About SPFO
The Seamen’s Provident Fund Scheme framed under the Seamen’s Provident Fund Act, 1966 (4 of 1966) was introduced retrospectively with effect from 1st July 1964 to provide for the institution of a Provident Fund for all seafarer, in view of the obvious need to provide old-age retirement benefits to seafarer members engaged in the Shipping Industry (Merchant Navy).
The scheme also provides financial security to their family members in the event of the seafarer's death. To administer the Provident Fund Scheme, the Office of the Seamen’s Provident Fund Commissioner was established on 9th July 1966.
