Independent Federation of Myanmar Seafarers (IFOMS)
The sole ITF-affiliated union for Myanmar's seafarers, representing them since 2014.
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about our recent activities and industry news.
February 03, 2026
Empowering Our Seafarers at Chonburi Port.
A collaborative mission between IFOMS and Mission to Seafarers to support, connect, and advocate for our crew members in Thailand.
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Decmember 12, 2025
“A Night of Solidarity and Partnership”
We, the brothers, sisters, and comrades of IFOMS, extend our deepest gratitude to all the brother and sister union representatives who attended and participated in the dinner held on December 11th at Koh Lanta Restaurant, Suvarnabhumi.
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Decmember 11, 2025
“Harbor Well Project”
Dear Myanmar Seafarer Brothers, Sisters, and their Family Members, With the support of the ITF Seafarers' Trust, IFOMS has just launched a small project called "Harborwell" to assist and support you all. If you would like to learn about what this project includes, we invite you to listen to the video all the way to the end.
Read More →Our History
Founded on a mission to protect and empower.
Forged from Necessity
While Myanmar has around 100,000 registered seafarers, only about 30,000 are active. Many face low wages, insecure workplaces, and a lack of internationally recognized rights.
In response to exploitation, a group of determined seafarers came together to defend their peers. The Independent Federation of Myanmar Seafarers (IFOMS) was founded on June 3rd, 2014, as a beacon of hope and protection.
Our Core Purpose
The four pillars of our commitment to seafarers.
Protect Rights
We advocate tirelessly to ensure every Myanmar seafarer is treated with dignity and fairness.
Ensure Safety
We work to guarantee secure environments that meet or exceed international safety standards.
Secure Compensation
We stand by our seafarers to ensure they receive their rightful wages, benefits, and full compensation.
Promote Jobs
We strive to create and promote access to reputable and fair employment opportunities.
Our Mission
Our commitment to organizing and representing Burmese seafarers.
- To organize and represent Burmese seafarers of all grades into a democratic and transparent maritime federation.
- To work closely with international labor federations and maritime unions globally to protect the rights of all seafarers.
- To treat all members of IFOMS with dignity and respect and without prejudice and discrimination.
- To promote individual members’ abilities and their participation in their federation.
Our Vision
A future of solidarity and improved quality of life.
"IFOMS is an independent and democratic trade union federation campaigning in solidarity with international unions/federations to protect the rights of maritime workers and improve the quality of life for all Myanmar seafarers."
Useful Application
Get vital vessel info and help from ITF inspectors—download the ITF Seafarers app now.
Bulletin Board
Important notices and downloads for our members.
Useful Links & Resources
External resources and partners to support seafarers.
ILO
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency that sets international labor standards, promotes rights at work, and fosters decent employment opportunities for all.
ITF Global
The International Transport Workers' Federation.
SEAFARERSTRUST
A charity that works to promote the wellbeing of seafarers worldwide
IGP&I
The twelve P&I Clubs which comprise the International Group (the “Group”) between them provide marine liability cover (protection and indemnity) for approximately 90% of the world's ocean-going tonnage.
Department of Marine Administration Myanmar
The Department of Marine Administration (DMA), under the Ministry of Transport and Communications, deals with maritime and shipping affairs, endeavouring the development of national maritime transport policy and legislations as a regulatory body.
All Japan Seamen's Union
The All Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU), established in 1896, is Japan's first and largest seamen's labor organization. It represents more than 76,000 maritime workers and non-domiciled seafarers in foreign and domestic trades.
MUA
The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) is a trade union that represents maritime workers. It is a division of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU).
SeaFarers
Belongs to the Seafarers International Union (SIU), a labor union for mariners and other maritime workers in the U.S. and Canada.
Verdi
German trade union representing approximately 1.9 million members across over 1,000 occupations in the service sector. Its goal is to achieve solidarity and justice in working life.
Tradewind News
TradeWinds is a website that provides news and commentary on the global shipping business.
Get in Touch
Whether you are a seafarer in need of assistance, a potential partner, or wish to support our cause, we want to hear from you.
Email Us
info@ifoms.orgCall Us
+66 0660463567
Visit Us
Prajak Villa 1,2, 56/27 soi Ramkhamhaeng 156, Ratpattana, Sapansung, Bangkok Thailand 10240