This is to highlight the issue which pertains to the present abeyance of the conduct of exams for issuing COC (Certificate of Competency) for the Marine Engineers by MMD (Mercantile Marine Department under Ministry of Maritime Affairs).
The exams are not being held because the Chief Examiner for the Marine Engineers is not available for more than a year. The shipping companies would induct Seafarers if their certificates and other documents are up-to-date and validated after the prescribed period as per STCW convention. Seafarers also filed a petition in SHC and the Honorable court has given its verdict in which court ordered the ministry to appoint the above-mentioned authority within 45 days, but the given time has ended on 15th January 2021 and the issue is still unresolved.
The exams are conducted on a quarterly basis as per mercantile rules and each time the exam is postponed a vacuum is caused which is ever ready to be filled up by seafarers of other Nationalities. For the last year, the Marine Engineers who are aspiring for exams are forced to idle at home, a period during which they could have earned foreign exchange for the country in addition to their own sustenance. It is requested to Prime Minister Imran Khan to take notice of this matter as PM himself is the competent authority to appoint the Chief Examiner.
M ABDUL QADEER,
Sargodha.