The Port Welfare Committee of Tamil Nadu was established in 2005 under the Chairmanship of Dr. P. Mishra and the Vice-Chairmanship of Fr. Anthony, in accordance with the principles and recommendations of the ILO Seafarers' Welfare Convention, 1987 (Convention No. 163) and ILO Recommendation No. 173, which promote the development, maintenance, and enhancement of welfare facilities and services for seafarers in ports.
The Committee serves as a collaborative platform bringing together representatives from Port Authorities, Government Departments, Seafarers' Welfare Organizations, Trade Unions, Shipping Companies, Maritime Institutions, and other stakeholders committed to the welfare and well-being of seafarers visiting Tamil Nadu ports.
The Port Welfare Committee of Tamil Nadu supports and coordinates welfare activities across the State's major and minor ports, including Chennai Port, Kamarajar Port (Ennore), V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin), Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and other maritime locations where seafarers require welfare assistance and support.
One of the significant achievements of the Committee was the renovation and strengthening of the Seafarers' Club, Chennai, under its welfare initiatives. The Committee also facilitated the establishment of a Seafarers' Drop-in Centre within Chennai Port, providing visiting seafarers with welfare services, recreational facilities, communication support, and a welcoming environment while in port.
For more than two decades, welfare organizations and maritime welfare partners associated with the Committee have actively promoted the welfare, safety, dignity, and well-being of seafarers serving onboard ships and visiting Tamil Nadu ports. In subsequent years, with the active involvement and leadership of Dr. A. Babu Mailan, Chairman of the Indian Seafarers Welfare Organisation (ISWOT), and Shri Krishna Murthy, General Secretary of MPEU (affiliated to HMS and ITF), the Committee's activities were further expanded beyond port-based welfare services to include outreach programmes for seafarers and their local communities.
Under their guidance and support, regular Seafarers' Welfare Conferences, Stakeholder Meetings, Awareness Programmes, and Welfare Consultations have been organized at periodic intervals, bringing together seafarers, maritime professionals, welfare organizations, trade unions, government officials, and industry stakeholders. These initiatives have strengthened cooperation among maritime stakeholders and enhanced awareness of seafarers' welfare, rights, health, safety, and social well-being.
Welfare Services
Through its member organizations and welfare partners, the Committee facilitates and supports a wide range of welfare services, including:
Ship welfare visits conducted by trained and certified Ship Welfare Visitors.
Transportation assistance between vessels, terminals, and welfare centres.
Seafarers' centres and recreational facilities.
Indoor games, social activities, and recreational programmes.
Television, internet access, communication facilities, and entertainment services.
Refreshments, hospitality services, and welfare support.
Marine library and reading facilities.
Counselling and welfare guidance services.
Emergency medical assistance and hospital visitation support.
Family communication and emergency message services.
Assistance to distressed, abandoned, or vulnerable seafarers.
Information and guidance on seafarers' rights and welfare matters.
Welfare support during emergencies, crises, and humanitarian situations.
Seafarers' welfare seminars, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder engagement programmes.
Community outreach and family welfare support initiatives.
These welfare services have made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life, morale, and well-being of both Indian and international seafarers visiting ports throughout Tamil Nadu.
Commitment to Seafarers
The Port Welfare Committee of Tamil Nadu remains committed to working in close partnership with port authorities, maritime stakeholders, welfare organizations, shipping companies, trade unions, and government agencies to continuously strengthen welfare facilities and services in accordance with international best practices and internationally recognized standards relating to seafarers' welfare.
Guided by the principle that every seafarer deserves dignity, care, and support, the Committee continues to promote access to quality welfare services for all seafarers, irrespective of nationality, rank, religion, or background, while visiting ports in Tamil Nadu.
Through cooperation, compassion, and sustained commitment, the Committee seeks to foster a maritime environment where seafarers are valued, supported, and empowered both at sea and ashore.
"Promoting Quality Seafarers' Welfare in Tamil Nadu Ports — Supporting Seafarers at Sea and Ashore."
