How to become a seafarer in Bangladesh

Choose your path

What both paths have in common

• All seafarers must complete safety familiarization and basic training under STCW VI/1.
  Source: IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (2010): Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention
• Under the MLC 2006, no person under 16 may work on board a ship.
  Source: ILO, Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended)
• The CDC (continuous discharge certificate, the seaman's book) is applied for online at the Government Shipping Office (GSO).
  Source: Government Shipping Office, Chattogram: services and notices
• The GSO registers seafarers and issues the roster book.
  Source: Government Shipping Office, Chattogram: services and notices
• Medical endorsement is also applied for online at the GSO.
  Source: Government Shipping Office, Chattogram: services and notices
• Applications for maritime certificates to the Department of Shipping (DOS) are made online.
  Source: Department of Shipping (DOS), Bangladesh: home page and e-services

Beware of scams

• Use only recruitment agents on the DOS list of approved seafarer recruitment agents; the list shows licence numbers and expiry dates.
  Source: Department of Shipping: approved seafarer recruitment agents
• Seafarer recruitment agents are licensed under the 2005 licensing rules.
  Source: Government Shipping Office, Chattogram: services and notices
• Seafarers' certificates of competency, certificates of proficiency and CDCs can be verified online through the DOS website.
  Source: Department of Shipping (DOS), Bangladesh: home page and e-services
• Check that a training institute is on the DOS list of approved maritime training institutes.
  Source: Department of Shipping: approved maritime training institutes
• Under the MLC 2006, recruitment and placement fees must not be charged to the seafarer.
  Source: ILO, Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended)

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