Celebrating the 50th birthday of the Mercantile Marine Academy, Chittagong

Today is the 50^th anniversary of the Academy. The Academy alumni throughout the world are hailing the diamond jubilee of the very institution that made so many successful mariners. They earn a huge amount of per capita foreign exchange for Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Marine Academy is a marine academy in Chittagong, Bangladesh. This academy provide theoretical and practical training to cadet, deck officer and marine engineer for merchant ship. It is the only university of its kind in the country and was established in 1962. The academy is situated overlooking the Bay of Bengal from the hill tops of Juldia on the east bank of the Karnafuli River, about 20 kilometres south of the Chittagong city.

The academy has also been recognized as one of the branches of the World Maritime University ( WMU ), Malmö, Swedenin 1989 for its academic excellence, good training, quality marine manpower production and overall performance. Bangladesh was placed on the white list in the year 2000.

History

Seafarers’ Memorial located at the center of Bangladesh Marine Academy Campus

World scenario was changing fast after the WWII (1939–46). Pakistan along with East Bengal (Bangladesh) became independent in 1947 from British rule. Thereafter, the then Pakistan Government looked into developing various industrial training facilities. As such a scheme for establishing a marine academy beside Bay of Bengal had been sanctioned in 1952. Juldia Point (valleys of Juldia-Rangadia) at the Karnaphuly river-mouth at Bay of Bengal was chosen for the planned academy. Interesting to note that the reason was to create a ‘ship-like environment’ due to geographical location the Juldia Point was considered as it was almost like a ship but not floating! Such suitable facility/location was unique in the country and was not available from Suez to South-East Asian countries except India. (Project Plan – Development of Marine Academy, Phase – II [1973-1980].

Building basic infrastructure commenced in 1952. The establishment budget was Taka 31.19 lakhs in 1952, then increased to Taka 53 lakhs in 1959 and finally to Taka 58.3 lakhs in 1961. The initial project was completed with the aim of training 22 Nautical Cadet Officers and 22 Marine Engineering Cadet Officers. The new-built ‘Mercantile Marine Academy’ went into functioning from 3 September 1962.

Afterwards, during our Great Liberation War 1971 the then Pakistan Government shifted the Academy’s function to Karachi leaving this Academy abandoned. Immediately after liberation, the new Bangladesh Government resumed the Academy appointing Capt. (Merchant Marine) M L Rahman as the Commandant (first Bangalee Commandant).

Courses

Bangladesh Marine Academy Parade Ground

The academy is administered by the Ministry of shipping under the stewardship of the Department of Shipping. National University, Bangladesh Provides BMS (Bachelor of Maritime Science) Degree. The Marine Academy provides the following courses:

BMS courses

BMS Nautical Science

3 year Bachelor of Maritime Science

1. Pre-Sea Nautical Science: 24 months at Academy
2. On Board Training: 12 months sea-service

BMS Marine Engineering

3 years Bachelor of Maritime Science

1. Pre-Sea Marine Engineering: 24 months at Academy

1. On-Board Training:12 months sea service