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Rationalisation and Consolidation of Welfare Schemes administered bv Seafarers' Welfare Fund Society (SWFS)
**Summary of DGS Circular 39 of 2026: Rationalisation and Consolidation of Welfare Schemes administered by Seafarers' Welfare Fund Society (SWFS)**
Applicable to:
Indian seafarers, shipping companies, recruitment & placement agencies, maritime training institutes, and other stakeholders
Effective Date:
20.07.2026
Superseded Circulars:
DGS Circular No. 39 of 2025 dated 18.09.2025 and all other related instructions issued on the subject
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Revised Welfare Schemes
The revised schemes incorporate enhancements in financial assistance, expanded coverage including off-article period benefits, and additional social security measures.
- Effective Dates: Schemes shall be implemented from the dates specified in the respective scheme provisions enclosed to this Circular.
- Claim Submission Deadlines: Claims arising from events prior to the effective date of a particular scheme will be governed by the provisions applicable on the date of occurrence of such event. Pending claims will be processed according to the provisions applicable as per this Circular, subject to the effective date conditions specified therein.
2. Stakeholder Responsibilities
All Recruitment and Placement service (RPS) agencies, shipping companies, seafarers' unions, welfare associations, Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs), and other concerned stakeholders shall:
- Disseminate: The contents of this Circular among Indian seafarers, including retired personnel and dependent family members.
- Facilitate: Access to application forms and required documentation.
- Ensure: Seafarers' contact and banking details are kept updated with SWFS to enable timely disbursement of benefits.
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Detailed scheme documents and application formats are:
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