By Capt. Asim Iqbal
The Nautical Institute, Pakistan Branch this year, once again, celebrated the annual Day of the Seafarer in KPT STAFF COLLEGE, Lalazar today. It was an eye-catching motto: “Every seafarer’s journey is different, but they all face similar challenges”. Most speakers addressed the event in person, and others through Zoom Link.
For 2022, the Day of the Seafarers campaign, with the theme ‘Your voyage – then and now, share your journey.’
Talks were held about the look at seafarer voyages, what it includes, how they evolved, and what remains at the heart of seafarers’ reality.
This campaign has allowed seafarers to share what resonates with them, whether the crew change crisis is unresolved, Job and government policies, the welfare of seafarers, the future of technology, or the captivity of seamen by Somalian pirates from 6 days up to 4 years. But unfortunately, neither governments, international forums, nor even the media highlighted the issue. Had it been the same issue with the airline industry, it was another way around.
Capt Ajmal Mahmoodi, Vice President of Nautical Institute, UK delivered the welcome address., followed by Capt. Rashid Anwer; Video Message of Mr Kitack Lim, Secretary-General IMO; addressed by Capt. John Lloyd, Chief Executive The Nautical Institute, UK (By ZOOM link); Address by Fabrizio Barcellona, Seafarers & Inland Navigation Sections Coordinator, ITF UK (By ZOOM link); Address by Mr Syed Salman Raza, Principal Officer, Mercantile Marine Department, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Govt. of Pakistan; Address by Mr Adam Panjri, General Secretary Pakistan Seamen’s Union, Deputy conservator Capt. Haider Raza, Commodore Ubaid Ullah ex. DmD Bahria Foundation, ex-Director PNSC; and closing remarks by Capt. Anwar Ali Shah Ex-Director General Ports and Shipping, Board member PNSC.
KPT adds that a seminar was organized in its Staff College Lalazar to commemorate the annual Seafarers Day, which was well attended by personnel representing various maritime entities and merchant navy professionals.
The seminar was organized Nautical Institute of Pakistan, Karachi Branch, to honour seafarers heroes of Pakistan.