When a seafarer gets abandoned or stranded, the problem does not affect only the person onboard. It affects the entire family waiting at home. Salary may stop, communication may become difficult, and the family may not know whom to contact or what documents to collect. In such situations, awareness can make a big difference. One important welfare support families should know about is the SWFS Ex-Gratia Support Benefit Scheme, which gives monthly financial help to the family or nominee of eligible abandoned or stranded seafarers.
SWFS stands for Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society. It is a welfare body connected with Indian seafarers and their families. SWFS runs different welfare schemes for situations like death, disability, maternity, old age, medical support, and abandoned or stranded seafarer cases. The Ex-Gratia Support Benefit Scheme is one of these welfare schemes. It is made to support the family when a seafarer is stuck, abandoned, or stranded due to problems with the owner, employer, or RPSL.
The Ex-Gratia Support Benefit Scheme is financial support for the family or nominee of a stranded or abandoned Indian seafarer. The official SWFS page says that this scheme gives monthly ex-gratia support to the nominee for a maximum of 12 months or till the abandonment period ends, whichever is earlier. It applies to stranded or abandoned bona fide seafarers. In simple words, this scheme helps the family while the seafarer is still stuck in a difficult situation.
When a seafarer is abandoned, wages may be delayed or stopped. The family may still have to pay rent, school fees, medical bills, loan EMIs, and household expenses. Many families depend on the seafarer’s income every month. If that income suddenly stops, the family can face serious pressure. This scheme may provide monthly support during the crisis, so the family is not completely helpless while the official process is going on.
Earlier, the support amount under the scheme was ₹10,000 per month. For families of seafarers abandoned or stranded on or after 1 January 2026, the amount has been amended to ₹20,000 per month. The support is available for a maximum of 12 months or till the abandonment period ends, whichever is earlier. This means the family may receive monthly help, but it is not unlimited.
The scheme applies to stranded or abandoned cases occurring on or after 12 March 2025. It is meant for cases where the seafarer is abandoned or stranded by the owner, employer, or RPSL, subject to official confirmation and scheme rules. Families should not depend only on verbal information or WhatsApp messages. The case needs to be supported by proper details and confirmation through the official process.
The support does not start immediately from the first day. SWFS says assistance is paid after 2 months of being stranded, based on confirmation from government authorities. This means the seafarer must remain stranded or abandoned for the required period before assistance can begin. Families should understand this clearly so they do not expect payment on the first day of the incident.
Government confirmation is a key part of this scheme. The official scheme says SWFS obtains bona fide stranded seafarer details from the Shipping Master, Government Shipping Office, Seamen’s Employment Office, or DG Shipping Crew Branch. After confirmation of the stranded or abandoned status, date, and family details, assistance may be paid. This means the family should cooperate with the company, RPSL, authorities, and SWFS process.
The application deadline is very important. The official SWFS page says the application must be submitted within 2 months from the date of stranding or abandonment. This is a short timeline. Families may be under stress, but they should not delay the process. If the family learns about the scheme too late, they may miss the chance to apply properly. That is why seafarers should explain this scheme at home before sailing.
The official application form asks for details such as the seafarer’s name, CDC number, date and place of being stranded or abandoned, vessel name, owner or RPSL details, employment contract details, applicant details, relationship with the seafarer, address, contact number, ID proof, and bank account details. It also asks for documents such as copy of seafarer’s CDC, proof of employment if available, next of kin ID proof, relationship proof, and bank passbook or cancelled cheque.
Many seafarers tell their family about salary and joining date, but they do not explain welfare schemes. This can create problems during emergencies. Before joining, every seafarer should tell the family where CDC copy, passport copy, contract, joining letter, company details, RPSL details, nominee information, and bank details are kept. This is not negative thinking. It is responsible planning. If something goes wrong, the family should know what to do quickly.
Families should avoid waiting too long before checking the scheme. They should not depend only on unofficial messages, verbal promises, or social media posts. Other common mistakes include not knowing the seafarer’s CDC number, losing contract documents, not having relationship proof, using wrong bank details, and missing the 2-month application deadline. The family should always check official SWFS or DG Shipping information and take help from the company, RPSL, union, or trusted maritime support channels.
The Ex-Gratia Support Benefit Scheme is a welfare assistance scheme. The official scheme document says this financial assistance is granted at the discretion of the Society and may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as per rules. This means families should understand that the benefit is subject to official eligibility, verification, documents, and approval. It should not be treated as automatic payment. Proper application and confirmation are very important.
Financial Help for Families of Abandoned Seafarers is an important welfare topic every Indian seafarer should understand. Under the SWFS Ex-Gratia Support Benefit Scheme, eligible families may receive monthly support in abandoned or stranded cases. For cases on or after 1 January 2026, the amount may be ₹20,000 per month, for up to 12 months or till the abandonment period ends, whichever is earlier. But the family must act fast, keep documents ready, and apply within the official timeline.
For seafarers, family protection is not only about salary, allotment, and joining date. It is also about welfare awareness, documents, emergency planning, and knowing what support exists during a crisis. Sailor Pro App – Built for Seafarers, an Initiative by Merchant Navy Decoded, can help seafarers stay more organised with important maritime updates and guidance. You can also follow Merchant Navy Decoded for practical information created especially for Indian seafarers and their families.
Under the SWFS Ex-Gratia Support Benefit Scheme, eligible families or nominees may receive monthly financial assistance in stranded or abandoned seafarer cases.
The support was ₹10,000 per month earlier. For seafarers abandoned or stranded on or after 1 January 2026, it has been amended to ₹20,000 per month.
The support may be given for a maximum of 12 months or till the abandonment period ends, whichever is earlier.
No. Assistance is paid after 2 months of being stranded or abandoned, based on confirmation from government authorities.
The application must be submitted within 2 months from the date of stranding or abandonment.
Families should keep CDC copy, employment proof, applicant ID proof, relationship proof, bank passbook or cancelled cheque, vessel details, RPSL or company details, and other supporting documents ready.
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