Becoming a seafarer in Pakistan as a career change
Official rules for adults who already have a profession on shore.
Age limits
- The PMA cadet programme takes applicants no older than 20 on the cut-off date, so older entrants use other routes.
- The GP-III rating course accepts applicants aged 18 to 25.
- Engineering graduates can enter the marine engineer route up to the age of twenty-eight.
Entry through your shore profession
| Your profession on shore | Role at sea | Course | Where and on what terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical, electrical or electronic engineer (bachelor's degree) | Marine engineer officer | Engineering Graduates scheme: one year of industrial training in an approved workshop, then sea service and the Class IV examination | The scheme requires at least a Bachelor of Engineering in mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering. Graduates do one year of industrial training as engineer apprentices in an approved workshop. Candidates also take the eyesight and colour vision test of the Mercantile Marine Department. |
| Pakistan Navy executive officer (Lieutenant or above) | Deck officer | Merchant ship sea service, then the Class IV or Class III deck officer examination | Serving or retired Pakistan Navy executive officers from the rank of Lieutenant may sit the deck officer examinations. They need a total of thirty-six months of sea service, partly on merchant ships. |
| Diesel mechanic | Marine engineer officer | Sea service as a diesel mechanic with engine-room watchkeeping, then the Class IV examination | A diesel mechanic with four years at sea, including six months of engine-room watchkeeping, may qualify for the Class IV engineer examination. |
Minimum set of documents
- Approved basic courses include personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, and personal safety and social responsibilities.
- A GP-III rating needs Matric or equivalent and medical fitness to IMO/ILO standards.
- A deck rating can sit the Class IV deck officer examination after forty-two months of sea service.
Costs and timing: official fees only
- The PMA application is sent with a pay order or bank draft of Rs. 4,000.
- Selected PMA cadets pay Rs. 159,000 as the admission and first-semester fee.
- The Ministry of Maritime Affairs sponsors 33 need-based scholarships at PMA.
- Engineering graduates spend 12 months in industrial training before going to sea.
How to avoid scams
- PMA warns that it does not offer online training or teaching jobs: never send money, account details or document copies to anyone.
- Only companies licensed by the Federal Government may act as manning agents in Pakistan.
- Forging a seamen's service book or a certificate of physical fitness is an offence under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance.
- Seafarers' particulars can be verified through the Government Shipping Office online data portal.
First job: starter vacancies
Live vacancies on Krew Guru for starter positions. Vacancies without any sea experience are rare, so we do not promise a job without it.
No open starter vacancies right now. Upload your CV and we will send you matching vacancies.
Krew Guru numbers
89% of open vacancies on Krew Guru accept citizens of Pakistan.
Seafarer profiles from Pakistan on Krew Guru: 2,900+.
Checked: 26 Oct 2026. Rules change, so always check with the maritime authority: Directorate General Ports & Shipping, Ministry of Maritime Affairs