Payment of welfare fund contribution by Recruitment and Placement of seafarers (RPS) providers - reg.

Applicable to: RPS service providers registered under the MS (RPS) Rules 2005

Effective Date: 29.10.14

Superseded Circulars: None

Key Changes and Requirements

RPS providers must contribute to the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) for every seaman engaged, either on Indian or foreign flag vessels.

Contribution Amount: Stipulated amounts as per GSR 33(E) notification dated 16.01.14
Payment Frequency: Quarterly, starting from 01.04.14
Payment Method: Remittance to SWFS

SWFS has introduced new welfare schemes for seafarers:

Survival Benefit Scheme: Financial assistance of ₹1,00,000 to nominee(s) of deceased Indian seafarer
Invalidity Benefit Scheme: Financial assistance of ₹1,00,000 to Indian seafarer who becomes permanently unfit for seafaring
Maternity Benefit Scheme: Financial assistance of ₹25,000 for two deliveries to Indian female seafarer

II/4 Details of the ‘Survival Benefit Scheme’ for the nominee(s) of the deceased Indian seafarer, who died during off article period.

Important Note

All RPS providers under the MS (RPS) Rules 2005 are requested to comply with these initiatives and bring them to the notice of ship owners/employers.

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