India: Establishment and functions of the Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team (SWBAT)

The Directorate General of Shipping, India has published a shipping order outlining the establishment and functions of the Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team (SWBAT).

This order was published on 22 April 2024.

Background and Purpose: The DGS, a body under the Ministry of Port, Shipping & Waterways, is responsible for implementing shipping policies, ensuring safety at sea, promoting maritime education, and regulating seafarers' employment and welfare. Recognizing the importance of welfare facilities for seafarers, the Seafarer's Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) was formed to support Indian seafarers and their families. SWFS aims to provide and maintain welfare facilities for seafarers both in Indian ports and ports abroad, in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.

Composition of SWBAT: The Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team (SWBAT) is tasked with inspecting port facilities and ensuring their compliance with established guidelines. SWBAT comprises members from various organizations, including the DGS, government shipping offices, survey departments, seafarers' unions, and the Sailors Society in India.

Functions and Duties of SWBAT: SWBAT's primary responsibilities include:

1. Inspecting the management and adequacy of welfare facilities for seafarers at ports.
2. Evaluating the implementation of port levies and fundraising mechanisms for welfare facilities.
3. Facilitating collaboration among different service providers through port welfare committees.
4. Verifying compliance with Directorate guidelines for port welfare facilities.
5. Issuing certificates of compliance to ports and conducting renewal inspections every five years.
6. Providing inspection support to the Directorate and the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society for approvals and trust purposes.

Travel Allowances and Terms: SWBAT members are entitled to travel and daily allowances as per government regulations outlined in the Ministry of Finance's Office Memorandum.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Constitution of Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team (SWBAT) with a Mandate to Inspect the Welfare Facilities Provided in the Ports