Habsiyat

Habsiyat, also sometimes spelled Habsiyat, is a term of Indian origin primarily used in the context of the merchant shipping industry. It refers to the allowances, perquisites, or benefits provided to seafarers in addition to their base salary. These allowances can cover a range of expenses and provisions intended to improve the living and working conditions onboard a vessel.

Common components of Habsiyat may include provisions for food, laundry, medical care, and recreational facilities. The specific items covered under Habsiyat, and their value, often vary depending on the shipping company, the type of vessel, the trading route, and the seafarer's rank.

While the term "Habsiyat" is predominantly found in the Indian subcontinent’s maritime sector, similar allowances and benefits for seafarers are common worldwide, though they may be referred to by different terms such as "ship's husbandry," "victualling," or specific line items in a seafarer's employment contract related to welfare and comfort.

The provision and management of Habsiyat are important aspects of ensuring seafarers' well-being and compliance with international maritime labor conventions, particularly the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, which sets minimum standards for seafarers' rights and working conditions.