Introduction

The department has been in existence since 1930 and is a part of Maritime Safety Administration of the country. It is headed by a Principal Officer who is also the Registrar of Ships, Superintendent of Light Houses, & First Class Magistrate.

Objectives of the Department

           The important objectives of the department are to ensure the safety of life and property at sea and inland waters, safety of navigation and protection of Marine Environment, through implementation of Merchant Shipping Acs, rules and regulations and International Maritime Conventions.

Functions

            To achieve these objectives, & fulfillment of its statutory role & International obligations. The functions of Mercantile Marine Department are:-

1.      Registration of Ships/Craft as per Merchant Shipping Act.

2.      Statutory surveys/inspections & issuance of certificates to Merchant Ships, Fishing vessels & Harbour craft.

            3.      Issuance of NOC for port clearance to all ships sailing out of Pakistani Ports.

            4.      Inspections pertaining to Port State control of foreign ships conforming to
                  International Standards, and detention of unseaworty ships.

            5.      Examination and approval of plans for loading dangerous cargoes as per IMDG
                  Code and Compliance inspection thereof.

            6.      Circulation of navigational warnings to Shipping Companies/Agents.

            7.      Examination and issuance of Certificate of Competency to Inland Masters/Engineers,
                  Drivers and Serangs under IMPV Act and to technical personnel as per Induction
                  Rule issued by DG (P&S).

            8.      Eye test for various categories & issuance of prerequisite certificates for certificate of
                  competency Deck & Engine department.

9.      Supervision of new construction/major repairs of ships, country craft, barges, launches etc.

           10.  Installation and maintenance of Navigational Aids on the coast of Pakistan (other than
                 Port limits). Following Eight Light House on the Coast of Pakistan are operating
                 under Mercantile Marine Department.

          Jiwani, Gawadar, Pasni, Astola Island, Ormara, Cape Monze, Tursian and Kajhar Creek.

           11.  Performance of Magisterial Work under Merchant shipping Act, C0asting Vessels
                 Act, IMPV Act, Port Act, KPT Act and PQA Act, relevant portion only.

           12.  Preliminary Inquiries into shipping casualties as per merchant Shipping Act.

           13.  Collection of applications, fee and other relevant documents for submission to
                 DG(P&S) relevant sections i.e. Applications for Certificate of Competency
                 Examinations (Nautical and Engineering), approval of plans for new constructions,
                 exemptions, approval of SOPEP and Cargo manual, approval of workshops and
                 service.

To perform the above functions smoothly, the department deals with the executive administration of the following Acts, Statutory Rules and International Conventions:

ACTS

• Merchant Shipping Ordinance 2001

• Inland Mechanically propelled vessels Act 1 of  1917.

• Coasting Vessels Act XIX of 1838.

• Ports Act 1908 (relevant portion)

• Light House Act 1927.

International Convention

• Safety of Life at Sea SOLAS 1974 as amended.

• Load Lines 1966.

• COLREG 1972.

• Safe Containers 1972.

• STCW 1978 as amended 1976.

• INMARSAT operating agreement 1976.

• Search and Rescue 1979.

• Tonnage Measurement of Ships 1969.

• IMDG Code.

• ISM Code.