Social Protection for Seafarers: Why is it crucial?

Maritime navigation is a demanding profession that exposes seafarers to a variety of risks, underlining the importance of adequate social protection. The ENIM forms the basis of this protection in France, offering guarantees similar to those provided by social security for land-based workers, but particularly adapted to the living and working conditions at sea.
The Établissement National des Invalides de la Marine (ENIM) provides basic social protection for seafarers, acting as a first level of security. However, the specific needs of this profession often require additional guarantees, where organisations such as EDGE CREW complement this cover.

ENIM: the basis of social protection for seafarers

ENIM plays a crucial role in the protection of seafarers, providing cover in the event of an accident at work, illness or other occupational risks.

Daily Indemnities (IJ)

The ENIM provides daily allowances for seafarers who are unable to work due to illness or accident. The amount of these allowances is calculated on the basis of a flat-rate salary determined by the seafarer’s professional category, which may sometimes not reflect the seafarer’s actual income, thus posing financial challenges.

The waiting period

An important aspect of this cover is the waiting period, which can be 30 days with the ENIM in the event of an accident at work or illness while sailing. During this period, the seafarer’s salary is maintained in full by his or her employer from the day after you disembark. Without a maritime employment contract, seafarers receive no compensation, which can lead to financial difficulties. This is a significant limitation of the standard protection, which calls for a complementary solution.

Why is EDGE CREW’s Complete Solution Crucial?

Recognising the unique challenges faced by seafarers, EDGE CREW offers solutions that go beyond the basic ENIM protection, covering waiting periods, compensation ceilings, and offering additional guarantees.

Waiver of waiting period: in the event of an accident at work or illness while sailing, EDGE CREW offers solutions that take effect from the first day of sick leave, providing a constant income from the start of the incapacity for work and for 30 days.

Coverage at 100% of Salary: For accidents at work or illness while sailing, EDGE CREW supplements ENIM compensation to cover up to 100% of the seafarer’s salary for one year, offering financial stability during periods of incapacity.

Provident Insurance and Additional Benefits: EDGE CREW includes provident insurance for death, accident permanent or temporary disability, and illness, with cover of up to €100,000 per year plus 100% of salary from the 8th day over 365 days. The family mutual supplements this offer with extensive health cover, providing overall peace of mind.

The example of Thierry P.

Thierry, an experienced seafarer, experienced what many people dread: a work accident at sea. When he fell, he fractured his shin and fibula, injuries that required a long period of convalescence and treatment lasting almost a year. Thanks to his ENIM cover, Thierry received 50% of his fixed salary in daily allowances. However, it was the complementary nature of his cover with EDGE CREW that really made the difference.
Thierry’s example perfectly illustrates why it is essential for seafarers to have social protection that goes beyond the standard provisions. Accidents and occupational illnesses can occur at any time, and the financial consequences of prolonged absence from work can be severe. Comprehensive cover provides not only financial support but also peace of mind.

Conclusion

While ENIM offers a basic level of cover, the specific nature of the seafaring profession and the inherent limitations of this basic cover make a comprehensive solution such as that offered by EDGE CREW essential. As a seafarer, you are fully protected, allowing you to sail with confidence, knowing that your financial security and that of your family are assured at all times.