These rules may be called the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers Welfare Board and Levy of Fees) Rules, 2026
Merchant Shipping Seafarers Welfare Board and Levy of Fees Rules 2026 under Merchant Shipping Act 2025
The Gazette of India
CG-DL-E-01062026-273048
EXTRAORDINARY
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i)
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No. 367] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026/JYAISTHA 5, 1948
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 26th May, 2026
G.S.R. 408(E).— In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (2), (3) and (4) of section 5, read with
sub-section (1) and clause (c), (d), and (e) of sub-section (2) of section 6 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (24 of
2025), and in supersession of the Merchant Shipping (National Welfare Board for Seafarers) Rules, 1963 and the
Merchant Shipping (Levy of Seamen’s Welfare Fee) Rules, 1974, except as respects things done or omitted to be done
before such supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:—
Chapter I – General Provisions
1. Short title, commencement and application. — (1) These rules may be called the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers
Welfare Board and Levy of Fees) Rules, 2026.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
(3) These rules shall apply to—
(a) every owner of Indian vessel; and
(b) all seafarers present within the jurisdiction of India, irrespective of nationality or the flag of the vessel
on which they are employed, in respect of access to welfare facilities and services provided under these rules.
2. Definitions.— (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a) “Act” means the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (24 of 2025);
(b) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Welfare Board;
(c) “Form” means a Form appended to these rules;
(d) “non-official member” means a member of the Welfare Board who is not an official member;
(e) “official-member” means a member of the Board who is a serving government official nominated ex officio or
otherwise by the Central Government, or a person whose membership arises directly from holding any office under the Central Government, a State Government, or a statutory authority;
(f) “proper officer” means the Shipping Master or such other officer as may be appointed by the Central Government;
(g) “Seafarers Welfare Fund Society” means a society registered as such under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (21 of 1860);
(h) “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Welfare Board;
(i) “Welfare Board” means the Seafarers Welfare Board constituted under sub-section (1) of section 5 of the Act;
(2) Words and expressions used and not defined in these rules but defined in the Act shall have the meanings
respectively assigned to them in the Act.
Chapter II – Seafarers Welfare Board
3. Constitution of the Welfare Board.— (1) The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute the Seafarers
Welfare Board for a period of two years at a time:
Provided that where such Board is not constituted by the Central Government upon the expiry of two years
from the date of its constitution, the same Board shall continue to function till the successive board is
constituted, subject to a maximum period of six months.
(2) The Welfare Board shall perform the advisory functions specified under sub-section (1) of section 5 of the Act
having regard to Regulation 4.4, and Standard A4.4 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
4. Composition of the Welfare Board.— The Welfare Board shall consist of the following members, namely:—
(1) the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, — Chairperson, ex
officio;
(2) the Director-General of Maritime Administration, — Vice-Chairperson, ex officio;
(3) four representative of the Central Government, not below the rank of Deputy Secretary to the
Government of India, to be nominated by the Central Government;
(4) ten Government representative from the States and Union territories to be nominated by the Central
Government;
(5) four representative from major ports to be nominated by the Central Government;
(6) four representatives of ship owners, to be nominated by the Central Government after consultation with
recognised ship-owners’ associations;
(7) six representatives of seafarers, to be nominated by the Central Government after consultation with
recognised union of seafarers;
(8) four members to be appointed by the Central Government representing societies interested in welfare of
seamen;
(9) the Deputy Director-General of Maritime Administration in charge of Seafarer’s Welfare, — MemberSecretary, ex officio.
5. Term of office.— Every member of the Welfare Board shall hold office for a period of two years from the date of
publication of the notification constituting the Welfare Board, unless they resign, or are removed earlier in accordance with rule 8.
6. Casual vacancies.— (1) A casual vacancy in the office of a member shall be filled by nomination by the Central
Government.
(2) A member nominated to fill a casual vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the term of the member in whose place he is nominated.
7. Resignation.— (1) A member may resign from office by communicating in writing to the Chairperson.
(2) The resignation shall not take effect until it is accepted by the Chairperson.
8. Removal of members.— (1) The Central Government may remove a member of the Welfare Board, if he, —
(a) is continuously out of India for more than twelve months without prior permission of the Chairperson;
(b) is absent from three consecutive meetings without permission of the Chairperson;
(c) has been adjudged as an insolvent;
(d) has been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude;
(e) ceases to represent the category or interest on whose behalf he was appointed; or
(2) The Central Government may remove a member, after recording reasons in writing and providing an opportunity of being heard to such member, if it considers it undesirable for such person to continue as a member.
9. Suspension of representation.— (1) Where, after enquiry, the Central Government is of the opinion that any body,
union or association represented on the Welfare Board has acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of seafarers, it may, by order and for reasons recorded in writing, suspend the right of such body, union or association to be represented on the Welfare Board for the period specified in the order.
(2) Upon such suspension, the member nominated by that body, union or association shall cease to hold office for the
duration of the suspension.
(3) A vacancy arising under sub-rule (2) shall not be treated as a casual vacancy under rule 6, and shall be filled only
for the period of suspension specified under sub-rule (1).
10. Register of members.— A register of members shall be maintained by the Secretariat of the Welfare Board and
shall contain the following particulars in respect of each member, namely:—
(1) name and address;
(2) the capacity in which they serve on the Board and the interests which they represent, where applicable;
(3) date of appointment and term of office;
(4) date and reason for cessation of office; and
(5) any change in the particulars referred to in clauses (1) and (2).
11. Secretary of the Welfare Board.— (1) The Deputy Director-General of Maritime Administration in charge of
Seafarers Welfare, ex-officio member referred to in sub-rule (1) of rule 4, shall also function as Member Secretary of
the Welfare Board.
(2) The duties of the Member Secretary shall include,—
(a) convening meetings under directions of the Chairperson;
(b) maintaining the minutes book and the register of members;
(c) assisting the Chairperson in discharge of duties; and
(d) performing other duties as may be assigned by the Welfare Board from time to time.
12. Meetings of the Welfare Board.— (1) The Welfare Board shall ordinarily meet at least once in every six months,
and may meet at such shorter intervals as the Chairperson may consider necessary.
(2) An extraordinary meeting of the Welfare Board shall be convened if not less than five members make a written
requisition to the Chairperson specifying the purpose for which such meeting is required.
(3) Every meeting of the Welfare Board shall be presided over—
(a) by the Chairperson; or
(b) in the absence of the Chairperson, by the Vice-Chairperson; or
(c) if both the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson are absent, by a member elected by the members present
from amongst themselves to preside.
(4) Meetings of the Welfare Board shall be held on such date, time and place as may be decided by the Chairperson.
13. Notice of meetings.— (1) Notice of the place, date and time of each meeting of the Welfare Board shall be given
to every member at least fifteen days in advance:
Provided that in cases of urgency, the Chairperson may permit a shorter notice period.
(2) Notice referred to in sub-rule (1) may be served—
(a) by hand delivery, or
(b) by registered post to the last known address of the member, or
(c) by electronic means, including e-mail or other modes of digital communication approved by the
Chairperson.
(3) Service of such notice by electronic means shall be deemed sufficient where transmission is confirmed by system
delivery status or any other proof of dispatch.
14. Agenda.— (1) Along with the notice of meeting, a list of business proposed for the meeting shall be sent to all
members.
(2) No business not included in the agenda shall be transacted except with permission of the Chairperson.
15. Quorum.— (1) The quorum for a meeting of the Welfare Board shall not be less than one-third of the total number
of members.
(2) If no quorum is present, the meeting shall be adjourned to a later date not earlier than fourteen days from the original
date.
(3) Business at the adjourned meeting may be transacted whether or not quorum is present.
16. Procedure at meetings.— (1) A member wishing to discuss any proposal shall give written notice to the Member
Secretary at least seven days before the meeting.
(2) The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or the presiding member as the case may be, shall regulate the conduct of the
meeting.
17. Voting.— (1) Decisions shall be made by a majority of votes of members present and voting.
(2) In case of a tie, the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or the presiding member as the case may be shall have a casting vote.
(3) All votes shall be by show of hands.
[भाग II—खण् ड 3(i)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 17
18. Minutes of meetings.— (1) Minutes of meetings shall be prepared by the Member Secretary and circulated to all
members.
(2) Minutes, along with any amendments suggested, shall be placed for confirmation at the next meeting.
(3) Once confirmed and signed by the Chairperson or presiding member, minutes shall be recorded in the minutes book,
which shall remain open for inspection during office hours.
19. Recommendations.— Decisions requiring further action shall be recorded as recommendations and forwarded to
the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
20. Non-members attending meetings.— (1) The Chairperson may invite any person to attend a meeting of the Welfare
Board for the purpose of providing expert advice or information relevant to the functions of the Welfare Board.
(2) Persons invited under sub-rule (1) may include representatives of the Central Government, State Governments,
shipowners or seafarers organisations, major ports and ports other than major ports, organisations engaged in welfare of seafarers, maritime training institutions, or subject-matter experts in seafarers welfare, maritime labour standards, or related matters.
(3) An invitee shall have the right to participate in discussions, but shall not have a right to vote.
21. Sub-committees.— (1) The Welfare Board may constitute one or more sub-committees, standing or otherwise, to
examine and report on matters relating to the functions of the Welfare Board.
(2) A sub-committee shall consist of such members of the Welfare Board, as the Welfare Board may determine, and
may also include persons having special knowledge or experience in matters relating to seafarers welfare, maritime
labour standards or port welfare operations, as the Welfare Board considers necessary.
(3) Persons who are not members of the Welfare Board but are appointed to a sub-committee shall have the right to
participate and advise, but shall not have voting rights.
(4) Sub-committees shall submit their recommendations to the Welfare Board, and no decision of a sub-committee shall be binding unless approved by the Welfare Board.
22. Travelling and daily allowances.— (1) Official members of the Welfare Board and of any sub-committee thereof
shall be entitled to travelling and daily allowances for attending meetings or for undertaking any official business of the Welfare Board, in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribed in the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Office Memorandum No. 19030/01/2017-E.IV dated 13th July 2017, as amended from time to time.
(2) In the case of non-official members of the Welfare Board and of any sub-committee thereof, the entitlements shall be governed by Office Memorandum F. No. 19047/1/2016-E.IV, dated 14th September 2017, as amended from time to time.
(3) The Director-General shall be the controlling authority for sanctioning allowances in respect of non-official
members.
(4) Nothing in this rule shall affect the entitlement of any member to receive allowances from his or her employer, where applicable.
CHAPTER III – Levy and Collection of Seafarers Welfare Fees
23. Levy and collection of seafarers welfare fees.— (1) There shall be levied and collected, in respect of each seafarer
engaged on board an Indian vessel, an annual welfare fee at the rate of five hundred rupees per year for the purpose of providing amenities and promoting the welfare of seafarers.
(2) The annual welfare fee shall be payable by the owner of the Indian vessel in respect of each seafarer, who is held in engagement on board such vessel as on the first day of April of the relevant financial year.
(3) The annual welfare fee referred to in sub-rule (2) shall be paid on or before the thirtieth day of June of the financial year to which it relates.
(4) The fee shall be paid by electronic transfer to the proper officer, who shall credit such fee to the Government account under the head “XI—Mercantile Marine—Seafarers Welfare Fee” within seven days of receipt.
(5) The proper officer shall issue a receipt for every payment received in Form I.
(6) Every owner shall furnish to the proper officer such information as may be required for the implementation of these rules.
(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rules (1), (2) and (3), the welfare fee shall be paid within sixty days from the date of commencement of these rules, irrespective of the date of engagement of such seafarer.
24. Welfare fund contributions.— (1) All owners of Indian vessels shall contribute to the Seafarers Welfare Fund
Society for all seafarers, other than trainees, engaged by them—
(a) at the rate of ₹500 per seafarer per month, for foreign-going Indian vessels; and
(b) at the rate of ₹250 per seafarer per month, for Indian vessels operating in coastal waters.
(2) The Seafarers’ Welfare Fund contribution amount referred to in the sub-rule (1) shall be subject to revision by the
Director-General, which may be done once in every three years:
Provided that the amount so revised shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the contribution referred to in subrule (1).
(3) The contributions referred to in the sub-rule (1), shall be remitted on a quarterly basis within fifteen days from the
last date of the previous quarter to the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society, by electronic transfer, drawn in favour of the
Society.
(4) The Seafarers Welfare Fund Society shall issue a receipt for every payment received by it in Form II.
25. Determination of disputes regarding liability.— (1) Where any dispute arises regarding the liability for payment
of, or the amount of, the fee payable under these rules, the owner of the vessel may apply in writing to the DirectorGeneral for determination of the dispute.
(2) The Director-General shall, after giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard and after examining the relevant records, pass a reasoned order determining the liability.
(3) The decision of the Director-General shall be binding on both the Parties.
26. Refusal of port clearance.— (1) Where any owner of a vessel fails to make payment of the welfare fee due within
the time specified in these rules, the proper officer shall serve a notice on the owner of the vessel concerned, calling
upon him to pay the fee within thirty days from the date of receipt of such notice. Thereafter, the proper officer may
communicate the particulars of the defaulter to the Customs authorities, who shall not grant port clearance to the vessel until the amount of welfare fee due in respect of that vessel, including the expenses of collection, has been paid or until adequate security for payment thereof has been furnished to their satisfaction.
(2) If any vessel, in respect of which welfare fee is payable at any port, leaves such port without the amount referred to in sub-rule (1) having been paid, the Customs authorities may, in writing, require the Customs authorities at any other port to which the vessel may proceed, or at which the vessel may be, to recover the said amount.
(3) The Customs authorities to whom a requisition is sent under sub-rule (2) shall proceed to recover the said amount as if it were payable under these rules at the port at which such authorities are exercising jurisdiction, and a certificate issued by the Customs authorities at the port at which the said amount became payable, specifying the amount due, shall be sufficient proof of such liability in any proceedings under these rules.
(4) Upon recovery of the amount referred to in sub-rule (3), the Customs authorities shall issue a receipt as specified in Form III to the person making the payment, and shall forward a copy of the receipt, along with other relevant papers, if any, to the proper officer through the Customs authorities at the port at which the said amount became payable.
27. Receipts and remittance to Consolidated Fund of India.— (1) The amount of annual welfare fee collected under
rule 23 shall be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India under the revenue receipt head “XI — Mercantile Marine —
Seafarers Welfare Fee”.
(2) The Central Government shall determine, annually, the cost of collection of the welfare fee, and after deduction of
such cost from the gross collections, the net proceeds shall, after due appropriation by Parliament, be remitted to the
Seafarers Welfare Fund Society.
(3) The remittance under sub-rule (2) shall be debited to the expenditure head
“54 — Mercantile Marine — Contributions/Payments on account of Seafarers Welfare Fee”.
(4) The Seafarers Welfare Fund Society shall account for all such receipts in its books and maintain separate records for amounts received under these rules.
28. Utilisation of funds.— (1) The amounts remitted to the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society under these rules shall be
utilised solely for the welfare of seafarers and their dependants, including for the establishment, maintenance, operation
and improvement of welfare facilities and services, in accordance with Regulation 4.4 and Standard A4.4 of the
Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (1), the utilisation of funds may include expenditure on—
(a) port-based welfare facilities, including accommodation, recreational facilities, information centres and
counselling services;
(b) medical, social and educational assistance for seafarers and their dependants;
(c) access to welfare services at ports and other places frequented by seafarers;
(d) measures to facilitate communication, transportation and emergency assistance for seafarers; and
(e) any other welfare measures consistent with the objectives of these rules and the Maritime Labour
Convention, 2006.
(3) The Seafarers Welfare Fund Society shall maintain separate accounts for all receipts and expenditures under these rules and shall furnish annual statements of accounts and utilisation certificates to the Central Government.
29. Refund of excess payment.— (1) Where any annual welfare fee, paid under these rules, exceeds the amount actually due, the excess amount shall be refunded on a claim made within twelve months from the date of payment:
Provided that the competent authority may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, extend the time for making
such claim by a further period not exceeding twelve months.
(2) Refunds made under sub-rule (1) shall be adjusted under the head
“XI — Mercantile Marine — Deduct Refunds”.
30. Maintenance of accounts.— (1) The proper officer shall maintain, in respect of each vessel and the number of crew served, an account in Form IV, indicating—
(a) fees due and collected;
(b) refunds made;
(c) cost of collection; and
(d) amounts remitted to the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society.
(2) The accounts maintained as specified in sub-rule (1) shall be subject to audit in accordance with the directions of the Central Government.
CHAPTER IV – Port-Based Welfare Facilities
31. Port-based welfare facilities.— (1) The Port-based welfare facilities shall be provided in accordance with—
(a) the principles contained in Regulation 4.4 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006; and
(b) the welfare-related guidelines relating to port-based welfare issued by the Director-General of Maritime
Administration, as amended from time to time.
(2) The guidelines referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be facilitative in nature and shall not derogate from, or dilute, the
obligations imposed under these rules.
(3) Without prejudice to flexibility based on port size, traffic, terminal configuration and security considerations, portbased welfare services eligible for support under these rules may include,—
(a) communication facilities including internet or Wi-Fi access;
(b) assistance for local communication including SIM cards or recharge facilities;
(c) access to accommodation facilities including hostels, boarding houses or other temporary lodging
arrangements, and access to food and basic amenities;
(d) transport arrangements to nearby urban centres, subject to security clearance and operational feasibility;
(e) recreational, cultural and social support facilities;
(f) mental health counselling and psychosocial support services;
(g) medical assistance, referral services and emergency healthcare facilitation;
(h) access to information on local laws, customs and emergency contacts; and
(i) information regarding recognised welfare organisations, legal aid providers and consular assistance.
(4) Welfare-related information shall be disseminated through multilingual notices, maps, digital platforms or such
other means as may be appropriate to ensure effective access by seafarers.
32. Non-discrimination and inclusiveness.— (1) The Port-based welfare facilities specified under these rules shall be
accessible to all seafarers without discrimination on grounds of nationality, gender, race, religion, rank or flag of vessel.
(2) Appropriate arrangements shall be made to address the specific welfare, health and hygiene needs of women
seafarers, including access to menstrual hygiene products and suitable disposal facilities.
33. Inspection and oversight.— (1) The Port-based welfare facilities provided under these rules shall be subject to
inspection by the Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team.
(2) The composition of the Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team shall be such as may be specified by the DirectorGeneral.
(3) The said Audit Team shall assess,—
(a) adequacy of existing welfare facilities and management thereof;
(b) utilisation and accounting of welfare funds; and
(c) such other matters as may be specified.
34. Co-ordination with port authorities.— Nothing in this Chapter shall,—
(a) interfere with the statutory powers of port authorities or State Governments; or
(b) override any special law governing a port,
and implementation of welfare measures under these rules shall be carried out in coordination with the concerned port authority, State Maritime Board or port management entity, as applicable.
FORM I
[See rule 23(5)]
Form — Receipt for Seafarers Welfare Fee
1. Name of Port: __________________________
2. Seafarers Registration Port: __________________________
3. Amount Paid: ₹ ____________ (in words: _______________________)
4. Date of Payment Due: ___________________
5. Actual Date of Payment: ___________________
6. Vessel Details:
(a) Name of Vessel: ___________________
(b) IMO No. / Official No.: _______________
(c) Tonnage: ___________________
(d) Number of Seafarers Signed On: ___________
7. Name and Address of Payer : ___________________________
8. Mode of Payment (Cheque/DD/Online Ref. No.): ___________________________
Signature of Proper Officer
(Seal of Office)
Name: ___________________________
Designation: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
FORM II
[See rule 24(4)]
Form — Receipt for Welfare Fund Contribution
1. Name and Address of Payer: ___________________________
2. Amount Paid: ₹ ____________ (in words: _______________________)
3. Due Date of Payment: ___________________
4. Actual Date of Payment: ___________________
5. Quarterly period for which contribution made:
6. Number of seafarers engaged:
i. On foreign-going Indian vessels:
ii. Indian vessels operating in coastal waters:
(Seal of Seafarer Welfare Fund Society)
Name: ___________________________
Designation: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
FORM III
[See Rule 26(4)]
Form — Receipt for Seafarers Welfare Fee (to be issued by Customs authorities)
1. Name of Port: __________________________
2. Seafarers Registration Port: __________________________
3. Amount Paid: ₹ ____________ (in words: _______________________)
4. Date of Payment Due: ___________________
5. Actual Date of Payment: ___________________
6. Vessel Details:
(a) Name of Vessel: ___________________
(b) IMO No. / Official No.: _______________
(c) Tonnage: ___________________
(d) Number of Seafarers Signed On: ___________
7. Name and Address of Payer: ___________________________
8. Mode of Payment (Cheque/DD/Online Ref. No.): ___________________________
Signature of Proper Officer
(Seal of Office)
Name: ___________________________
Designation: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
FORM IV
[See Rule 30]
Proforma Account for Seafarers Welfare Fee (for the Financial Year ______)
a) Seafarers Welfare Fee dues from the owners in respect of
(i) Arrears.
(ii) Current year.
b) Seafarers Welfare Fee actually collected in respect of
(i) Arrears.
(ii) Current Year.
(c) Refund of excess payment under Rule 29.
(d) Cost of collection as determined by the Central Government.
(e) Miscellaneous expenditure, if any.
(f) Amount of levy paid to the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society by Central Government.
[F. No. SY-19014/185/2025-MG-Part (1)]
MUKESH MANGAL, Addl. Secy.
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