Main Objectives of SWFS

As per its Memorandum of Association (MoA), SWFS focuses on:

• Providing welfare facilities to seafarers and their families, including financial support for education, health, and emergencies.
• Managing gratuity funds for rating seafarers under an agreement between the Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA) and Seafarers’ Unions (since 1983).
• Administering welfare contributions collected from shipping companies and ensuring their utilization for seafarer benefit programs.

Sources of Funding

Since its inception, the Central Government has not provided direct financial assistance to SWFS. Instead, funding is sourced from:

1. Welfare Contributions:

• Indian shipping companies contribute welfare funds for rating seafarers under the National Maritime Board (NMB) Agreement, 1983.
• Recruitment & Placement Services License (RPSL) Companiescontribute welfare funds for seafarers employed on foreign flag vessels (from 01.04.2014 onwards).
• The Government of India (GoI) made it mandatory in 2015 for Indian shipping companies to deposit welfare contributions for seafarers on Indian-flagged vessels.

2. Welfare Levy Fees:

• Collected by the Government Shipping Office (GSO) since 1974 and transferred to SWFS
• Companies deposit ₹500 per seafarer annually.

3. Investment of Welfare Fund Corpus:

• Funds are invested in secure government bonds, fixed deposits, and public sector financial instruments.
• Interest income is utilized for administrative and welfare expenses.

Financial Status (As of 31.03.2024)

Total funds of SWFS are categorized into three main accounts:

Welfare Schemes Administered by SWFS

SWFS implements various welfare schemes for seafarers and their families in compliance with ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 - Regulation 4.5.

1. Survival Benefit Scheme:

• Financial assistance of ₹4,00,000 (earlier ₹1,00,000) for the family of a deceased seafarer.
• Applicable if death occurs within 24 months of last sign-off from a vessel.
• Claims must be submitted within 3 years from the date of death.

2. Invalidity Benefit Scheme:

• Financial assistance of ₹6,00,000 (earlier ₹1,00,000) for seafarers who become permanently unfit for seafaring.
• Injury must occur within 24 months of last sign-off from a vessel.
• Claims must be submitted within 3 years of the medical certificate issued by a DGS-approved Medical Examiner.

3. Maternity Benefit Scheme (For Women Seafarers):

• Financial assistance of ₹25,000 per child (maximum two deliveries).
• The delivery must occur within 60 months of last sign-off.
• The claim must be submitted within 2 years of delivery.

4. Old Age Benefit Welfare Scheme:

• ₹50,000 financial assistance for seafarers attaining 65 years of age after 01.01.2019.
• Must have 6 months of sea service after age 55 years.

5. Family Benefit Scheme:

• Scheme 1: ₹25,000 for a son and ₹50,000 for a daughter completing DGS-approved pre-sea training.
• Scheme 2: ₹10,000 (son) / ₹15,000 (daughter) for two years of full-time post-graduation (non-maritime discipline).
• Eligibility: Seafarer must have 6 months of sea service after 01.04.2014.

6. Ex-Gratia Assistance on Death:

• ₹2,00,000 assistance for registered foreign-going seamen who die while in off-article period.

7. Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav (AKAM) Schemes:

• Super Senior Seafarers Scheme: ₹25,000 one-time assistance for seafarers aged 75 years & above.
• Spouses of Deceased Seafarers Scheme: ₹25,000 for spouses of seafarers who received financial assistance earlier.

8. Seamen’s Gratuity Scheme:

• SWFS is the custodian of gratuity for rating seafarers.
• Funds accumulated and released on retirement, voluntary exit, or promotion to officer rank.
• ₹728 crores of gratuity fund managed for 80,000 rating seafarers.

9. Grant-in-Aid for Seamen’s Clubs:

• Financial support for renovation and infrastructure at seafarers’ clubs in major Indian ports, including Chennai, JNPA, Haldia, and Mormugao.

Proposed Modernization & Digital Initiatives

1. Complete ERP Implementation for SWFS:

• Automating gratuity management, welfare schemes, and financial processes.
• Introducing online claim tracking, digital payments, and a mobile app.

2. Comprehensive Grievance Redressal Module:

• Online portal for grievance submission and tracking.
• Dedicated helpline for seafarer-related issues.

3. Port Welfare Measures:

• Auditing welfare facilities at Indian ports under DGS Order 8 of 2024.
• Financial aid for seafarer welfare infrastructure.

4. Seafarer Rights & Casualty Analysis:

• Data collection & safety learnings from maritime incidents.
• Regular forums for industry dialogue on seafarer safety.

Future Initiatives ("Way Ahead")

1. Proposed New Welfare Schemes:

• Financial Allowance for Widows: ₹5,000 per month.
• Educational Assistance for Deceased Seafarers' Children: ₹1.5 lakh per annum till age 18.
• Medical Insurance for Seafarers & Families.
• Stranded Seafarer Financial Aid.

2. Special Initiatives for 75th Year of DGS (2024):

• Career counseling programs for seafarers’ families.
• Crew welfare awareness campaigns.
• Medical check-up camps in ports.

Contact Information

Office: Ground Floor, Nau Bhavan, 10, Ramjibhai Kamani Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai - 400001.

Helpline: 022-22626981

Email: swfs1966@gmail.com

Website: Under Development

Conclusion

The Seafarers' Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) is a critical organization ensuring the well-being and financial security of Indian seafarers. Through welfare schemes, gratuity management, and modernization efforts, SWFS is enhancing seafarer support systems while aligning with global maritime labor standards (ILO-MLC 2006).

The ongoing digital transformation and new welfare initiatives will further strengthen the welfare ecosystem for Indian seafarers.