Due to non-existence of a defined ports and shipping policy this industry has remained in doldrums. It is imperative to formulate a Merchant Shipping Act and Policy of Pakistan without any delay. Pakistan must consider developing at least one of its ports as a "hub port" for transit cargo for the South Asia Region.
Larger ships (mother vessels) may discharge cargoes and smaller feeder ships may carry cargo destined for other ports in the South Asia Region. Such an arrangement shall eventually reduce costs; provide employment to a large number of people and foster better relationship amongst the South Asia Region and SAARC countries.
The provisions for best navigational co-ordination ship construction and repair between the parties are in the best interest and aspirations of the people of Pakistan and India. All efforts must be made to take full advantage of these provisions. Undoubtedly, such arrangements, if made, shall be economical and above all shall foster better and friendly relationship amongst the people of the two countries.
Furthermore, training and Certification Schemes of the two countries in particular and generally amongst SAARC countries for seafarers should be made open to members of the SAARC countries in particular and that of the whole world and exchange of views should be made a regular feature amongst the citizens of SAARC region in particular including employment of nationals on board merchant ships of the South Asia Region.
REFERENCE CLAUSE (2) OF THE PROTOCOL:Holder of seaman's Identity documents specified in Article (6) shall, during the stay of the vessel in the ports of the other country, be permitted to land on temporary shore leave without visa, on his obtaining a landing permit valid for a period not exceeding 24 hours, provided he deposits his Continuous Discharge Certificate/Seaman Service Book/Seafarers' Identity.
At present, even after signing of the protocol, the seafarers of either country are not allowed shore leave which is a cause of great concern to the fraternal community of the seafarers of Pakistan and India. We strongly recommend allowing shore leave facility to seafarers of both India and Pakistan for the period of vessel's stay at ports.
We consider that the seafarers of India and Pakistan, if given shore leave, shall undoubtedly bring the seafarers and people of the two countries closer and friendlier to each other. This plight of seafarers should better be understood without any delay. Reference Article 11 of the definitions.
ARTICLE 11
REGISTRATION OF SHIPS
(1) The vessels of one contracting Party may be registered in parallel for a pacified period of time in the register of the other contracting party and fly that party's flag, provided that the vessel is bareboat chartered by a national of the other Contracting Party or by a corporation registered therein being qualified to own a vessel flying its flag.
For such registration the approval of the competent authorities of both Contracting Parties is required and any conditions imposed must be complied with. The vessel will not be deleted from the register of one Contracting Party and its registration will remain valid as regards ownership and registered mortgages, but its nationality shall be suspended.
(2) In case the laws and regulations of one Contracting Party have no express provisions as to the mode of registration of ships in parallel, that Contracting Party hereby agrees that its administrative practice shall be guided by the relevant provisions and requirements of the other Contracting Party.
Due emphasis is to be made in consideration of the above mentioned Article. Pakistan can have Indian registered ships particularly smaller size vessels on bare boat charter carry cargo for agreed specified period and if considered feasible can purchase such ship/(s) which shall further strengthen the ties between the two countries.
India has better port facilities for discharge of bulk cargoes from large size bulk carriers, especially grain carriers. Pakistan may obtain grain and other bulk cargoes and discharge all its cargo at Indian Ports and thereafter bring all such cargoes on smaller size bulk carriers to Pakistani ports without causing any delays in Pakistani ports. Such an arrangement shall lower the cost of transportation as well and is beneficial to both the countries.
Last but not least; it is our considered opinion and it is a universal truth that transportation through sea lanes is more economical, safe and efficient and is carried in greater proportions as compared with transportation through rail, road and air.
The importance of transportation through road, rail and air is also important but when economy, safety and efficiency are taken into account then transportation through sea lanes is more preferable, cheap, safe and efficient.
(Concluded)
(The writer is General Secretary, Pakistan Merchant Navy Officers' Association)
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