The Real Slim Shady, yes to an extent I agree with you. There isn't a perfect union/representation just as there isn't (to my knowledge) a perfect employer (if there is then please let me know!).
I don't just want legal help. I want a professional organisation which will represent my interests on all aspects of my profession. Just because I have hardly ever used their services is hardly relevant to me. The mere knowledge that I have someone independent I can turn to on a whole raft of different issues makes me feel more comfortable.
I don't mind paying for this either. I would rather pay a bit extra so that BALPA can attract the best people to work on my behalf with suitable Ts and Cs.
Thought I just check the Nautilus website and I note that they have 25,000 members
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.
I imagine this number far exceeds the BALPA membership hence the fact that their subs are a lot less! Here is their link:-
Nautilus Union
BALPA website says membership is "currently more than 10,000" and growing each month.
Lastly, membership fees are tax deductable. I quote from the BALPA website:-
Members are now entitled to tax relief on two thirds of their BALPA subscription. This means that if you pay an annual subscription of £500, you will be entitled to tax relief on £334, saving £73.50pa for a basic rate tax payer (22%), and £133.60pa for a higher rate (40%) taxpayer.