Seafarer Complaint Registration
Protecting the rights, wages, and safety of seafarers serving on Indian and international vessels. Register your maritime grievance with Helpful Foundation for professional documentation, legal guidance, and escalation support under MLC 2006 and applicable maritime laws.
📄 Download and Submit Forms
Click the links below to download the forms required to register your complaint with Helpful Foundation (HF).
⚓ Seafarers’ Complaint Resolution Form
The primary complaint form for registering maritime grievances related to wages, fraud, abandonment, safety, and seafarer rights violations.
Download Complaint Form📝 Undertaking of Fee Paid Affidavit
A mandatory affidavit for non-members confirming the payment of the applicable legal action and complaint registration fee.
Download Affidavit📋 Submission Instructions
Download
Download both forms by clicking the download buttons above.
Fill & Attach
Fill out the forms completely and attach any supporting documents or evidence.
Send via Email
Send the completed forms via email to our Public Grievance team.
📧 Submit your completed forms to:
pg@helpful.foundation →Seafarer Membership Benefits
🏅 Seafarer Membership Holders
No fee is required to register a complaint. Active members enjoy complimentary complaint registration and initial assistance.
👤 Non-Members
A fee is applicable for legal action and complaint registration. The fee affidavit must be submitted along with the complaint form.
Categories of Complaints
Helpful Foundation handles 10 major categories of seafarer grievances under Indian maritime law, DG Shipping regulations, and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006).
Fraud and Misconduct
- Fraud by RPSL Company (recruitment or placement fraud)
- Misrepresentation of contracts or terms of employment
DG Shipping Related Issues
- CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) — issuance, renewal, or verification issues
- COC & CO (Certificate of Competency & Certificate of Officer) — delays, errors, or denial
- C Certificate — problems with issuance or recognition
- Examinations — scheduling issues, evaluation errors, or result disputes
Wages and Financial Issues
- Non-payment or delayed payment of wages
- Overtime disputes
- Denial of leave or shore leave
- Seaman’s Provident Fund (SPF) issues
- Payment of death, missing, or injury compensation
Employment Abandonment
- Abandonment by the shipowner or RPSL
- Unlawful termination or breach of contract
Health, Safety & Working Conditions
- Injury or illness at sea without proper medical attention
- Unsafe working conditions
- Poor accommodation, food, or hygiene standards
- Unsafe equipment onboard
Harassment and Discrimination
- Sexual harassment or bullying on board
- Discrimination based on nationality, gender, religion, or rank
Repatriation Issues
- Delayed or denied repatriation
- Stranded at sea or in foreign ports
- Visa or documentation problems
Regulatory Non-Compliance
- Non-compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006)
- Violations of seafarers’ rights under Indian or international laws
Accidents, Death, or Missing Crew
- Death onboard or during deployment
- Missing seafarers
- Injury accidents and related claims
Other Issues
- Any grievances not explicitly listed above, including procedural issues, communication failures, or employer misconduct
📝 How to File a Seafarer Complaint
Follow these 4 steps to properly document and submit your maritime grievance.
Document Everything
Collect employment contracts, wage slips, medical records, and communication logs.
Identify the Authority
Employer → Flag State → Helpful Foundation → Legal Aid escalation path.
Submit Written Complaint
Include personal details, ship details (name, IMO), dates, description, evidence, and desired resolution.
Follow Up
Keep copies and track the status of your complaint through all channels.
Seafarer Membership Payment
per year
Active service required
Note on Legal Fees
- The legal fee for processing and pursuing a complaint with Helpful Foundation depends on the nature and complexity of the case.
- Seafarer membership holders are exempt from fees for complaint registration and initial assistance.
- Non-members are required to pay the applicable legal fee, which will be communicated based on the specifics of the case, before filing or taking legal action.
- The complainant will be informed of the exact fee amount prior to proceeding with any legal or administrative process.
Need Immediate Maritime Legal Support?
Whether you’re stranded abroad, facing wage disputes, RPSL fraud, or safety violations at sea — Helpful Foundation is here to help. Contact our public grievance team for confidential, professional maritime legal consultation.
Click for Legal Consultation📞 WhatsApp Support: +91 8377902909
Disclaimer
Helpful Foundation provides legal documentation, guidance, and grievance facilitation support for seafarer and maritime matters. We are not a law firm and do not represent clients before courts or maritime tribunals. All services are for informational, drafting, and advocacy purposes only. Clients are advised to consult licensed advocates or approach appropriate authorities (DG Shipping, MLC authorities, Flag State Administration, RPSL licensing bodies, Admiralty Courts) for legal action or litigation.