How to become a seafarer in Bangladesh after school

Officer: maritime academy or college

• Bangladesh Marine Academy (BMA) offers a 4-year Bachelor of Maritime Science (Honours) in nautical science.
  Source: Bangladesh Marine Academy: Bachelor of Maritime Science (Nautical Science)
• The programme combines 24 months at the academy, 12 months of paid on-board training and another 12 months at the academy.
  Source: Bangladesh Marine Academy: Bachelor of Maritime Science (Nautical Science)
• BMA also offers a BSc in marine engineering.
  Source: Bangladesh Marine Academy: home page (programmes)
• Applicants need the HSC with mathematics and physics.
  Source: Bangladesh Marine Academy: Bachelor of Maritime Science (Nautical Science)
• Applicants need good spoken and written English.
  Source: Bangladesh Marine Academy: Bachelor of Maritime Science (Nautical Science)
• Applicants pass medical and eyesight tests and a physical fitness check; the age limit is 21.
  Source: Bangladesh Marine Academy: Bachelor of Maritime Science (Nautical Science)
• Under STCW, a candidate for officer in charge of a navigational watch must be at least 18 and have at least 12 months of approved seagoing service.
  Source: IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (2010): Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention

Rating: rating course

• Trainee ratings for government and private maritime institutes are selected through an integrated admission test (2022 policy).
  Source: Department of Shipping: admission eligibility for pre-sea cadets and pre-sea ratings
• Pre-sea rating batches of the National Maritime Institutes in Chattogram and Madaripur receive their CDCs from the GSO.
  Source: Government Shipping Office, Chattogram: services and notices

Exams and certification

• Cadets for maritime academies are selected through an integrated admission test (policy revised in 2022).
  Source: Department of Shipping: admission eligibility for pre-sea cadets and pre-sea ratings
• The DOS publishes an annual schedule of certificate of competency examinations.
  Source: Department of Shipping: annual examination schedules
• The DOS publishes oral examination schedules for marine engineer officers of different grades.
  Source: Department of Shipping (DOS), Bangladesh: home page and e-services

Documents in order

1. Pass the integrated admission test for cadets or trainee ratings.
   Source: Department of Shipping: admission eligibility for pre-sea cadets and pre-sea ratings
2. 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
3. Apply online for the CDC at the GSO.
   Source: Government Shipping Office, Chattogram: services and notices
4. Register as a seafarer and get the roster book at the GSO.
   Source: Government Shipping Office, Chattogram: services and notices
5. After sign-on, join the ship within one month; sign off within one month of leaving the ship.
   Source: Government Shipping Office, Chattogram: services and notices

Cadet training at sea

• BMA nautical cadets spend 12 months at sea on paid on-board training.
  Source: Bangladesh Marine Academy: Bachelor of Maritime Science (Nautical Science)
• Under STCW, a deck watchkeeping officer candidate needs at least 12 months of seagoing service in an approved training programme.
  Source: IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (2010): Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention

Approved training institutions

First job: starter vacancies

Krew Guru numbers