The Singapore Organisation of Seaman (SOS) was incorporated on 30 October 1971 by a group of trade union leaders and officers of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and started with an office at the former NTUC Trade Union House. 50 years on, SOS held its Golden Jubilee celebration on 30 October 2021 with more than one hundred local and overseas members, affiliates and guests attending. The virtual event received well wishes from staff and members, as well as unions from Singapore, Korea, China, Philippines, United Kingdom and Sweden. The event also saw the presentation of long membership awards.

Mr Kam Soon Huat, SOS’ President, shared in his opening address that SOS started with very limited resources, and it was challenging to attract membership at the beginning. With the initial aspirations to help local seafarers to secure decent wages and working terms and conditions, SOS assisted its members to tide through the global shipping recessions and constant stiff competition for the past five decades. The incorporation of Seacare Co-operative in 1994 has also helped seafarers secure alternative employment due to recession and competition. To date, SOS has expanded its services to include healthcare, investment, and accommodation. SOS continues to help seafarers upgrade their competencies and stay relevant as the industry evolves by supporting training schemes and offering training grants for seafarers.

Since the start of Covid-19 last year, the pandemic has caused tremendous disruption to the crew changes for seafarers and there are many seafarers who are still currently stuck on board at sea.  Despite the ongoing crew change crisis, seafarers continue to work at sea to keep the global supply chain moving. SOS has also set aside more than $2.5m to support safe crew changes in Singapore and help shipping companies defray the cost of meals and accommodation for seafarers at Seacare Hotel.

The Guest-of-Honour, Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, said in her address that the story of the port is also the story of Singapore. SOS has witnessed the contribution of the shipping and maritime trade to Singapore’s progress for the past 50 years. She is heartened that SOS has worked hard over the years to improve the lives of Singaporean and foreign seafarers overseas. It continues to play an important role to help members overcome new challenges such as climate change which resulted in extreme weather patterns, supply chain disruptions, and skilling up seafarers to be better equipped with the technology skills and knowledge to navigate the ships in a safer manner.

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