MARGAO
The recent unveiling of comprehensive support schemes for Indian seafarers by the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS), including a one-time financial assistance scheme for seafarers upon attaining 75 years of age, has prompted a wave of questions and concerns from retired maritime personnel.
Several retired seafarers have sought clarification on whether those who have already crossed the age of 75 would be eligible for the newly announced old-age benefit scheme. Many say there is ambiguity surrounding the implementation criteria and whether the benefit will be extended retrospectively.
In addition, questions have been raised over the exclusion of widows from the one-time financial assistance scheme. Retired seafarers argue that widows of deceased seafarers, particularly those who have already completed 75 years of age, should also be covered under the welfare initiative.
Retired seafarers pointed out that many in their generation endured significant hardships during their years of service, often working under challenging conditions with modest pay and limited social security benefits. As a result, a considerable number of retired seafarers and their families are currently facing financial distress.
“If the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society is truly dedicated to enhancing the welfare of Indian seafarers by providing comprehensive support services, ensuring their well-being and promoting their professional advancement, the scheme should also include all seafarers and their widows who have already completed 75 years of age,” a retired seafarer remarked.
He further stated that the economic condition of many long-retired seafarers is “pathetic” and urged the SWFS to broaden the scope of the scheme. “All retired seafarers and their widows who have crossed 75 years should be included. In the past, widows were covered under welfare schemes. It is unclear why they do not figure in the latest scheme,” he added.
The SWFS schemes are designed to offer support to eligible individuals in different circumstances and will come into force starting January 1, 2026.
Besides the old age one-time financial assistance scheme, the SWFS has come out with three more schemes, namely the Career Progression Scheme for Indian Rating to Officer Scheme; Financial Assistance for Critical/ Terminal Illness Scheme and the Medical/ Critical Illness & Term Insurance Premium Assistance Scheme.
The SWFS encourages all eligible seafarers to take advantage of these supportive schemes that prioritise their welfare and career growth.
When contacted, the president of Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) Frank Viegas has said the SWFS schemes were deliberated at the general body meeting of the Association. He said the Association has also received queries why retired seafarers who have already completed 75 years are not included in the scheme.
This scheme provides a one-time financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to Indian seafarers who complete the age of 75 years on or after January 1, 2026. To qualify, seafarers must have an Indian CDC (which must be cancelled) and performed a minimum of 6 months of cumulative sea service after the age of 50 for those applying under the 75 years scheme. The seafarers must also have worked on Indian flag vessels or through a registered RPSL holding company.
