Port Welfare Committee of Andhra Pradesh
Ports of Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Gangavaram & Krishnapatnam
The Port Welfare Committee of Andhra Pradesh was established in 2005 pursuant to the directions of the National Seafarers Welfare Board of India, then chaired by Shri M.P. Pinto, IAS, former Shipping Secretary and Director General of Shipping, Government of India. The Committee was constituted in accordance with the principles and objectives of the ILO Seafarers' Welfare Convention, 1987 (Convention No. 163) and ILO Recommendation No. 173, which promote the development of welfare facilities and services for seafarers in ports worldwide.
The Committee serves as a collaborative platform bringing together representatives from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, port authorities, seafarers' welfare organizations, trade unions, shipping companies, and maritime stakeholders associated with the ports of Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Gangavaram, and Krishnapatnam. Its primary objective is to coordinate and strengthen welfare services for seafarers visiting Andhra Pradesh ports and to ensure that such services are delivered in accordance with internationally recognized welfare standards.
Over the years, the Committee has benefited from the leadership and participation of several distinguished maritime and government representatives, including Shri B. Ratna Sekhar Rao, Traffic Manager, Visakhapatnam Port Authority; Shri V.V. Pandu Ranga Raju, Deputy Labour Commissioner, Government of Andhra Pradesh, representing Kakinada Port; Capt. Jacob Satya Raju, nominated by Kakinada Seaports Limited; Capt. Anil, representing Gangavaram Port; Shri R.R. Naidu, IPS, Former Deputy Inspector General of Police; and Shri Rokkam Venkateswarulu, Former Deputy Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Authority, who served as Chairman of the Committee. Their guidance and commitment have significantly contributed to the advancement of seafarers' welfare initiatives across Andhra Pradesh ports.
For more than two decades, the Committee and its member organizations have remained actively engaged in promoting the welfare, well-being, and quality of life of seafarers visiting Andhra Pradesh. Welfare services are delivered through member organizations including the Merchant Navy Club, Centre for Seafarers Welfare, Sailors Recreation Home, and United Christian Seafarers Welfare Association (UCSWA).
Welfare Services
The Committee and its member organizations provide a comprehensive range of welfare services to seafarers visiting the ports of Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Gangavaram, and Krishnapatnam, including:
Ship welfare visits conducted by trained and certified Ship Welfare Visitors.
Free transportation between vessels and seafarers' welfare centres.
Recreational and leisure facilities, including indoor games and social activities.
Television, video entertainment, karaoke, and cultural programmes.
Refreshments, hospitality services, coffee, and snacks.
Marine libraries and reading facilities.
Counselling, welfare guidance, and pastoral support.
Emergency medical assistance and welfare support services.
Hospital visits and assistance for sick or injured seafarers.
Family welfare support and emergency communication facilities.
Information, advice, and guidance on seafarers' welfare matters.
Assistance to seafarers facing emergencies, abandonment, or welfare-related difficulties.
These services have been continuously provided for more than twenty years, making a valuable contribution to the welfare, morale, and well-being of thousands of seafarers visiting Andhra Pradesh ports.
Commitment to Seafarers
The Port Welfare Committee of Andhra Pradesh remains committed to serving seafarers irrespective of nationality, rank, race, religion, or background. Guided by international best practices and the principles embodied in international labour standards relating to seafarers' welfare, the Committee continues to work towards strengthening welfare facilities, enhancing support services, and promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all seafarers visiting Andhra Pradesh ports.
"Dedicated to Promoting Quality Seafarers' Welfare in Andhra Pradesh Ports and Beyond."
Inauguration of Merchant Navy Club at Visakhapatnam
Shri. M. P. Pinto IAS ( Former Shipping Secretary & DG Shipping, Govt. of India ) and Shri. Srinivas Rao IAS, Chairman, Visakhapatnam Port Trust inaugurated Merchant Navy Club at Visakhapatnam Port
Inauguration of Seafarers Centre at Kakinada Government Port
Revd. David Potterton of Sailors Society, UK; Mr. Tom Holmer of ITF Seafarers Trust, UK; Capt. Jonathan Stonely of Cargill, UK; and Mrs. Larisa Thuije of Maersk Safmarine, Denmark inaugurated the Seafarers Centre at Kakinada
Inauguration of Seafarers Welfare Centre at Kakinada Deepwater Port
Shri. N. Sridhar IAS, Director of Ports, Govt. of AP; Shri. Muralidhar, CEO, Kakinada Deepwater Port; Dr. Suresh N. Idnani, ICSW Regional Coordinator; Capt. Jacob Satya Raju; and Capt. Ravi of KSPL during inauguration of Seafarers Centre in Kakinada Deepwater Port.
