the seamen’s provident fund scheme framed under the seamen’s provident fund act, 1966 ( 4 of 1966 ) was introduced retrospectively w.e.f. ist july, 1964 to provide for the institution of a provident fund for all seamen, in view of the obvious need to provide old age retirement benefit to the seamen members engaged in the shipping industry ( merchant navy) and their family members in the event of death