Financial Assistance for Construction or Purchase of Wooden or FRP Fishing Vessel Canoe for Fishermen is a support scheme run by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa. It covers 50% of the actual cost of a wooden or Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) canoe for traditional fishermen of the state. The benefit can be claimed once every four years for one craft per family.
For the 2025-26 period, the scheme continues to offer a subsidy of up to ₹ 60,000 for the general category and up to ₹ 80,000 for SC or ST fishermen. Along with the offline process, applications can now also be submitted online through the Goa Online portal, which makes the process easier for eligible families.
Financial Assistance for Construction or Purchase of Wooden or FRP Fishing Vessel Canoe for Fishermen
This scheme is meant for traditional fishermen of Goa, whether they are fishermen by birth or by profession. The main aim is to reduce the money burden of buying a modern fishing craft so that fisherfolk can keep earning from fishing in a steady way. The department pays half the cost of the craft, and the remaining amount has to be arranged by the applicant.
The subsidy is given for one craft per household, and a family can claim it again only after four years. The vessel must be used only for fishing and cannot be sold, leased, mortgaged, or transferred for five years from the date of purchase.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance for Construction or Purchase of Wooden or FRP Fishing Vessel (Canoe) for Fishermen |
| State | Goa |
| Main Department | Department of Fisheries |
| Grant Type | Financial Subsidy |
| Subsidy Amount | 50% of craft cost, up to ₹ 60,000 (General) / ₹ 80,000 (SC/ST) |
| Beneficiary Limit | One craft per family every 4 years |
| Application Mode | Online (Goa Online) and Offline |
Benefits
The government helps fishermen by paying half the cost of their wooden or FRP vessel. The exact subsidy amount depends on the category of the applicant, and the upper limit is fixed as per the official rules.
| Category | Maximum Subsidy Benefit |
|---|---|
| General Category | ₹ 60,000 |
| SC or ST Category | ₹ 80,000 |
This support helps traditional fishermen move to stronger, longer-lasting craft without paying the full price on their own. The department also runs other related support like petrol subsidy and fishing gear support for the same group of eligible people.
Eligibility
To get the benefit, the applicant must meet a few basic conditions. A traditional fisherman, either by birth or by profession, can apply. Permanent residence in Goa is required, and neither the applicant nor any member of the household should be a defaulter with the Department of Fisheries.
The canoe must be registered under the Marine Fishing Regulation (MFR) Act 1980 or the Merchant Shipping (MS) Act. After receiving the subsidy, the craft cannot be sold, leased, mortgaged, or transferred for a period of 5 years, and it must be used only for fishing.
Application Process
Applications for this scheme are accepted both online and offline. Eligible fishermen can choose the mode that is easier for them.
STEP 1 - For the online process, register on the Goa Online portal at goaonline.gov.in using a valid email id, mobile number, name, address, and date of birth with OTP verification.
STEP 2 - After registration, log in and go to the Services Menu, then All Services, then Directorate of Fisheries, and select "Financial Assistance for the Purchase or Construction of New FRP or Wooden Craft for Traditional Fishermen".
STEP 3 - Fill in the application details correctly and upload the required documents, including the self-attested copies where asked.
STEP 4 - For the offline process, submit the completed application form to the Department of Fisheries office at Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa - 403 521, or to the local BDO Office or Sub-Office of the Department of Fisheries.
For any complaint or feedback, the applicant can contact the Grievance Redressal Officer of the department or send an email to dir-fish.goa@nic.in. The department responds to all complaints and shares the final action taken within 30 days.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying so that the checking process goes smoothly:
- Certificate of Vessel Registration under the Merchant Shipping Act 1958.
- Fishing Vessel License and Fishing Net License.
- Updated copy of the Fishing Netbook.
- Original GST invoice from an authorized dealer for the construction of the craft.
- Proof of Caste (SC or ST certificate, if applicable).
- Copy of the Aadhar Card and Election Card.
- Bank passbook or statement linked to Aadhaar.
- Verification letter from the bank if the purchase is financed.
- Inspection report of the canoe, net, and accessories verified by the local Fisheries Officer.
References
Useful official links are given below to help with the process:
FAQ's
Can I use bank financing to purchase the vessel?
Yes, bank financing is allowed. In such cases, submit the bank statement linked to Aadhaar along with a formal letter from the bank as proof.
Are there restrictions on selling the vessel after receiving the subsidy?
Yes, the wooden or FRP craft cannot be sold, leased, mortgaged, or transferred for 5 years from the date of purchase.
How does the inspection process work?
A Fisheries Superintendent or an Assistant Superintendent of Fisheries inspects the craft to check the registration, engine details, net, ice box, and life-saving equipment as per the official format.
What if I belong to the SC or ST category?
SC or ST applicants get the same 50% subsidy, but the upper limit is higher, reaching up to ₹ 80,000.
Can I apply online for this scheme?
Yes, the scheme now accepts online applications through the Goa Online portal. You can also apply offline by submitting the form at the Department of Fisheries office in Panaji or the local BDO office.