India Approves ₹13 Crore Welfare Hub for Seafarers at Goa's Mormugao Port

The Indian government has approved Rs 13 crore to set up a Seafarers’ Welfare Centre at the Mormugao Port in Goa. The government is also considering affiliating an existing maritime training institute in the state with the Indian Maritime University (IMU).

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal informed South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes about the approval in a letter.

He also addressed the MP’s requests for better maritime training facilities, easier shore leave for seafarers and changes to the maritime administration in Goa.

Fernandes had written to the ministry on June 5, seeking improvements to maritime infrastructure, education and seafarer welfare in the state.

Sonowal informed Fernandes that the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society had approved Rs 13 crore for setting up of the welfare centre, along with the applicable charges and taxes.

Fernandes had also sought a Seamen’s Club and other such facilities for seafarers at the Mormugao port.

It has been stated by the minister that an existing maritime training institute or college in Goa is being considered for affiliation with Indian Maritime University.

The proposal seeks to enhance maritime education and training in the state.

Fernandes had requested the government to setup an IMU campus in Goa and introduce a degree programme in Naval Architecture.

But Sonowal’s reply mentioned affiliation of an existing institute or college. There was no confirmation on the establishment of a new IMU campus.

Sonowal also addressed concerns about shore leave for Indian seafarers at Indian ports.

The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGMA) has come up with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Shore Leave Passes.

It is expected to facilitate seafarers to go ashore and also simplify the immigration formalities at the seaport immigration posts.

The minister also referred to Circular No. 38 of 2026, dated July 15. It was issued pursuant to the Ministry of Home Affairs Circular No. 663, dated July 3.

The circular has modified Chapter 23 of the Visa Manual, 2019 relating to seamen and aircrew for simplifying the immigration formalities at the seaport immigration posts.

Fernandes had also requested the government to appoint a principal officer at the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) Goa and make its office fully operational.

Sonowal stated that the upgrading of Surveyor-in-Charge of MMD Goa to principal officer will be included in the ongoing cadre restructuring proposal of Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGMA).

References: TOI, maritimegateway