Ship masters and officers may not seem like pioneers of trade unionism. However, this history of their unique union, Nautilus International, shows how they have been pitched into the forefront of a long struggle for decent jobs, fair pay and conditions, employment rights, and health and safetyall in an international industry marked by savage and cut-throat competition.This book traces the evolution of todays trans-boundary organisation from its roots in the Victorian-era expansion of the merchant fleet and the moves to raise the status and professionalism of its seafarers.It tells how successive unions have sought to overcome such seemingly perennial problems as piracy, criminalisation, substandard ships, excessive working hours and the threat of being replaced by low-cost crewsnot to mention the battle against government indifference and public ignorance of an industry that is essential for an island nation.From the formation, in 1857, of the Mercantile Marine Service Associati