KARACHI: Ministry of Maritime Affairs has been warned by International Maritime Organisation (IMO) that coastal State should ensure that its legislation, guidance and procedures are established for consistent implementation and verification of its rights, obligations and responsibilities contained in relevant international instruments to which it is party.

  Rights, obligations and responsibilities of coastal state may include radio communication services, meteorological services and warnings, search and rescue services, hydrographic services, ships’ routing, ship reporting systems, vessel traffic services and aids to navigation. During audit of national seaports by IMO team it was observed that radio communication services were not operative for provision of transmitting navigational warnings, messages etc. Matter is pending because of lack of funds. Audit was of view that to meet referred requirement allocation need to be arranged as early as possible so that international obligation can be complied with.  Similarly, during visit to Pakistan Marine Academy, it was found that PMA administration had sent some courses for approval from Chief Nautical Surveyor since April 18, 2021. However, it was found that approval from CNS had not been conveyed to PMA where it was still being awaited. Hence, audit recommended that approval or otherwise need to be conveyed by CNS within one week without further delay.