CDC acceptance for Fishing Academy Cadets – decision made by PM office

Fazlu Bhai responded in groupmail:

The marine academy was set up for the merchant marine sector. Similarly the marine fisheries academy was set up for the fishing sector. The aims and objectives are different. They must not be mixed up. Otherwise it will defeat the primary objectives.

There must be training, examination and certification system for fishing vessels officers. That must also be conducted by the Department of Shipping as per STCW-F Convention. They must also be issued with a book preferably called Record of Service on Fishing Vessels when they join a sea-going fishing vessel. These two documents together will create lot of job opportunities for them, not only in Bangladesh but also abroad.

There should be no barrier for such people to join merchant ships at a later stage if they meet the requirements laid down in the rules. However, the government must not try or facilitate their employment on merchant ships. That would mean the government working against its own policy.

CDC is not a requirement for joining a ship. Rather it is given when the person joins a ship to start his sea career.

Fazlur