Introduction :

 The Seamen’s Provident Fund Scheme framed under the Seamen’s Provident Fund Act, 1966 ( 4 of 1966 ) was introduced retrospectively w.e.f. Ist July, 1964 to provide for the institution of a Provident Fund for all Seamen, in view of the obvious need to provide old age retirement benefit to the seamen members engaged in the Shipping industry ( Merchant Navy) and their family members in the event of death. To administer the Provident Fund Scheme, the office of the Seamen’s Provident Fund Commissioner was established on the 9th July , 1966.