Funchal Maritime Mutual Aid Society
Original title: Montepio Marítimo Funchalense
A mutual-aid society for seafaring men in Funchal, with statutes approved in 1901, providing sickness relief, legal defence and funerals.
It was founded on the initiative of an employee of the Empresa dos Cabrestantes do Funchal, and its statutes were approved by royal decree (alvará) of 24 December 1901. Its main aims are to assist members in case of temporary illness, to arrange the defence of members when they are indicted in court, and to provide funerals for members who die. Membership is open to males employed in seafaring life who are over 12 and under 60 years of age and of good moral and civil conduct.
Medical assistance is also provided to a member’s close relatives when they live with him.