War Risk Allowance for Seafarers — What You’re Owed and How to Claim It (2026)
If your vessel has transited through the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, or Gulf of Aden — or any area currently designated as a High Risk Area (HRA) or War Risk Zone — you may be entitled to a War Risk Allowance (WRA) on top of your basic wages.
In 2026, with the Hormuz situation escalating and oil prices above $100/barrel, this is not a theoretical right. It is live money that many seafarers are not receiving — because they don’t know they can claim it.
What Is War Risk Allowance?
War Risk Allowance (also called Bonus Pay, HRA Bonus, or Piracy Bonus) is additional compensation paid to seafarers who transit through zones designated as War Risk or High Risk Areas. It is separate from and in addition to your basic monthly salary.
It is governed by:
- Your Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or employment contract
- MLC 2006 — Maritime Labour Convention (India ratified)
- ITF collective agreements (if your vessel is ITF-covered)
The specific amount varies by CBA. Most ITF-approved CBAs specify WRA as a multiplier of your basic wage or as a fixed daily/voyage bonus during HRA transit.
Which Areas Currently Qualify (May 2026)?
Based on current advisories:
| Area | Risk Status | Advisory Source |
|---|---|---|
| Strait of Hormuz | HIGH RISK | DGMA, UK FCDO, BIMCO |
| Persian Gulf | HIGH RISK | DGMA Advisory (active) |
| Gulf of Oman | HIGH RISK | BMP6, UKMTO |
| Red Sea / Gulf of Aden | HIGH RISK | BMP6, UKMTO |
| Indian Ocean (specific zones) | WATCH | UKMTO |
DGMA has issued active security advisories covering the Hormuz / Iranian waters situation. DGMA has also extended CoC validity for seafarers stuck in the Hormuz area.
How to Know If You’re Owed WRA
Step 1: Read your CBA or employment contract
Look for clauses on “War Risk Allowance,” “HRA Bonus,” “High Risk Area Pay,” or “Bonus Pay.” It should specify the amount and the trigger conditions (which areas, how calculated).
Step 2: Confirm your vessel’s routing
If your vessel transited the qualifying HRA, you are owed WRA for those days. The Master’s logs and vessel’s AIS track confirm this.
Step 3: Check your payslips
Was WRA included for those voyages? If not, and your CBA says it should be — that is a shortfall you can claim.
How to Claim War Risk Allowance
If your company has not paid WRA:
-
Document everything: Voyage details, dates of HRA transit, CBA clause specifying WRA, your payslips showing it was not paid.
-
Write formally to your company: Send a formal email to your Manning Department or Fleet Superintendent. State: dates of HRA transit, the CBA clause that entitles you to WRA, the amount owed, and request payment within 14 days.
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If no response: Escalate to ITF.
Contact ITF:
- ITF Global Helpline: +44 20 7403 2733
- Email: itfinspector@itf.org.uk
- ITF India (Mumbai): +91-22-22620022
ITF inspectors have legal authority to act against companies that withhold rightful wages including WRA. ITF actions have resulted in millions of dollars of recovered wages for seafarers globally.
- File with DGMA: DGS Helpline 9004048406 | support.dgs@gov.in
War Risk Life Insurance
Beyond WRA, your employment contract should also specify War Risk additional life insurance. Under most ITF CBAs and BIMCO agreements, this covers you for additional death or disability compensation if the incident is in a designated war risk zone.
If your company has not arranged this insurance for HRA voyages, this is a separate compliance violation.
What If Your CoC Is Expiring and You’re in the Hormuz Area?
DGMA has issued a certificate validity extension for seafarers currently unable to repatriate due to the Hormuz/Iran security situation. If your CoC, CoP, or STCW certificate is expiring and you cannot leave the vessel to revalidate:
- Your company must document this situation
- Contact DGMA: support.dgs@gov.in | 9004048406
- The extension covers you during the period of the security situation
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Internal Links
- MLC 2006 Rights Every Indian Seafarer Must Know
- How to File a DGS Grievance Online 2026
- Persian Gulf Crisis — What Indian Seafarers Must Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is the war risk allowance exactly?
A: It varies by CBA. ITF-approved CBAs typically specify WRA in the agreement document. Ask your company or ITF for your specific CBA’s terms.
Q: My company says my vessel didn’t transit “officially designated” war risk areas. What do I do?
A: Reference the UKMTO and BMP6 HRA designations and DGMA advisories as official sources. If your AIS track shows transit through these areas, the entitlement applies regardless of the company’s characterization.
Q: Can I claim WRA retroactively?
A: Yes. Wage claims have a limitation period (typically 2–3 years depending on jurisdiction). Document your past voyages and claim within the limitation period.
Q: My company threatened retaliation if I claim WRA. What do I do?
A: Retaliation for exercising legal rights is itself a legal violation. Report to ITF and DGMA. Document all threats in writing.
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