The Al-Tarf: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a recent enforcement action, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has imposed a penalty on the oil tanker 'Al Tarf' after it docked in Karachi. The vessel, which arrived from Shinas, Oman, was transporting 3,000 metric tons of black carbon oil and was manned by a crew of 17, including 10 Bangladeshi and 7 Indian nationals. During a thorough inspection, the FIA discovered that three Bangladeshi crew members were lacking valid seamen’s documentation. Instead of the required flag state or national seamen’s books, they had presented counterfeit documents purportedly issued from Ireland. Investigators found that these illegal seamen’s books were obtained through a courier service after the individuals completed online maritime training. As a result of these findings, the enforcement agency issued a fine of $1,793 for each of the three undocumented crew members, totaling $5,381. The ship’s captain has been duly notified, and the owner of the vessel has received a formal notice from the FIA. The collected fines will be allocated to the national treasury. For further details, readers can refer to the original report with accompanying photographs at Arab News.