Nautilus International was launched in Newcastle, UK on 14 May 2009.

Our goal is to be strong, autonomous and united in defence of the interests of our members in a global industry within a global labour market.

Following a major nationwide consultation process, and a three-month postal and electronic ballot, Nautilus UK members voted to create a new single maritime union with its Dutch partner, Nautilus NL.
The Union is affiliated to the UK Trades Union Congress and the International Transport Workers' Federation, International Federation & Shipmasters Associations, as well as Netherlands-based FNV.

We are the trade union and professional organisation for some 25,000 maritime professionals including ship masters (captains), officers, officer trainees (cadets) and shipping industry personnel, such as ship pilots, inland navigation workers, vessel traffic services operators (similar to air traffic control), harbourmasters, seafarers in the oil and gas industry, and shore-based staff.

Our head office is in London, and we have regional offices in Wallasey and Rotterdam. In addition, we have a welfare complex in Wallasey on the banks of the River Mersey which provides residential housing for retired seafarers.