(Karachi) In a bid to resolve issues faced by cadets of Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA), the seafarers community has written a letter to Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi. They urged him to take notice of their grievances and address them at the earliest.

In the letter, the seafarers stated that most cadets of the PMA have been jobless for years while at least 900 cadets are waiting to join their first vessel in a bid to start their sea career.

They maintained that it is need of the time to invite foreign companies to induct PMA cadets. They said the move will help in bringing foreign exchange in the country through legal channels. "We are sure by support of our government in inducting us in multinational shipping companies, our cadets and officers will get more opportunities for future inductions by their excellent performance on board," the seafarers pointed out.

They proposed that pushing Pakistani Charterers (Long term Charterers) to pursue their chartered vessels will help to accomodate a specific percentage of Pakistani crew in their contract on board. "Currently we have a brilliant opportunity in the shape of LNG Chartered Vessels and vessels chartered by PSO and PNSC. We can persuade Engro and other LNG charterers to push their clients to accomodate PMA cadets by including this clause as a charter party requirement," they mentioned.

The Seafarers community stated that there is need to increase the number of cadets on PNSC vessels. "Earlier, two to three cadets were deployed on each vessel but now only one cadet is hired from each branch," they said.

They also urged the maritime minister to simplify the process of visa issuance for seafarers as the entire procedure takes a long time.

The seafarers also thanked Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi for arranging quarterly meetings with PMA graduates for resolving their issues.