Financial Assistance for Death or Permanent Disability suffered by Seafarers in Warlike / High-Risk Areas Assistance Scheme

• The COM has approved one-time financial for Death or Permanent Disability suffered by Seafarers in Warlike / High-Risk Areas Assistance Scheme, effective from 23.03.2026
• Assistance amount: ₹10,00,000 (Rs.10 Lakhs only) one time.
• Applicable only to Indian CDC holders. Present Warlike area or high risk areas where the scheme is applicable are Persian/Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Southern Red Sea.
• Application form is to be received within a period of 3 (three) months from the date of death of the seafarer / reported missing.

DETAILS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR DEATH OR PERMANENT DISABILITY OF SEAFARERS IN WARLIKE/HIGH-RISK AREAS.

• SWFS has been providing financial assistance of ₹2,00,000/ (Enhanced to Rs.6 lakhs from 23rd March 2026)- under the existing “Death on Board” scheme to the Next of Kin (NoK) of seafarers who die or go missing while on board. However, in cases where the ships are in Warlike Areas/High Risk areas, the operational risks are higher and in incident of death (or presumed dead) of seafarer, the claim settlement can take some time.
• It is proposed that:
• In cases where death of a seafarer (or presumed dead) occurs in a Warlike or High Risk Area, The financial assistance to NoK may be enhanced to ₹10,00,000/- (Rs.10 Lakhs only) (in place of ₹2,00,000/-).
• In cases where a seafarer, who has become permanently unfit, for the seafaring profession, due to loss of limbs by any an accidental injury that occurred in the Warlike or High Risk area, a one time financial assistance of Rs.10,00,000/- (Rs.10 Lakhs only) be granted to the seafarer.

Scope & Duration

Present Warlike area or high risk areas where the scheme is applicable are:

• Persian/Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Southern Red Sea
• The waters enclosed by the following boundaries:
• On the northwest, by the Red Sea, south of Latitude 18°N;
• On the northeast, from Pakistan coastline at 25°19’15”N, 65°E;
• On the east, by a line to high seas point 10°48’N, 65°E, thence to high seas point 10°48’N, 60°15’E, thence to high seas point 6°45’S, 48°45’E;
• and on the southwest, by the Somalia border at 1°40’S, 41°34’E, to high seas point at 6°45’S, 48°45’E;
• May be reviewed based on further developments

Eligibility

• The scheme is applicable for all bonafide employed / engaged Indian seafarers holding Indian CDC and is engaged through Indian Shipping Company / Indian Ship-owner on Indian flag vessel or engaged by the Registered RPSL Company on / Indian flag vessel/foreign flag vessel.
• The death of seafarer has occurred while on board and presumed death cases are also considered under this scheme. This scheme will cover any type of death occurred on Board.
• The bonafide of the seafarer who expired on board will be confirmed by the concerned Shipping Master, Government Shipping Office/Director Seamen’s Employment Office, DG Shipping (Crew Branch).
• Application for financial assistance under this scheme is to be made in the prescribed form. The application form for this scheme is to be received by the SWFS within a period of 3 (three) months from the date of death of the seafarer / reported missing.

Note

• The Society may approach the Indian shipowners /registered RPS, company concerned and obtain such particulars as may be necessary for the purpose of payment of financial assistance envisaged under this scheme.
• Notwithstanding anything contained herein above in all doubtful/disputed and/or exceptional cases, the Committee of Management of the SWFS may examine and decide the cases, on case-to-case basis, and its decision shall be final.