Bangladesh Marine Academy (BMA) is the premier and top notch maritime training institution in Bangladesh, established in 1962 in Chittagong. It trains officer cadets for the merchant navy, preparing them to become deck officers and marine engineers. The academy operates as a fully residential and regimental institution, following a strict code of conduct and discipline to prepare cadets for the demanding life at sea. BMA offers a rigorous training program that includes both academic education and practical hands-on experience. The curriculum aligns with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) STCW Convention standards, ensuring graduates meet international requirements for competence and safety. The academy boasts modern facilities, including navigation and engine room simulators, extensive workshops, a library, and various amenities for physical training and recreation. Since its inception, BMA has produced thousands of skilled and disciplined mariners who serve on both national and international vessels, with many achieving notable positions within the global maritime industry.
It has a Partnering Relation with World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden since 2019 (was a Branch of WMU since 1990 till 2019) and also has an affiliation for 4 years Bachelor of Maritime Science /Marine Engineering Degree for the Pre-Sea Cadets with Bangladesh Maritime University, . Its training activity and education is recognized by IMO (UN), European Union (EMSA), British Merchant Navy Training Board, Nautical Institute London & Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) London, Global Maritime Education and Training association (Australia) and has ISO 9001:2015 Quality Certificate by DNV-GL highlighting its strong international recognition and academic excellence.
History
Seafarers' Memorial located at the center of Bangladesh Marine Academy Campus
The world was rapidly changing after WWII (1939–45). West Pakistan along with East Bengal (Bangladesh) became independent from British rule in 1947. The Pakistan Government at the time looked into developing industrial training facilities. A scheme for establishing a marine academy beside the Bay of Bengal was sanctioned in 1952. Juldia Point (valleys of Juldia-Rangadia) at the Karnaphuly river-mouth at Bay of Bengal was chosen for the planned academy due to its 'ship-like environment'. The geographic location of this facility was unique in the country and was not available to other Suez to South-East Asian countries. (Project Plan – Development of Marine Academy, Phase – II [1973-1980])
The construction of basic infrastructure commenced. Its initial budget was Taka 31.19 lakhs in 1952, which increased to Taka 53 lakhs in 1959 and to Taka 58.3 lakhs in 1961. The initial project was completed with the objective of training 22 Nautical Cadet Officers and 22 Marine Engineering Cadet Officers. The new-built 'Mercantile Marine Academy' began on 3 September 1962.
During the Great Liberation War in 1971, the then Pakistan Government shifted the academy's function to Karachi, abandoning this academy. Immediately after the war, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman resumed it as a Marine Academy with appointing Capt. (Merchant Marine) M L Rahman as its Commandant (first Bangladeshi Commandant). Bangabandhu began a project titled "Development of Marine Academy (1973-1980)" to raise the academy at the forefront of maritime professional excellence in South Asia.[1][2]
The Bangladesh Government has recently established four more Marine Academies in Barisal, Pabna, Sylhet and Rangpur of Bangladesh which commenced in 2021.
Courses
BSc courses
BSc in Nautical Science
4 year Bachelor of Maritime Science
Pre-Sea Nautical Science:24 months at Academy (1-4 semester)
On Board Training: 12 months sea-service (5-6 semester)
1 year in academy (7-8 semester)
BSc in Marine Engineering
4 years Bachelor of Marine Engineering
Pre-Sea Marine Engineering:24 months at Academy (1-4 semester)
On-Board Training: 12 months sea service (5-6 semester)
1 year in academy under (7–8 semester)
Preparatory courses
Preparatory Course for Deck Officer Class I (Orals)
Preparatory Course for Deck Officer Class II & I
Preparatory Course for Deck Officer Class III
Preparatory Course for Deck Officer Class IV (Orals)
Preparatory Course for Deck Officer Class IV & V
IMO model courses
Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Elementary First Aid (EFA)
Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FP&FF)
Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
Proficiency in Survival Craft &Rescue Boats (PSC&RB)
Azizul Islam - is a Bangladeshi flutist. He was awarded Ekushey Padak by the government of Bangladesh in the music category in 2017
Captain M. Zakaria - Capt. Zakaria served as a chairman of Chittagong Port Authority from 16 July 1990 to 20 July 1991
Captain Zahir Uddin Mahmood - Capt. Zahir served as a chairman of Chittagong Port Authority from 24 March 1995 to 25 June 1997. He also served as a Chairman MPA, Singapore.
Marine Chief Engineer Zafrul Alam - Marine Engineer Zafrul served as an assistant director in MPA Singapore. He was the legend Mariner and also faculty member of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is a recipient of three National Day Awards in Singapore. He was awarded Efficiency Medal 1992, Public Administration Medal (Bronze), 2002 and The Long Service Medal 2006.
Captain Moin Ahmed - Capt. Moin Ahmed is the Special Envoy to the Minister of Shipping, Government of Bangladesh Marine Policy Expert. Until 14 April 2023 he served as the Director General of the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO). He holds a Certificate of Competency as Master Mariner and an MSc degree in Shipping Management (Technical) from the World Maritime University.
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