Introduction & Background
Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS
Chairman (SWFS)
Capt. Nitin Mukesh
Member Secretary (SWFS)
The Seafarers' Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) is an autonomous society administratively controlled by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India. It was established in 1964 as a central organization dedicated to the welfare of Indian seafarers and their families.
SWFS is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (on 16.11.1964) and the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950 (on 09.04.1966).
The society provides financial assistance, welfare schemes, and social security benefits for active and retired seafarers, including gratuity management, survival benefits, maternity benefits, and financial aid for families.
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:
- Welfare Contributions:
- Indian shipping companies contribute welfare funds for rating seafarers under the National Maritime Board (NMB) Agreement, 1983.
- Recruitment & Placement Services License (RPSL) Companies contribute 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.
- Welfare Levy Fees:
- Collected by the Government Shipping Office (GSO) since 1974 and transferred to SWFS
- Companies deposit ₹500 per seafarer annually.
- 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 10.03.2026)
Total funds of SWFS are categorised into three main accounts:
| Fund Type | Amount (in ₹ Crores) |
|---|---|
| Administration Fund (Corpus Fund) | 41.97 |
| Welfare Fund (Corpus Fund) | 810 |
| Seafarer's Gratuity Fund (Custodian) | 862 |
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.
- Survivors’ Benefit Scheme: Click here to download scheme form
- ₹2,00,000 (for death occurred on or after 16.03.2016), ₹ 4,00,000 (for death occurred on or after 29.04.2024) and ₹6,00,000 (for death occurred on or after 27.01.2026).
- Death within 24 months off article period w.e.f. 29.4.2024 and (death within 36 months off article period w.e.f 27.01.2026).
- Paid to the nominee registered for the last voyage before death.
- The deceased seafarer should be last engaged through Indian Shipping Co./RPSL.
- Claim to be submitted within 3 years from the date of death.
- Invalidity Benefit Scheme: Click here to download scheme form
- ₹2,00,000 (for permanent disability on or after 16.03.2016) and ₹6,00,000 (for permanent disability on or after 29.04.2024 – disability due to loss of limbs).
- Permanent unfitness due to accidental injury within 24 months off article period w.e.f. 29.04.2024 and (amended to 36 months w.e.f. 27.01.2026).
- Claim to be submitted within 3 years from the date of permanent disability.
- Maternity Benefit Scheme (For Women Seafarers): Click here to download scheme form
- Only for Indian female seafarers having sea service through Indian Shipping company or RPS, before 60 months of delivery.
- ₹25,000 per delivery (maximum for 2 deliveries) and (₹50,000/- for delivering on or after 27.01.2026).
- Claim to be submitted within 2 years of delivery; delivery after 21.08.2014.
- Old Age Benefit Welfare Scheme: Click here to download scheme form
- ₹50,000 for seafarers holding Indian CDC and on completion of age 65 years on/after 01.01.2019.
- ₹1,00,000/- for seafarers holding Indian CDC and on completion of age 75 years (on/after 01.01.2026).
- The seafarer should have minimum 6 months sea service after age 55 (post 01.04.2014) through Indian Shipping company or RPSL (amended to minimum 6 months cumulative sea service after the age of 50 years for seafarer applying to 65 years scheme & w.e.f 01.01.2026 for applying 75 years scheme).
- Indian CDC must be cancelled.
- Family Benefit Scheme: Click here to download scheme form
- ₹50,000 (daughter or son of the seafarer) on completion of Pre-Sea training course from DGS approved Training Institute & obtains CDC & (₹1,00,000/- for completion of course on or after 27.01.2026).
- ₹25,000 (daughter or son of the seafarer) on completion of post-graduation full time 2 years Degree/Diploma course (other than maritime stream) approved by Indian University / AICTE & (₹50,000/- for completion of course on or after 27.01.2026).
- The seafarer should have minimum 6 months sea service after 01.04.2014.
- Application to be submitted within 12 months of course completion.
- Death on Board Benefit Scheme: Click here to download scheme form
- ₹2,00,000 ex-gratia assistance to the nominee registered for the vessel.
- Any type of death on board or presumed death on board, on/after 12.03.2025.
- Indian CDC holder and bonafide employment through Indian Shipping Co./RPSL.
- Application to be submitted within 3 months of death/missing.
- Ex-Gratia Support Benefit Scheme:Click here to download scheme form
- ₹10,000/month ex-gratia support paid to the nominee for a maximum of 12 months or till the period of abandonment of the seafarer, whichever is earlier, in respect of stranded/abandoned bonafide seafarers (amended to ₹20,000/- per month for families of seafarers abandoned/stranded on or after 01.01.2026).
- Applicable for stranded/abandoned cases on or after 12.03.2025.
- Assistance is paid after 2 months of being stranded, based on confirmation from Government authorities.
- Application to be submitted within 2 months from the date of stranded/abandonment.
- Award to Meritorious Child of Seafarers Scheme: Click here to download scheme form
- Cash award of Rs. 25,000/- paid for children of the seafarer, who top in full-time degree/PG Degree course from Indian University (nonmaritime).
- Application to be submitted within 2 months of university confirmation.
- Medical & Term Insurance Premium Assistance Scheme: Click here to download scheme form
- The Committee of Management (COM) has approved financial assistance to Indian seafarers in the form of reimbursement of insurance premiums for Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Term Insurance policies taken on or after 01.01.2026, for self and dependent family members.
- Reimbursement: Up to 50% of premium, subject to: ₹3,000 – Medical Insurance; ₹1,000 – Critical Illness Cover; ₹1,000 – Term Insurance (maximum ₹5,000 per seafarer).
- Reimbursement will be made against self-attested premium receipt and policy copy issued by IRDA-approved insurance companies.
- Eligibility includes Indian CDC holders with minimum 6 months cumulative sea service as prescribed.
- Application must be submitted within 60 days before policy lapse.
- Medical Support Scheme for Critical / Terminal Illness: Click here to download scheme form
- The COM has approved one-time financial assistance to seafarers suffering from critical or terminal illnesses as recognized by IRDA, effective from 01.01.2026.
- Assistance amount: ₹2,00,000 (one-time).
- Applicable only to Indian CDC holder seafarers (not family members).
- Minimum 6 months qualifying sea service as prescribed.
- Mandatory medical certificate from a Central/State Government Hospital (not older than 6 months).
- Application to be submitted within 6 months from date of medical certificate.
- Benefit is admissible only once in a lifetime.
- Indian Certificate of Competency (CoC) Recognition & Career Progression Scheme: Click here to download scheme form
- To encourage career advancement of rating seafarers, the COM has introduced a new scheme effective from 01.01.2026 for ratings becoming officers after obtaining Indian CoC.
- One-time financial assistance of ₹2,00,000 for obtaining the first Indian CoC (FG/NCV).
- Applicable to rating seafarers passing Indian CoC examinations and promoted as officers.
- Only Indian CoC issued by Directorate General of Shipping will be considered.
- Application to be submitted within 12 months of obtaining CoC.
- Benefit is admissible only once.
COM (Committee of Management) Minutes of Meeting
Proposed Modernization & Digital Initiatives
- Complete ERP Implementation for SWFS:
- Automating gratuity management, welfare schemes, and financial processes.
- Introducing online claim tracking, digital payments, and a mobile app.
- Comprehensive Grievance Redressal Module:
- Online portal for grievance submission and tracking.
- Dedicated helpline for seafarer-related issues.
- Port Welfare Measures:
- Auditing welfare facilities at Indian ports under DGS Order 8 of 2024.
- Financial aid for seafarer welfare infrastructure.
- Seafarer Rights & Casualty Analysis:
- Data collection & safety learnings from maritime incidents.
- Regular forums for industry dialogue on seafarer safety.
Future Initiatives ("Way Ahead")
- 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.
- 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: swfs.dgs@govcontractor.in
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.
SWFS
| No. of Year | Title | Issue Date | Download/View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seafarers Welfare Fund Society | 31-Oct-2025 | View (16.79 KB) DOCX | |
| SWFS MoA Original | 31-Oct-2025 | View (14.30 MB) PDF |
