Eternal memory to our dear friend!

The Seafarers' Union of Russia regrets to inform that the Chairman of the Baltic Territorial Organization of the Seafarers' Union of Russia Sergey Petrovich Kaunin passed away yesterday, on April 2, 2025. 

He was 65 years old. Sergey Petrovich was distinguished by his love of life, hopefulness and empathy. He was not afraid of challenges neither in life nor at work, he was a fair and reliable person. 

Sergey Petrovich was born in 1959, Mamadysh, Tatar ASSR. He made up his mind to engage himself with the sea while in school, and admitted that he joined marine for the romance. 

He began the path towards his childhood dream at the Leningrad Maritime College, where he studied at the Navigation Faculty from 1976 to 1979. Then, he was assigned to the Murmansk Shipping Company, where he worked from 1980 to 1985 and evolved from sailor to Second Officer. Then he moved to shore work, became a supervisor at the shipping agency "Transflot", and later he was promoted to Head of the Сargo Сontrol Department and Deputy Director. 

In 1995, he joined Seafarers' Union of Russia. He was hired at the SUR BTO organizational department, then transferred to the position of SUR BTO Office Manager. Subsequently, he took the position of Deputy Chairman and Acting Chairman of the Baltic Territorial Organization of the Seafarers' Union of Russia. 

His personal contribution to the activities of SUR BTO, knowledge and experience, love and devotion to the maritime profession, and kind attitude towards each member of the union have always been appreciated. 

He had first-hand knowledge of issues that seafarers face, so in September 2024, he was unanimously elected Chairman of SUR Baltic Territorial Organization at the extraordinary XII SUR BTO Conference. 

Sergey Petrovich dedicated 30 years of his life to the trade union and protecting the interests of the SUR members. Over these years, he helped many seafarers - he knew how to support with words and help with deeds, he was a caring man. 

Sergey Petrovich was also a loving family man: he is survived by his wife, two children and two grandchildren. 

The staff of the Seafarers' Union of Russia expresses condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and peers of Sergey Petrovich Kaunin. Eternal memory to our dear friend!