Online ship, boat registration begins

An online system for registering ships and boats is now accepting applications, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Friday, according to The Express Tribune. Vessel owners can submit their forms electronically instead of travelling to government offices, after the registration modules were made available.

The minister said the digital service is intended to reduce paperwork, save applicants time and money, improve transparency and keep a current national vessel register. The Mercantile Marine Department registers merchant ships, fishing boats, sailing vessels and harbour craft under relevant shipping laws. The ministry is also pursuing online payments, with a meeting scheduled between department officials and the State Bank of Pakistan to discuss connecting an electronic payment facility.