Merchant Seaman Compensation Program

The objective of the Merchant Seaman Compensation Act is to provide compensation benefits for those seamen who are not eligible under any other federal or provincial act. 

Eligibility Criteria

The benefits apply to merchant seamen who are injured while their ship is on a "HOMETRADE" or "FOREIGN" voyage, as defined in the terms of the Canada Shipping Act, and who are not eligible to provincial workers' compensation benefits. 

Summary

Employers are liable to pay benefits awarded by the Merchant Seamen Compensation Board and the administrative expenses relating to its operations. Employers must maintain insurance against the risk of claims and report all accidents to the Board.

How does it work?

• An employee who is injured in an accident arising out of and in the course of their employment should notify his/her supervisor as soon as possible.
• The employer must, within 60 days of the happening of the accident, notify the Merchant Seamen Compensation Board, in writing, of the details of the accident.
• The Report of Accident and Claim and pertinent medical documentation are received by the Secretary for consideration by the Board.
• If the claim is approved, the Board directs the employer to pay the benefits as awarded.

Manitoba Contact(s):
See National Contact.

National Contact(s):
Secretary
Merchant Seamen Compensation Board
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
10th Floor
Phase II
Place du Portage
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0J2
Telephone: 819-953-8003
Fax: 819-994-5368
Web site: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml