found crewing vessels in B.C. for Harkin Towing, Jones Marine, Seaspan Ferries, Fraser River Pile and Dredge, and many others! The SIU Canada has plenty of work to go around on Canada’s West Coast for aspiring seafarers and those who have been in the industry for years.
The biggest issue facing the industry currently is a shortage of seafarers. While this predominantly can be found within the ranks of officers and engineers, ratings positions are also heavily impacted by this shortage. It is for this reason that we encourage you to reach out to the SIU Canada if you are interested in a career at sea. Seafaring is a great career for those looking for stability and adventure traversing Canada’s waterways. With the SIU Canada, you can begin or continue your seafaring career in your own backyard working for one of the various West Coast companies with which we have a collective agreement. Need a change of scenery? With the SIU Canada being a national union representing workers with companies from coast to coast to coast, you have the freedom of shipping out from anywhere!
If you or someone you know is interested in a career at sea with the backing of the Seafarers’ International Union of Canada, be sure to reach out to one of our Union Halls directly or contact us via the details below and we would be happy to help you get started with us.
To be a seafarer with the SIU Canada, send your resume and certifications to:
