American Maritime Officers (Copy)

Maritime Officer Unions
Written By Guest User

The American Maritime Officers (AMO) is the largest U.S. union representing licensed officers in the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. AMO officers crew and operate a wide range of commercial and government-contracted ships, including tankers, containerships, bulk carriers, Ro/Ro vessels, offshore service ships, and maritime academy training vessels. AMO plays a central role in maintaining the nation’s strategic sealift capability by ensuring qualified officers are available to support both peacetime commerce and national defense operations.

 

When Union Info Matters

Mariners typically interact with AMO when a vessel operates under an AMO collective bargaining agreement—this can occur during commercial service, government charters, or vessel activations from reserve status.

Union participation affects:

  • Pay and overtime rates, which are defined by contract and standardized across AMO-crewed vessels.

  • Benefits, such as medical, pension, and training, administered through AMO Plans.

  • Dispatch procedures, which determine how jobs are filled and how mariners receive sailing orders.

 

Pathways & Status Scenarios

• Licensed Mariners Working Commercially:
If you are already working in the U.S.-flag industry, you may join AMO through its application process or be cleared temporarily for a specific voyage under an AMO contract.

• Recent Maritime Academy Graduates:
Graduates pursuing employment with AMO-contracted operators may submit an application and credentials to AMO for registration. No prior union membership is needed before your first job offer.

Dispatch Process

  1. Vacancy Posted: When an AMO-contracted company reports an opening, the Dispatch Department lists it by vessel and billet.

  2. Registration: Qualified mariners contact AMO Dispatch to register or confirm eligibility.

  3. Clearance: Dispatch verifies credentials (MMC, STCW, TWIC, passport) and membership or short-service paperwork.

  4. Dispatch Orders: AMO provides formal sailing orders to the mariner and the operator.

  5. Reporting Aboard: The mariner joins the vessel as directed; pay and benefits begin per contract.

  6. Completion: Mariner is discharged from the vessel and can file for vacation benefits with AMO Plans.

Contracts & Pay Basics

AMO’s collective bargaining agreements establish wage scales, overtime, vacation pay, and employer contributions for benefits and training.

  • Pay rates apply according to the specific vessel contract negotiated between AMO and the operating company.

  • Benefits are funded by the employer through AMO Plans.

These standardized contracts ensure professional consistency, predictable benefits, and fair treatment across the U.S.-flag fleet.

 

Dues and Initiation

AMO membership dues and initiation fees support the ongoing operation and administration of the union and its member programs. These funds maintain the collective bargaining process, dispatch operations, and member services such as contract enforcement, grievance representation, and communications.

  • Initiation Fee: A one-time payment for new members that establishes full membership rights and participation in AMO governance and benefits.  Applicants have 3 years to pay off initiation fee..

  • Annual Dues: Active members contribute through automatic payroll deductions while sailing under AMO contracts or by direct payment when ashore.

  • Short-Service Clearances: Mariners sailing on short-term AMO assignments may be assessed a temporary service fee for the duration of the voyage rather than full membership dues.

All rates are governed by the AMO Constitution and reviewed periodically by the membership. These funds directly sustain the infrastructure that supports collective bargaining, member services administration, dispatch services, and national maritime advocacy.

Plans Information

AMO Plans is the benefits administrator for AMO members and eligible participants. Coverage may include:

  • Medical, dental, and prescription benefits

  • Retirement programs (defined contribution, money purchase benefit, and 401(k))

  • Vacation pay

  • Tuition-free training through the STAR Center

Eligibility is based on vessel contracts and time worked. Visit www.amoplans.com for details or contact Member Services for personalized guidance.

 

STAR Center Training and Education

The STAR Center (Safety & Technical Training and Research Center)—operated by AMO Plans—is one of the most advanced maritime training institutions in the United States. Located in Dania Beach, Florida, it provides tuition-free professional development and regulatory training to AMO members and eligible participants.

Key offerings include:

  • USCG-approved license upgrade and renewal courses for deck and engineering officers

  • Full-mission bridge and engine room simulator training for ship-handling, casualty response, and advanced operations

  • Specialized programs in LNG operations, ECDIS, environmental compliance, dynamic positioning, and management-level engineering

  • Leadership and team management courses focused on safety culture, communication, and operational readiness

  • Academic assistance for credential upgrades and cross-departmental endorsements

The STAR Center’s curriculum aligns with current STCW and U.S. Coast Guard standards, and is regularly updated in collaboration with MARAD and industry partners to meet the evolving needs of the U.S.-flag fleet.

Through AMO Plans, eligible mariners can attend STAR Center courses at no tuition cost, with travel and lodging assistance available under specific agreements. Training records are maintained for Coast Guard submission and career progression.

For more information, visit www.starcenter.org or email info@starcenter.org.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: You may be cleared for a temporary dispatch, but continued work under AMO agreements requires union registration.

  • A: AMO represents officers on its contracted vessels; mariners from other unions may obtain temporary clearance if their assignment is under an AMO contract.

  • A: A valid MMC with STCW endorsements, TWIC, passport, and any applicable AMO or AMO Plans forms.

  • A: Dispatch handles vessel assignments and orders; AMO Plans handles benefits, insurance, and retirement matters.

Contact & Hand-Offs

 

Compliance & Neutrality Note

This page provides informational resources to help mariners understand AMO’s role in crewing, benefits administration, and training. Final requirements—including pay rates, paperwork, and conditions of employment—are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between AMO and the vessel operator, and by applicable federal regulations and directives.

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