WELCOME to this web based platform of the mariners, for the mariners by the mariners. It is to sensitise, offer advice and help mariners when they are not taken care by those who are supposed to. It is necessitated due to the failure of systems, shortcoming of provisions in place, increased awareness of mariners and new Conventions in the offing.

Nonetheless, mariners must realize that jurisdictions whether tyrannical or democratic hegemony are sacrosanct. They should `do as Romans, whilst in Rome’ and accept that they are unwelcome guests in most places as the trade is all about goods.

On their part they must hold valid genuine documents like Passport, Visa, Certificate of Competency, pass medical tests and maintain good health. They must upgrade themselves on a continuous basis to stay abreast and ahead of industry developments, check background of their employers ensuring that they have valid licenses and Club cover as Co-assureds with owners or otherwise, and beware that ignorance is no excuse.

Where there are difficulties in ensuring certain basics - minimum rest hours, shore leave in some ports, manning scales, relief in time etc, conjoined commitment by all concerned at international level should be to work towards desirable goals.

Rules of Flag states, Provisions of Administrations of manpower suppliers as interested parties, Standard terms of employment contracts, unionized Collective Agreements, P&I Club covers etc should be made available, asked for, understood and practiced. Maritime Labour Convention, Guidelines for Fair Treatment of Seafarers, other useful info etc are linked in later pages. Our efforts are based on these. Good employers differentiate thus.

Assistance must be sought from Shipmanagers, Owners, Unions, Clubs, Consulates, Port and Flag States etc. It is duty of the aforesaid to assist mariners when required under contract, liability, employment terms, legal obligations etc. Our Email contact@marinerswelfareguild.com may be used for opinion and advice when the foregoing fails, seems to fail or be delayed.

Physical, Financial or Legal assistance is not on offer on humanitarian grounds, free or for a fee. Necessary background and details (Ship, port, incident/date, issues, contact details ,..) must be provided to obtain genuine consideration. The sufferers/victims, his friends, family or anyone in close contact with them may initiate the complaint. Free advice is available from experts in their field, often without revealing names.

All mariners should enroll in a Trade/Labour Union convenient to them. Those not enrolled in any, of any nationality especially Indians, may please register with this guild. No fees or contribution is being charged currently. Retired mariners, those pursuing marine related professions ashore, with expired CoC/CDC and not sailing may part-take.

Please email genuine queries to contact@marinerswelfareguild.com. Only registered mariners will be responded to. Those not registered may alert this guild through enrolled mariners when in distress. Merchantnavy@yahoogroups.com should be used for general information exchange and airing comments and views. Anonymous and imaginary cases will not be answered. Let us work together for Greater Common Good of mariners.