Nautilus Federation affiliate celebrates largest US deck officer organising win in 50 years

Nautilus Federation affiliate the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) is celebrating the largest organising win in 50 years among deck officers in the United States.

Deck officers working at OSG voted to be represented by MM&P, with a turnout of more than 90% and a large majority in favour.

OSG is a wholly owned subsidiary of OSG Ship Management Inc. In January 2024, deck officers at Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) – another wholly owned subsidiary of OSG Ship Management Inc. – also voted by a wide margin in favour of MM&P representation.

ATC operates four US-flagged crude oil tankers, and OSG operates 13 vessels that are part of MM&P’s successful organising effort.

The MM&P Offshore Membership Group campaign to represent the OSG and ATC deck officers was led by MM&P Atlantic Ports vice president Captain Tom Larkin.

‘Thank you to all the licensed deck officers at OSG for staying the course,’ Larkin said. ‘Your resolve and support have brought us to the next leg of our voyage. MM&P will not waver in protecting and promoting your interests.’

‘The overwhelming votes in favour of MM&P representation are a testament to the determination and solidarity of the licensed deck officers of ATC and OSG, as well as to the personal initiative and commitment of MM&P vice president Captain Tom Larkin and the expertise of the MM&P legal team,” said MM&P president Don Marcus.

‘Unquestionably, this is the largest successful bottom-up organizing effort of licensed deck officers in the US merchant marine in at least fifty years.’