Marine engineers.

Byline: Muhammad Abdul Qadeer - Sargodha

THE continuing abeyance of the conduct of examinations for issuing certificate of competence (CoC) to marine engineers by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs is irksome.

The examinations are not being held because a chief examiner 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 the STCW convention.

Seafarers also filed a petition in the Sindh High Court which has ordered the ministry to appoint the above-mentioned authority within 45 days. However, the given time has ended on Jan 15 and the issue is still unresolved.

The examinations...