SEAMAN
SERVICE BOOK:
G.S.O
FORM NO.20.
To
obtain employment on board a seagoing vessel every citizen
of Pakistan is entitled to acquire a Seaman Service Book
(SSB) in accordance with the provision of Merchant Shipping
Ordinance 2001 subject to fulfilling the requirements as
prescribed under the Rules issued from time to time.
The
Seamen Service Book (SSB) is also liable to be cancelled,
suspended or confiscated if a seaman is found to be involved
in contravention of any local law.
Currently in vogue the procedure for issuance of the Seaman
Service Book is reproduced [S.R.O 96(KE)/2001] hereunder:
Statutory Notifications containing Rules and Orders issued
by all Ministries and Divisions of the Government of Pakistan
and their Attached and Subordinate Offices and the Supreme
Court of Pakistan
GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND RAILWAYS
(Communications Division)
PORTS & SHIPPING WING
NOTIFICATION
Karachi,
the 14th April, 2001
S.R.O. 96(KE)/2001:-
The Government of Pakistan is pleased to publish the new
Policy regarding Seamen Service Book (S'SB) replacing the
existing procedure of issuing Continuous Discharge Certificate
(CDC) for information of all concerned. This Policy is being
issued/published with the approval of Minister for Communications
& Railways in pursuance of 11.0 Convention 108 of 1958
and under Section 43(I) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1923.
The Seamen Service Book can be cancelled/suspended under
Section 43 (b) of Merchant Shipping Act, 1923.
SEAMAN
SERVICE BOOK (SSB)
1.
Short Title: - This will be, called Seaman Service Book
(SSB) policy as it relates to induction, training &
issue procedures duly controlled and regulated by Ports
'& Shipping Wing. Ministry of Communications, Karachi.
2. Application:-This policy will be applicable with effect
from 1st July, 2001 and will be subjected to review from
time to time by the competent authority as and when required
.
3.
Preamble:-
3.1.
Shipping is a global industry regulated under National and
International Maritime Laws and Regulations. The training
of officers and ratings is required to be conducted under
Merchant Shipping Rules and International Conventions. The
International Convention on Training. Certification and
Watch-keeping (STCW 1978) amended in 1995 requires all seamen
called seafarers (officers and ratings) to be duly trained
and certificated under approved systems by the Maritime
Administration of each country.
3.2.
There are about 8,000 officers and 10,500 ratings duly registered
as seamen. Out of this total number about 30% are employed
on national as well as foreign ships. The employment on
foreign ships is about 85% of the total seamen engaged in
this field. With the implementation of new Merchant Shipping
Ordinance and Shipping Policy, it is expected that the National
Tonnage will increase, thus the need of trained officers
and ratings will be felt earnestly.
3.3 The foreign ship-owners also need trained and certificated
seafarers for their fleet and the international competition
in this field requires seafarer: to be trained as per international
standards. The Pakistani officers and ratings are registered
as seaman as per Merchant Shipping Act and are issued with
a document known as Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC).
The existing document is being replaced with Seaman Service
Book (SSB) to achieve the objectives under this policy.
The procedure and requirements to become a registered seaman
are no specified in any form for the general information
nationally and internationally. A simple and transparent
system for induction, training and issue of SSB is highly
desirable.
4.
Aims and Objectives:-
(1) Conformity with the provisions of Merchant Shipping
Act and ILO Conventions applicable to seaman,
(2) Ensure Pakistani seamen are trained. certificated as
per National Rules and International Conventions.
(3) Encourage foreign ship-owners to employ Pakistani seamen
on the basis of their competence.
(4) Recommend measures for training. certification and career
planning of seamen.
(5)
Develop human resources to provide young. educated and trained
seamen in the maritime Sector.
(6)
Have transparent. simplified procedure for issue of SSB
to facilitate the candidates.
5.
Seaman Service Book (SSB):-
This
is a prescribed certificate of identification with basic
particulars and qualifications of the seaman duly registered
with the Government Shipping Office. It is issued on Government
sanctioned Form No. 20 by the Shipping Master under the
provisions of Section 43(1) of Merchant Shipping Act, 1923.
This also serves as the service record book of the Seamen.
After engagement of a seaman by a company for their ships
under Article of Agreement. this SSB is kept with the Master
of the ship and entries are made by him. regarding date
of Engagement/Discharge of the seaman on board the ship.
On completion of the service on board as per Article of
Agreement. necessary entries are made by the Master in the
SSB, duly verified by the Shipping Master and SSB is returned
to the seaman, Shipping Master has the powers to cancel,
suspend or confiscate SSB in case of desertion, smuggling,
theft misbehavior or such other offences, if this is proved
before the Shipping Master, the seaman is considered unsuitable
for employment on board any ship under Section 43(B) of
MSA. SSB will be in green colour for all categories with
specific identification of Pakistan on title page.
6.
Pre Sea Induction:-
6.
1. Officers : Recruitment of cadets at Pakistan Marine Academy
(PMA) for Nautical and Engineering profession of maritime
field is carried out under the provisions of Merchant Shipping
Act and Examination Rules made there-under. The induction
of these cadets is carried out on merit basis under national
quota system through advertisement in the national newspapers
every year. The basic requirements of age, educational qualification
and medical standards are defined in the PMA brochure. PMA
is located at Mauripur Road and is headed by Commandant,
PMA is the only Maritime Institute of the country for training
of nautical and engineering officers as per national maritime
rules and International Conventions for Training and Certification
of Officers and ratings (STCW). The basic entry requirements
are as under :-
I.
Minimum Academic Qualification:
Cadets …. FSc. (Pre-Engineering)
Engineering Graduates …. B.E
2. Minimum Age …. 18 years - (ILO Convention
138/3) Reg. 1/9 of STCW.
3. Maximum Age
Cadets (PMA) …. 20 years
Engineering Apprentice …. 21 years
(Scheme 2)
Engineering graduates …. 28 years
(Scheme 3)
4.
Medical Fitness …. Medical Examination by Port Health
Officer/approved Medical Practitioner
(Reg. 1/9 of STCW). Eye-sight certificate
by Principal Officer Mercantile Marine
Department.
5. Proof of Nationality/Identity…. The candidate should
be a citizen of
Pakistan in possession of NIC and
Passport (Reg.1/9 of STCW Convention).
7.
Pre Sea. Training :-
The
officers are trained at PMA for a period of two years as
per approved program of instructions in the following disciplines
:
7.1
Nautical. The Nautical cadets are trained academically and
professionally in the nautical field in four semesters duly
divided within the period of two years as per approved syllabus.
On completion of requisite training, the candidates are
issued with a training certificate which entitles them for
Graduate degree in Maritime Studies from the University
of Karachi as well as basically trained for maritime field.
7.2. Engineering : (a) The Engineering cadets are trained
academically and professionally in the marine engineering
field in four semesters duly divided within the period of
two years as per approved syllabus. On completion of requisite
training, the engineering cadets are also awarded training
certificate which entitles them for award of Graduate degree
in Maritime Studies from the University of Karachi as well
as completed part of their basic requisite training for
Marine Engineering profession. The graduates are allocated
workshops for their practical training at PNSC and KPT for
a period of one year.
b)
Three years training for direct induction as per approved
system at KPT. c) One year training to Graduate Engineers
at Lahore Institute.
8. Approved Institutions:-
Name City Phone No.
Nautical & Engineering
o Pakistan Marine Academy Karachi 2350272-6
Engineering
o Institute of Maritime Studies (Pvt) Lahore 042/381270
o KPT Marine Workshop Karachi.
o PNSC Marine Workshop Karachi.
9. Expenses for Officer's Training:-
-
The charges for training at PMA as Cadet are Rs. 30,100/-
per semester of six months duration.
-
The charges for training at Lahore Institute for one year
training are to be specified.
-
KPT pays stipend of Rs. 1,00O/- per month to each candidate.
-
PNSC pays stipend of Rs. 1,500/- per month to each candidate.
10. Pre Sea Induction – Ratings:-
The
ratings are inducted in two disciplines of maritime field.
10.1.
Technical. The technical ratings are inducted in the field
of marine engineering profession as Diesel Mechanic, Electrician.
Welder. Engine Drivers as per induction rule, for technical
personnel, 1998. These candidates basically have undergone
technical training program of the country in their respective
field prior to induction in the. maritime field.
10.2
GP-III.-These ratings are inducted at Seamen's Training
Centre of Pakistan Marine Academy as well as private institutions
approved for this purpose. The basic entry requirements
are as under:-
1. Minimum Academic …. Matric
Qualification :
2.
Minimum Age …. 18 years (ILO Convention
138/3) Reg 1/9 of STCW
3.
Maximum Age : …. 35 years.
Technical G.P. …. 25 years. Relaxation upto 5 years
by DGP&S on the basis of sea
service on passport.
4.
Medical Fitness …. Medical Examination by Port
Health Officer/approved medical
Practitioner (Reg. 1/9 of STCW).
Eye-sight certificate by Principal
Officer Mercantile Marine Department.
5.
Proof of Nationality/ … The candidate should he a
citizen of
Identify Pakistan in possession of N.I.C. and Passport (Reg.
1/9 of STCW Convention)
11.
Pre Sea Training:-
The duration of GP-III training course include training
in nautical. engineering and Saloon profession and is for
a period of five months including mandatory courses. The
course is scheduled to be started in the 1st week of January
and July every year. After completion of the course, central
examination will be held under the supervision of examiners
appointed by Ports & Shipping Wing. The course will
be monitored and controlled for quality and standard during
this period by the examiners. The successful candidates
will be issued with training certificate by their respective
institutions.
12.
Approved Institutions
Following
institutions have been approved by the Ports & Shipping
Wing , Ministry of Communications to import GP-III Training
Name City Mimic No.
o Seamen Training Centre (STC/PMA) Karachi 2350272
o Maritime Training Institute Karachi 2419363
o Indus College of Nautical Studies Karachi 580115-6
o Andros Marine Institute Karachi 5389082
o College of National Studies Karachi 2313136
o Scinicariello Seamen Training Centre Karachi
o Professionals Maritime Education and
Training Institute Karachi 5880886
o Institute of Maritime Studies (Pvt) Ltd. Lahore 42/381270
o Maritime Training Institute Islamahad 2428357-8
Note : The above list is .Subject to change.
13. Mandatory Safety Courses
(1)
Personal Survival Technique A-VI/l-I STCW
(2) Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting A-V1/I-2STCW
(3) Elementary First Aid A-VI-1-3STCW
(4) Personal Safety and Social Responsibility A-VI/I-4 STCW
(5) Tanker Familiarization Course A-V/2-7 STCW
14. Expenses for GP-111 Training Including Mandatory Courses:-
(1)
Seamen Training Centre Course fee (5 months)
Boarding & Lodging charge Rs.18,000/=
(2)
Private approved Institutions to he specified. Rs. 18,000/=
15. Government Shipping Office:-
The
Government Shipping Office (GSO) is established under the
provisions of Merchant Shipping Act as amended. It is headed
by Shipping Master and is located at Al-Hafeez Chambers
No. III. Molana Din Muhammad Wafai Road, Karachi-1. All
applications for issue of SSB are received in this office.
This office maintains the records of all Pakistani seafarers.
The formalities for Engagement and Discharge from Ship for
Pakistani seamen are completed by this office on Article
of Agreement. This office also facilitates the seafarers
for arbitration between the crew and the ship owner/ representative
in case of disputes.
16.
Issue of SSB:-
All applications for issue of SSB are to be submitted to
the Government Shipping Office. Karachi. on a prescribed
form duly completed, along-with following documents as applicable
for each category
16.1.
Officers
Nautical
& Engineering
o
National Identity Card (attested copy)
o Six passport size photographs
o Vision Test by POMMD
o Medical Test by PHO
o Domicile Certificate (attested copy)
o Original Character Certificates from 2 Gazetted Officers
not related to the applicant.
o Passport (attested copy)
o Matric / ‘O’ Level certificate or equivalent.
o F. Sc. Certificate or equivalent for Cadet / Officers
(attested copy)
o PMA Professional Certificate for Cadets
o Certificate of Competency/Certificate of Service/Equivalent
Certificate for Officers.
o Mandatory Courses (attested copy)
o Additional Certificate/Degree/Diploma etc. if applicable
(attested copy)
o Old SSB/CDC: in Case of higher / duplicate issue FIR in
case of Lost SSB/CDC
o Challan of Govt. Fee.
o Certificate of Eligibility from POMMD for Junior Engineer/Class
III Officers.
16.2.
Ratings
Technical & GP.
o
National Identity Card (attested copy)
o Six passport size photographs
o Vision Test by POMMD
o Medical Test by PHO
o Domicile Certificate (attested copy)
o Original Character Certificates from two Gazetted officer
not related to the applicant.
o Passport (attested copy)
o Matric / ‘O' Level certificate or equivalent (attested
copy)
o Certificate of Eligibility from POMMD for Technicians.
o GP-III Qualification Certificate.
o Mandatory Course. (attested copy)
o Additional Certificate/Degree/Diploma etc. if applicable
((attested copy) o Old SSB/CDC in case of Higher/Duplicate
Issue
o FIR in case of Lost SSB/CDC
o Challan of Government Fee
o Proof of sea service on Passport in lieu of GP Qualification
Certificate
16.3 Supernumerary
o
National Identity Card (attested copy)
o Four passport size photographs
o passport (attested copy)
o Old SSB/CDC in case of higher issue
o FIR in case of Lost SSB/CDC
o Challan of Govt. fee.
o Nikahnama and Children's details
o Sponsorship letter of respective Ship Owner/Company
Note : All photocopies must be attested by a Gazettcd Officer.
After receipt of application along-with required documents
the Shipping Officer will ensure issue off SSB within two
weeks.
17. Career Planning :-
17.1
Officers
o
Nautical
o Engineers
17.2 Ratings
a)
On completion of initial six months sea service these candidates
are eligible for the certification of:
1. Proficiency in Survival Crafts & Rescue Boats
2. Regulation V1/2 (1) STCW
3. Advanced Fire Fighting Regulations VI/3 of STCW
4. Tanker Familiarization Regulations VI/ 1.2 0f STCW
b) After a total sea service of twelve months as Deck/Engine
Room Ratings these seafarers would become eligible far appearing
in the examination for :
1. Navigational Watches Regulation 11/4 of STCW Convention.
2. Engine Room Watch Regulation 111/4 of STCW Convention.
c) On completing total twenty-four months sea service as
Ratings the candidate will be eligible for the examination
of Efficient Deck Hand (EDH).
17.3 Finally these seafarers would become eligible for Certificate
of Competency Examination under the provision of Section
40 of the Rule for Estimating Sea Service ride Gazette Notification
No. SRO 100 (KE)/95, dated 6th July, 1995.
18.
General Provisions
a)
Supernumerary: Supernumerary SSBs are issued to the family
member of the officers serving on-abroad ships, if recommended/sponsored
by their respective Ship owner/Company. These SSBs are issued
for one voyage only except in case of Masters, Chief' Officers,
Chief' Engineers and 2nd Engineers.
b)
Pakistani Sailing on Passport : All Pakistani sailing as
ratings on merchant marine ships on passport without SSB
will be required to submit proof of their sea service duly
endorsed by the Consulate-General or duly verified by DGP&S
in lieu of GP-III training for issue of SSB. The minimum
sea service required will not be less than one year while
fulfilling other prerequisites for GP-III. This provision
is for a period of one year.
c)
Naval Ratings. Sailors of Pakistan Navy will be considered
for issue of SSB as GP-III as per laid down condition of'
three years of service and other prerequisites.
d) Validity of SSB: To maintain upto date record of Pakistani
seamen and to avoid misuse, the new SSB will be valid for
a period of TEN years. New SSB will contain record of previous
service, if' any.
e) Fake Documents: Submission of bogus or tampered documents
will render the seamen liable to legal action and cancellation
of his SSB.
f) Loss of SSB: In case of Loss of SSB, it is-to be reported
to the Master of the Ship onboard. If assure. an FIR is
to be lodged with the Local Police and Government Shipping
Office be informed immediately. A duplicate SSB will be
issued on payment of prescribed fee. However, more than
three SSB will not be issued to any individual except on
extreme compassionate grounds.
g)
Institutions Approval: The validity of approval of all institutions
except PMA/STC for each course, will be for a period of
one year subject to renewal on satisfactory performance
of the Institute. The private institutes will ensure employment
of their trainees on board ships.
h)
Employment : Provision of shipboard employment to the SSB
holder is not the responsibility of the Government of Pakistan.
j) Government Fee: The prescribed fee for issuance of SSB
is Rs. 2,500/- Medical fee is Rs.25/-, for issuance of Seaman
Identity Card Rs.50/- which are to be deposited in the State
Bank of Pakistan through Challan Fee for Eye-sight test
is Rs.90 which has to be deposited in the Mercantile Marine
Department. The fees may be revised as and when required.
k) Miscellaneous : The Engagement. Discharge, Wages, Contracts
and Agreement matters will be covered under Merchant Shipping
Ordinance and dealt with while drafting new rules as per
Merchant Shipping Ordinance and new Shipping Policy. The
SSB is non-transferable.
AIJAZ AHMED MAHESAR Section officer (SH-III)
Under
the above policy government has prescribed following procedure
for issue of SSB.
STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) FOR ISSUANCE OF
SEAMEN SERVIVE BOOK (SSB)
Step-I The prescribed application shall be immediately supplied
by Director of Ports & Admn., on request by an applicant
at a cost of Rs. 50/- One day
Step-II Completed application form will be received in the
office OF director of Ports & Admn., and a receipt to
be given to the applicant indicating the date and time One
day after receipt of application
Step-III Brief bio-data etc. shall be entered into a running
register to be maintained for the purpose. At the end of
each working day, the Director (Ports & Admn) will initial
all pages of the register filled up that day.
Step-IV The Director of Ports & Admn. Shall send the
applications average ten cases to Director, Vigilance by
1300 hrs. One day
Step-V Director, Vigilance will scrutinize the applications
and send with observation to Ports & Shipping. One day
Step-VI The Director of Shipping will submit the same for
final approval by Director General, P&S. Two days
Step-VII The Director of Shipping will submit these cases
to Director General, Ports & Shipping Wing, for final
approval for issuing SSB. Two days
Step-VIII Applications not falling in the above category
i.e. where any deficiency has to be completed will be returned
back to applicants.
Step-IX The cases approved by the D.G (P&S) Wing, shall
be sent to the Shipping Master who will issue the SSBs.
Four Days.
