Maritime Training Schools

Marine Academy

Marine Academy in Chittagong, Bangladesh was established in 1962. It is located on the east bank of the river Karnaphuly, facing the Bay of Bengal. It was a part of the Pakistan Marine Academy until 1971, when government of Bangladesh took over the institution. Originally, the Academy provided training for pre-sea cadets of Nautical and Engineering Branches. However over time the Academy has grown to meet the demands for Maritime Education and post-sea officers. In 1990 the excellent reputation of the Academy was recognized globally by its inclusion as a branch of World Maritime University.

In 1991 a cyclone had severely damaged the facilities of the Academy.  Subsequent rebuilding brought about the modernization of the equipment, training facilities, and jetties.

In 2000, Bangladesh was included on the White List of the International Maritime Organization.  International courses such as Survey of Small Craft, and ISM code were added to the curriculum of the Academy. A degree awarded by the Academy is also recognized by the Marine Department of Hong Kong.

The Marine Academy today is recognized as one of the worlds leading maritime institutions. Constant advancement of equipment and training facilities, keeps the Academy at the cutting edge of marine technology and growing international standards.

The Academy follows the British standard curriculum and has latest training equipment like GMDSS simulator, RADAR & ARPA simulator, excellent engineering workshops, seamanship training center, fire-fighting school, library with the most current publications and trade journals, lake for training boat handling, swimming pool for survival drills, a mosque, a hospital, and excellent living accommodations.  Training facilities for cadets, seamen and crews of inland water transport is also provided at the Academy. Leisure activities for the students include sports, games, and cultural activities.

Graduates of the institution qualify for employment in the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation and in foreign shipping organizations, and have an opportunity to rise to the rank of a Capitan or Chief Engineer, depending upon their performance. On average the Academy trains 60 cadets (30 Nautical, 30 Engineering) per year, but that varies with the demand, shipping markets, and government policy.  Since it first opened its doors in 1962, the Academy has trained 2,026 pre-sea cadets and 15,142 post sea officers and ratings. 

Seaman’s Training Centre

Established in Chittagong in 1952, Seaman’s Training Centre (STC) is a modern and well equipped facility that is in compliance with STCW 1978/95 convention, and national requirement to trained competent seafarers for employment on national and international ocean going vessels.

The government has adopted a policy to continually update and improve the quality of seafarers thought proper training. The STC has the facilities to provide training for 300 fresher and 1000 refresher (post sea training) seamen annually. However the intake of new students is in accordance with market demand for seafarers.

Pre-Sea Mainstream Courses:

These courses are available to fresh intakes, which are designed to prepare them for various duties as part of a crew or ratings.

• Deck Rating (Regulation II/4 para 2.2.2 of STCW95)
• Engine Rating (Regulation III/4 para 2.2.2 of STCW95)
• Cook Rating (Bangladesh Merchant Shipping Rule 6(5) of 1991)
• Steward Rating (Bangladesh Merchant Shipping Rule 6(1) of 1991)
• Electrician Rating (Bangladesh Merchant Shipping Rule 5(5) of 1991)
• Fitter Rating (Bangladesh Merchant Shipping Rule 5(5) of 1991)

Additionally all trainees complete the following mandatory basic training. (Reg. VI/1 of STCW95)

• Personal Survival Techniques (STCW CODE A-VI/1-1)
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (A-VI/1-2)
• Elementary First Aid (A-VI/1-3)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (A-VI/1-4)

Post-Sea and Ancillary Courses

Depending on the numbers of candidates and availability of instructors the following short and mandatory courses are also conducted in the Centre:

• Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat
• Efficient Deck Hand
• Tanker Safety & Familiarization
• Chemical Tanker Safety & Familiarization
• Oil Tanker Familiarization and Training
• Navigation Watch Keeping for Rating (Deck)
• Watch Keeping Training for Rating (Engine)
• Steering Familiarization Course (Deck, Non-Conventional)

For these courses hands on training is emphasized.  Teaching of these courses takes place as a lecture in the classroom and hands on experience in the workshops, nautical & engineering instruction model room, simulator and real life situation. Classes are taught in English due to the fact that it is the leading international language.  Emphasis on safety, discipline, physical training and punctuality is placed during the training period.

Marine Fisheries Academy, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Marine Fisheries Academy was established in 1973 and is the only institution for training personnel for fishing vessels and related industries.  The cadets are trained for deep sea going fishing vessels as per STCW’95F. Also the cadets are trained for processing plants as per HACCP requirements.

Bangladesh Institute of Marine Technology, (BIMT) Dhaka

This institution provides training for engine drivers/crews of inland vessels. The graduates can operate as driver/crews for launches/ferries, cargo launches/barges, tugboats, pontoons, and smaller craft that are found in river-ways. The trainees from BIMT can also find employment in foreign offshore installation and inland vessels.

Deck Personnel Training Centre, Dhaka

This institute provides training for deck personal of inland vessels. Such as navigation drivers/searangs/lascars, and seacunny crews for operation of passenger launches/ferries, cargo launches/barges, tug boats, pontoons, and smaller inland river-way craft. The institution offers one year course and other ancillary courses. 831 trainees and 4678 in service trainees have been trained at DPTC up to May 2002.

The DPTC has four basic safety courses which are in appliance to STCW-95 convention. The government has also taken steps to promote the employment of cadets in order to improve safety of inland vessels personnel.

Private Maritime Training Institutions

Recently 3 private maritime institutes have been established with the approval of the department of shipping. They are:

1. Bangladesh Maritime Training Institute (BMTI)
2. Maritime Institute of Science and Technology (MIST)
3. International Institute of Maritime Technology (IIMT)

These instructions offer various post-sea courses that are in compliance with the requirement of STCW’95 conventions, as approved by the department of shipping, Bangladesh. The quality and standards of these institutions is being regulated by the department of shipping.