What We Do
Ship Welfare Visits
Ship welfare visiting is one of the core activities of MNWB. The Board supports the training and development of welfare officers who conduct regular visits to vessels calling at Indian ports to assess the welfare needs of seafarers. These visits provide seafarers with direct access to welfare support, guidance, counseling, information, and practical assistance, while also helping welfare organizations identify and address issues affecting crew members.
Seafarers' Welfare Centres
MNWB supports Port Welfare Committees, maritime charities, seafarers' missions, and welfare organizations in establishing and developing Seafarers' Welfare Centres and welfare services throughout India. These centres provide seafarers with a safe and welcoming environment where they can access communication facilities, recreation, welfare support, transportation assistance, and other essential services while ashore.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by seafarers, MNWB actively promotes mental health awareness and emotional well-being. The Board supports initiatives focused on stress management, welfare counseling, peer support, resilience building, and mental health education to help seafarers maintain their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Port Welfare Committees & Welfare Organisation
MNWB actively promotes and supports the establishment and strengthening of Port Welfare Committees in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006. Through cooperation with port authorities, shipping companies, seafarers' unions, welfare organizations, and government agencies, the Board works to enhance the quality and accessibility of welfare services at Indian ports.
Global Cadetship Programme
The Global Cadetship Programme supports aspiring maritime professionals by promoting maritime careers, facilitating sponsorship opportunities, encouraging training placements, and fostering partnerships with shipping companies, maritime academies, and international welfare organizations. The programme aims to assist young people in building successful careers in the maritime industry.
Research & Policy Advocacy
MNWB conducts research, collects incident reports and feedback from seafarers, and submits recommendations to relevant authorities on matters relating to welfare, safety, employment conditions, mental health, and social protection. Through constructive engagement and policy advocacy, the Board contributes to the continuous improvement of welfare standards within the maritime sector.
National & International Cooperation
MNWB maintains close cooperation with Government Ministries, the Directorate General of Shipping, Port Authorities, Shipping Companies, Maritime Trade Unions, International Maritime Charities, Seafarers' Missions, and Global Welfare Networks. These partnerships help facilitate welfare assistance and support for seafarers both in India and overseas, particularly during emergencies and welfare-related cases.
Ship Arrest, Abandonment & Accidents at Sea Assistance
MNWB provides guidance, welfare support, and assistance to seafarers affected by vessel abandonment, ship arrest, detention, unpaid wages, repatriation difficulties, medical emergencies, and maritime accidents. The Board works with relevant authorities, maritime organizations, and welfare networks to help seafarers access legal, medical, humanitarian, and emergency support services.
Welfare Seminars & Conferences
MNWB organizes and participates in seminars, workshops, conferences, awareness programmes, and stakeholder consultations across India. These events provide a platform for government agencies, port authorities, shipping companies, maritime unions, welfare organizations, and international bodies to exchange knowledge and develop practical solutions to improve seafarers' welfare.