Family Support
SEAFARER’S DEATH AT SEA – FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY
A Policy has been developed by the Society to provide, within certain eligibility criteria and at its absolute discretion, financial assistance to the dependants of a seafarer whose life is lost while employed under an Australian registered ship’s Articles of Agreement.
1. INTRODUCTION
Within the terms of this Policy, dependants may be provided with financial assistance where it can be established that an anticipated workers compensation payment and/or other financial relief will be insufficient to meet the dependant's immediate financial needs.
2. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR GRANTING ASSISTANCE – WHO MAY APPLY?
The dependants of a seafarer of any nationality who was domiciled in Australia at the time of their death and who lose their life while serving on an Australian-registered ship may apply.
"An Australian-registered ship" includes ocean-going fishing vessels but specifically excludes ferries or other craft operating principally within waters administered by a local port or harbour authority and also vessels operating on inland waterways.
3. APPLICATIONS
The Society will accept applications from the dependants of the deceased or from parties acting on their behalf including, if so appointed, the Executor of the deceased’s Will.
Decisions on grants are made on a needs basis and applicants therefore should indicate the total amount of any other actual or anticipated compensation and/or other financial benefit and why those are unlikely to be sufficient to meet the immediate financial needs of the dependants of the deceased.
4. TIME LIMIT
An application must be received by the Council within twelve months of the date of the seafarer’s death and should be sent to:
The Secretary
The Australian Mariners Welfare Society PO Box 3058
ROSEMEADOW NSW 2560
Australia
Tel: 0418 488163
e-mail: secretaryamws@gmail.com
Website: www.marinerswelfare.com
