Merchant Marine · বাণিজ্যিক নৌবাহিনী
How to Become a Merchant Navy Officer in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a growing supplier of merchant navy officers and ratings, supported by the Marine Academy Bangladesh and several private training institutes. The Department of Shipping issues certificates under STCW, and Bangladeshi seafarers serve on vessels worldwide. The country also has a significant ship-recycling industry at Chittagong.
Regulator: Department of Shipping (DOS) · Updated 2026-06-01
The Merchant Marine in Bangladesh
A career as a Bangladeshi merchant navy officer offers internationally portable qualifications, structured promotion and some of the highest entry-level earnings of any technical profession. Training follows the global STCW convention, so a certificate earned in Bangladesh is recognised worldwide — while the entry route, terminology (Merchant Marine) and approved institutes are specific to the country.
Eligibility & requirements
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM).
- Pass the Marine Academy Bangladesh entrance examination.
- Medical fitness certificate from a DOS-approved doctor.
- Minimum English proficiency; English is the medium of instruction.
Entry paths to become an officer
1. Marine Academy Bangladesh (MAB) — B.Sc. in Nautical Science / Marine Engineering
A four-year degree program including cadet sea service, leading to an operational-level officer certificate (Class-II or OOW).
2. Private maritime institute pre-sea course
Several DOS-approved private institutes offer the Pre-Sea Basic Training Certificate Course, which forms the entry point for ratings and eventual officer progression.
Approved institutes & academies
| Institute | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Academy Bangladesh (MAB) | Chittagong | Government |
| Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Academy | Chittagong | Government |
| National Maritime Institute (NMI) | Dhaka / Chittagong | Academy |
Ranks & salary structure
Merchant navy officers progress through a clear rank ladder in two main departments — Deck (navigation) and Engine — plus the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) role. Promotion depends on sea-time and higher Certificates of Competency.
Bangladeshi officers on international vessels earn USD wages broadly in line with the global ladder below.
| Rank | Department | Indicative pay (USD / month) |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Cadet / Trainee | Deck | $300 – $700 |
| Third Officer (3/O) | Deck | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Second Officer (2/O) | Deck | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Chief Officer (C/O) | Deck | $6,000 – $9,500 |
| Master (Captain) | Deck | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Trainee / Fifth Engineer | Engine | $300 – $700 |
| Fourth Engineer (4/E) | Engine | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Third Engineer (3/E) | Engine | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Second Engineer (2/E) | Engine | $7,000 – $10,500 |
| Chief Engineer (C/E) | Engine | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | ETO | $4,000 – $6,500 |
Figures are indicative monthly wages for foreign-going officers and vary by company, flag state, vessel type and contract length.
Documents, exams and planning checklist
Confirm eligibility and medical standards before paying any institute fees.
Shortlist only training routes recognised by DOS.
Keep passport, academic records, medical certificate and sponsorship letters organised.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main maritime academy in Bangladesh?+
Marine Academy Bangladesh (MAB) in Chittagong is the premier government institution offering B.Sc. degree courses in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering approved by the Department of Shipping.
How is Bangladesh's ship recycling industry related to the merchant marine?+
Chittagong's ship-breaking yards provide ancillary employment but are distinct from the merchant marine sector. They do generate demand for marine engineers who understand vessel systems, though working conditions and regulations differ significantly from sea-going employment.
Life at sea
Shore leave, paperwork, fatigue, mental health, contracts and pensions affect seafarers in much the same way whatever country they train in, so they are covered once, in real-life issues on ships.