How to become a seafarer in Pakistan

Choose your path

What both paths have in common

• A new entrant must be at least 18 under the medical standards for seafarers.
  Source: DG Ports & Shipping: Medical Standards (Schedule VII)
• Normal colour vision is checked with the Ishihara test chart.
  Source: DG Ports & Shipping: Medical Standards (Schedule VII)
• All seafarers must complete safety familiarization and basic training under STCW VI/1.
  Source: IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (2010): Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention
• Under the MLC 2006, no person under 16 may work on board a ship.
  Source: ILO, Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended)
• To be engaged on a ship, a Pakistani seaman needs a seamen's service book (SSB) issued in Pakistan by a Shipping Master.
  Source: Pakistan Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 2001 (updated)
• The Government Shipping Office issues new, duplicate and renewed SSBs and seafarer identity documents (SID).
  Source: Government Shipping Office, Karachi: Organization
• Seafarers can apply for a new or renewed seafarer identity document and SSB through the Shipping Office online portal.
  Source: Government Shipping Office: Online Data Portal, general information

Beware of scams

• PMA warns that it does not offer online training or teaching jobs: never send money, account details or document copies to anyone.
  Source: Pakistan Marine Academy: Associate Degree Program (admission of cadets)
• Only companies licensed by the Federal Government may act as manning agents in Pakistan.
  Source: Pakistan Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 2001 (updated)
• Forging a seamen's service book or a certificate of physical fitness is an offence under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance.
  Source: Pakistan Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 2001 (updated)
• Seafarers' particulars can be verified through the Government Shipping Office online data portal.
  Source: Government Shipping Office: Online Data Portal, general information

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