The first Mariners club was known to have existed in Shanghai in the early 1850's. This was an informal affair, of Master Mariners, who foregathered in the Captains Room of the exchange Hotel. There were no monthly dues to pay, no list of club members was kept. Later towards the sixties, a Captains Club, mainly for the use and enjoyment of masters of coasting vessels, was inaugurated at the Astor House. It was styled " The Shipmasters' Association of Shanghai", and accommodation was procured at the " Temperance Hall ", a single room being engaged and arrangements made for the use of the Hotel billard table.

Towards the end of 1885, to increase membership, the name was changed to "The Mercantile Marine Officers' Association". In 1890 the association moved to more commodious premises at No. 3 Whangpoo Road, a salaried Manager was appointed, to meet generally increased expenditure, the monthly subscription was raised to $2.00 per month. In January 1892, the post of Manager and Secretary was created.

On 1st September 1913, the old flag was hauled down for the last time, on the anauguration of the Merchant Service Club, which in turn lasted for only fourteen years, here the name was changed to the Mercantile Marine Officers' Club. In 1915, a shift was made to new premises specially built for the club, at the corner of Woosung road. On the termination of the Clubs fiscal year 30th september 1916, the records indicated that for the next ten years, no salaries or stipends were paid to any Secretary or Manager, Honorary, or otherwise.

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