KARACHI: The Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) the other day celebrated the ‘Raising Day’ for the first time since the commencement of this academy. The institution was established in 1962 and shifted to its existing location in Karachi in 1976. To celebrate this day, a ceremony was held at the PMA located on Hawke’s Bay Road. Speaking at the ceremony as the chief guest, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Michael said that since the inception of the Pakistan Marine Academy, the efforts of the commandants and officers have remained persistent for the development and progress of the academy in the maritime sector. “The Pakistan Marine Academy has contributed significantly to the development of maritime sector of the country,” said Senator Kamran Michael, adding that he was really proud of the marine academy because “it offers training to cadets in the fields of nautical and marine engineering and conducts the mandatory seafarers training and certification as well as post-sea specialised courses every year. He advised the cadets to realise that training at the Pakistan Marine Academy was meant to equip them with extensive professional skills and comprehensive knowledge of this field. “This academy inculcates in you a sense of responsibility and high standards of discipline that make you perfect professional seafarers,” Kamran Michael said while addressing the cadets. Delivering his welcome address, Pakistan Marine Academy commandant Commodore Akbar Naqi SI(M) said this day was being celebrated for the first time in the history of the PMA since its inception in 1962 to appreciate the efforts of former commandants and to make the public aware of this great institution. He said that the PMA had the honour of being the only public sector institution in the country for the training of seafarers. He said that the officers and staff of the Pakistan Marine Academy had worked hard throughout these eventful years and made all-out efforts to “improve the training and education of seafarers, which is our core activity”. “It is also the regional branch of the World Maritime University Malmo, Sweden, and has commendable standing amongst the galaxy of the world’s elite institutions for the training of merchant navy officers,” he said. Celebrations were followed by a variety of programmes and performances by cadets and students of the PMA. Students sang national songs and performed tableau. In the end, Commodore Akbar Naqi SI(M) presented a souvenir to Senator Kamran Michael.