SMOU

Not every journey at sea starts with a lifelong dream.

For Rahmat, it began with curiosity and grew into something much bigger.

Today, as a Chief Officer, he is not just navigating vessels. He is shaping how safety is understood on board. Not as a checklist, but as a responsibility we carry for one another.

From delivering one of the world’s largest LNG vessels to facing the realities of life at sea, Rahmat has experienced both the beauty and the pressure that come with the job.

Through it all, one belief has stayed the same. Every seafarer deserves to return home safely and it starts with a culture where people look out for each other, speak up, and take ownership.

Read his full story here: https://seavoices.org.sg/rahmats-dream-of-refining-safety-culture-at-sea/

AI can do more. But are we doing less?

Foo Cexiang, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC and SMOU Advisor reflects on what we risk losing when we stop learning through experience, and why workers must be equipped to move forward with change.

Read the full article here: https://seavoices.org.sg/why-the-labour-movement-matters-more-in-the-age-of-ai/

Every drop counts, every donation matters.

As part of our 75th Anniversary celebrations, we organised a Blood Donation Drive on 12 June 2026, bringing together members, partners and the wider community in a meaningful act of giving.

We were also honoured to have Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng , Mayor of Central Singapore District and MP of Jalan Besar GRC, join us as our special guest, showing her support for this important initiative.

Rooted in our core value of Caring and Sharing, each donation extended hope beyond our maritime family, reminding us that even a small act can make a life-saving difference.

We would like to thank everyone who stepped forward to donate, as well as our partners and volunteers who made this initiative possible.

View the full event photos here: https://www.smou.org.sg/resources/gallery

Rest is a right, not a privilege.

Minimum hours of rest are protected by the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) to keep you safe and alert at sea.

Last weekend (6-7 June 2026), we hosted a learning journey at our Wavelink Maritime Simulation Centre (WMSC) as part of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore - MPA’s Voyage Beyond Exhibition at IMM.

We were honoured to welcome Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, who joined us on day one. On day two, our seafarer Yin Jinghong shared her journey as a 4th engineer at sea and what she loves most about life on board.

Maritime may not always be the first choice, but through stories like these, we hope more will begin to see the possibilities it holds, both at sea and beyond.

Technology is transforming the maritime industry and our young mariners got a closer look at what lies ahead during our Young Mariners’ Networking event on 16 May 2026.

Through industry sharing and networking, participants gained insights into the innovations shaping the future of shipping.

Catch the highlights here: https://youtu.be/TwqWnAdoFD4?si=hkm0GWhElcUytUDW

Young Mariners' Networking 2026 Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

This is what Family Day looks like at SMOU.

On 6 June 2026, we gathered at Universal Studios Singapore for our 75th Anniversary Family Day, bringing our members, families, beneficiaries and partners into one shared celebration.

We were honoured to be joined by our Guest-of-Honour, Minister Grace Fu, who spoke about the importance of community and the families who stand behind every member.

Guided by purpose, united in strength, we continue to grow together.

Here’s to more Family Days and more shared moments ahead!

View the full event photos here: https://www.smou.org.sg/resources/gallery