Welfare and rights
Welfare and rights news
What money can Indian seafarers and their families get from the Seafarers' Welfare Fund Society (SWFS)?India's Seafarers' Welfare Fund Society pays families after a death, injury or abandonment. In war-risk areas it pays up to ₹10 lakh. This guide explains the main schemes, the deadlines, the documents and how to apply, as of November 2026.
What should I do if my wages are not paid or my ship is abandoned?What the Maritime Labour Convention says about unpaid wages and abandonment, how to use the abandonment insurance on board, what evidence to collect, and who to contact for help: the ITF, your union, the flag state and your own government.
Visas and crew changes
Visas and crew changes news
How does the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) work for seafarers joining or leaving ships in Europe?Since 10 April 2026, Schengen borders record non-EU seafarers with fingerprints and a photo instead of passport stamps. Here is who is registered, how the 90-day count works, how to check your days and how to fix a wrong record.
Can I go ashore or change crew in an Indian port? Shore leave pass and crew change rulesAs of November 2026, India gives seafarers a shore leave pass for 06:00 to 23:45 each day. Indian crew can get it for up to 30 days, foreign crew for up to 7. Crew changes are allowed inside port limits.
Certificates and training
Certificates and training news
How do I renew (revalidate) my Philippine COC as a deck or engine officer?Step-by-step guide for Filipino officers: when to apply, how much sea service you need, what to do if you do not have enough, which documents to prepare, how to apply in MARINA's MISMO system and why you must pay within seven days.
How do I check online that an Indian or Philippine seafarer certificate is genuine?How to use the free online checks of India's DGMA and the Philippines' MARINA to confirm a CDC, COC, COP or other seafarer certificate, what details you need, what the result does and does not prove, and where to report a problem.
