How to Become a Seafarer in Bangladesh: A Practical Guide

Eve Church
21 Oct, 2025
09 Mins read

An Offshore Support Vessel named Martide flying the flag of Bangladesh

Are you a Bangladeshi who is thinking about starting a maritime career? If so, you’ll be joining a proud Bay of Bengal seafaring legacy, supported by training that follows international STCW standards.

This guide outlines the key steps, courses, paperwork, and certifications required in Bangladesh to work aboard commercial ships - whether you want to work on a tanker, bulk carrier, container ship, cruise ship, or offshore support vessel. We aim to help you navigate the path from education to your first job at sea and into a successful maritime career.

What maritime careers can Bangladeshi seafarers choose?

The majority of upcoming Bangladeshi seafarers follow one of three main technical career paths:

Deck (Navigation/Operations): Bridge watchkeeping, passage planning, COLREGs, ECDIS/radar/ARPA, cargo ops, mooring, safety and environmental compliance.

Electro-Technical (ETO): Electrical distribution, high-voltage safety, automation/PLC, controls and sensors, communications and navigation electronics.

Engine (Marine Engineering): Propulsion and power generation, fuel/lube systems, maintenance diagnostics, HVAC/refrigeration, environmental protection (MARPOL), planned maintenance.

You can begin your maritime career as a rating - these are hands-on seafarers who work in manual jobs on ships - and move up the career ladder and ranks later, or you may choose to join a ship directly through an officer cadet program.

a young female seafarer hauling lines on the deck of a cargo ship

What should you study at school to become a seafarer in Bangladesh?

For SSC/HSC (or the equivalent), build a strong base that will help you gain admission to a regular or college or maritime academy, and that will set you in good stead for passing license exams further down the line:

Mathematics & Physics: Core for stability, navigation, thermodynamics, and machinery.

English & Maritime English (SMCP): Clear radio/bridge/engine communication and keeping concise logbooks.

ICT/Digital skills: Ships are software-heavy - ECDIS, PMS (Planned Maintenance Systems), e-logs etc.

Useful extras: Technical drawing/CAD, basic electronics, geography/meteorology, and workshop/practical subjects.

Strong performance in mathematics and science can greatly enhance your chances of being accepted into officer-training programs at maritime academies.

These subjects build the analytical and technical foundation needed for navigation, engineering, and other shipboard responsibilities, making you a more competitive candidate for officer-track positions.

Who regulates seafarer training and certification in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh implements STCW through the Department of Shipping (DoS) under the Ministry of Shipping. DoS approves training centers, oversees assessments, issues Certificates of Competency (CoC)/Certificates of Proficiency (CoP), and manages seafarer documentation.

Important: Always train at DoS-approved institutions so that your courses and sea time are recognized by employers and manning agencies.

students studying in a maritime university in Bangladesh

Well-known public providers include the Bangladesh Marine Academy (BMA) in Chattogram, and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University (BSMRMU) network/affiliations for degree pathways.

Several private academies and short-course centers also operate with DoS approval but we strongly suggest that you verify their current status before applying or enrolling.

The maritime officer route to jobs at sea in Bangladesh

A standard route to becoming an officer usually follows a clear progression through several key stages. It typically begins with enrolling in an accredited maritime academy or training institute, followed by completing academic studies, onboard cadet training, and obtaining the necessary sea time and certifications.

Each step is designed to build your skills, experience, and qualifications, preparing you to take on increasing levels of responsibility at sea.

Enroll in an approved program

Deck: Nautical science/navigation (diploma/degree or professional program).
Engine: Marine engineering/operation of ship power plants.
ETO: Electrical/electronics background plus an approved ETO course with maritime modules.

Choose an institutions formally approved by DoS (and, where relevant, affiliated to BSMRMU) so your academics and sea time count toward licensing.

Complete STCW Basic Training (BT) early

Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention & Firefighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities, plus Security Awareness (and Designated Security Duties if your role requires it).

Undertake a cadet sea phase with a Training Record Book (TRB)

Sail as a deck/engine/ETO cadet and log watchkeeping, drills, and competencies signed by ship’s officers. Total cadet sea time typically sums up to around 12 months across one or more trips, depending on your program and/or sponsor.

a man wearing safety gear while working on deck in a seafarer job

Finish stream-specific mandatory courses

Deck: ECDIS, Radar/ARPA, Bridge Resource Management (BRM), GMDSS (ROC/GOC as applicable), Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB), Advanced Firefighting (AFF), Medical First Aid/Medical Care (certificate-level dependent).
Engine/ETO: Engine Room Resource Management (ERRM), High-Voltage safety, PSCRB, AFF, and automation/diagnostics modules.

Pass medical and eye tests

You will need to hold a valid seafarer medical certificate from a DoS-approved maritime doctor (STCW/MLC compliant). Deck roles must meet color-vision standards so that you can ‘read’ navigation lights and signals.

Assessment & licensing (DoS)

After completing your approved education, sea time, and courses, you will undergo theoretical, oral, and practical/simulator assessments as set by DoS. Successful candidates will receive:

Deck: OIC-NW (II/1) then later Chief Officer/Master (II/2) with additional sea time, management-level courses, and orals.
Engine: OICEW (III/1) then later Second/Chief Engineer (III/2).
ETO: Electro-Technical Officer (III/6).

Prefer to start earning first? Take the ratings route

Beginning your maritime career as a rating allows you to gain hands-on experience at sea while earning a salary. This route is ideal for those who prefer a practical start rather than jumping straight into officer training.

Working as a rating helps you develop valuable seamanship skills, understand ship operations, and learn directly from experienced crew members. Over time, you can build up sea time, complete additional courses, and progress to officer level through structured upgrade programs, combining real-world experience with formal maritime education.

Pre-sea and STCW Basic Training at a DoS-approved center.

Add RFPNW (II/4) for deck or RFPEW (III/4) for engine to form part of a watch.

Join as Ordinary Seaman (OS), Wiper/Motorman, or catering rating. Keep meticulous sea-service records (vessel, IMO, GT/kW, dates, rank/duties, trading area).

After sufficient sea time and assessments, upgrade to Able Seafarer Deck (II/5) or Able Seafarer Engine (III/5). If you meet entry criteria later (education, exams), you can apply for an officer program and attempt your first CoC.

a young man working in the engine room of a ship with equipment

What seafarer documents and IDs do Bangladeshi seafarers need?

Before you can sign a contract for your first job working on a ship you’ll need to assemble a number of documents. This is a general list but your crewing or manning agency will confirm the specifics with you:

A valid Bangladesh passport.

Seafarer’s Service Book/Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) issued nationally.

Seafarer Identity Document (SID) where applicable (ILO 185 model) for smoother border formalities.

STCW certificates (Basic Training, Security, and any role-specific CoPs such as PSCRB, AFF).

National CoC/CoP matching your rank/role once qualified.

Flag-State Endorsement (FSE) when serving on foreign-flag ged ships. Your employer or agency will normally help you with this.

Medical fitness certificate from a DoS-approved maritime doctor. As mentioned earlier, deck jobs will require compliant color vision tests.

Vaccinations/health records – for example Yellow Fever or Typhoid where trading areas require them.

Visas aligned with routes and port states.

Employment contract via a reputable licensed crewing/manning agency.

Top tip: Keep certified hard copies of all documents as well as securely stored digital scans. Martide lets you upload all of your documents into your seafarer profile so that they’re safe and easily accessible wherever you are in the world.

Make sure to keep a close eye on document expiry dates too so nothing lapses mid-contract!

a seaman's book, seafarer documents and an open passport on a desk

Which maritime endorsements will help you find a seafarer job in Bangladesh?

Focus on earning additional endorsements and certifications that align with the types of vessels most Bangladeshi seafarers work on, such as tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, and offshore support vessels.

Tailoring your training to these sectors increases your employability and makes you a stronger candidate for international crewing opportunities. For example, tanker endorsements or advanced cargo-handling certificates can open doors to higher-paying and more specialized roles within global fleets.

Tanker familiarization and advanced tanker – for jobs on oil/chemical/LPG/LNG tankers.

Passenger ship crowd and crisis management - for jobs on cruise ships and ferries.

Ro-Ro operations - for jobs on car carriers.

Dynamic Positioning (DP) - for jobs on offshore support vessels.

High-Voltage competence – for jobs working in the engine/ department or as an ETO.

Security: Ship Security Officer (SSO) or Designated Security Duties as required.

You’ll also need to undertake refresher training every 5 years for core STCW modules Basic Training (BT), Advanced Fire-Fighting (AFF), and Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB).

Many maritime companies in Bangladesh provide endorsement training after you’re hired, but obtaining the relevant certifications beforehand can help you secure a maritime job more quickly.

How do maritime assessments and seafarer licenses work in Bangladesh?

Generally speaking:

Train at DoS-approved centers so your course certificates are recognized.
Accumulate documented sea time (TRB entries, sea-service letters listing the vessel/IMO, GT/kW, dates, rank/duties, trading area. Get them signed by authorized officers.
Sit competency exams under DoS (theory/orals/simulator) for your target certificate: OIC-NW/OICEW/ETO or Able Seafarer.
Secure flag endorsements when joining foreign-flagged vessels.

a cargo ship flying the flag of Indonesia

Stay updated by regularly checking announcements from the Bangladesh Maritime Administration and training institutes, as regulations and qualification requirements may change over time.

How do you find your first seafarer job in Bangladesh?

The majority of Bangladeshi seafarers are hired through licensed crewing/manning agencies that recruit on behalf of international shipowners. The typical process usually follows this sequence:

Complete medicals with a DoS-approved maritime clinic.
Finish mandatory STCW (and pre-sea modules).
Prepare documents (passport, CDC/SID, certificates).
Pass company screening (English/SMCP tests like Marlins/CES; technical interview plus simulator tests for maritime officer jobs).
Handle visas and flag paperwork with your agency.
Join your ship!

Top tips: Always confirm that a crewing agency is properly licensed and has a solid reputation before signing any agreement. Also make sure your CV is clear and to the point, and ensure your sea-service letters are accurate, consistent, and straightforward to verify.

How long will it take to find a job at sea in Bangladesh?

The timeframe for securing a seafarer job can differ depending on available berths, training schedules, and market demand. For Bangladeshi seafarers, the overall process - from completing courses and documentation to landing your first job at sea - can take varying amounts of time. On average, the journey to finding a maritime job typically looks something like this:

Ratings: Weeks to a few months for pre-sea plus Basic Training to join as an Ordinary Seaman, Wiper or Motorman then upgrade with sea time to an Able Seafarer job.

Officer (Deck): Often 2–3+ years including academy terms and cadet sea phases before gaining OIC-NW (II/1).

Officer (Engine): Similar timeline before gaining OICEW (III/1).

ETO: Technical degree/diploma plus approved ETO course then trainee sea time before gaining ETO (III/6) competence.

Expect refresher training every five years for core STCW modules and additional courses as you progress to management-level licenses such as those needed to work in Chief Officer jobs, Master jobs, Second Engineer jobs or Chief Engineer jobs.

a woman wearing an officer's uniform and hard hat with the Bangladeshi flag on it standing on the deck of a cargo ship

What other skills matter to maritime employers in Bangladesh?

Your training and certificates will get you onboard but it’s your soft skills, personality traits and dedication that will keep you there:

Strong communication skills are essential - use clear English and Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) for radio, bridge, and engine room exchanges.

Maintain a solid safety mindset and work well within your team by applying Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and Engine Room Resource Management (ERRM) practices daily, while strictly following the Safety Management System.

Be confident with digital tools, including updating ECDIS, logging Planned Maintenance System (PMS) entries, managing email handovers, and completing reports accurately.

Demonstrate professionalism at all times through punctuality, respect for multicultural crews, and sound decision-making under pressure.

Keep your documentation impeccable - ensure your Training Record Book (TRB) entries and sea-service letters are complete, consistent, and error-free.

A step-by-step checklist for Bangladeshi seafarers

Pick your stream: Deck, Engine, or ETO.
Choose your entry route: Officer (DoS-approved academy) or rating (pre-sea and BT).
Complete STCW Basic Training at an approved center.
Secure a maritime medical from an approved doctor (plus color-vision for deck jobs).
Obtain your CDC (and SID if applicable) and organize scans/copies.
Land a cadetship or rating berth via a licensed crewing agency.
Finish sea phases and keep your Training Record Book pristine.
Complete mandatory stream courses (ECDIS, Radar/ARPA, BRM/ERRM, PSCRB, AFF, GMDSS, High-Voltage).
Sit competency exams for your CoC/CoP under the Bangladesh Department of Shipping.
Add endorsements (tanker, passenger, DP), keep refreshers current, and build sea time toward higher licenses.

a man working in a seafarer job standing on deck and writing on a clipboard

Becoming a seafarer in Bangladesh: Final thoughts

Bangladesh offers a well-organized, internationally recognized seafaring pathway that meets STCW standards. Whether you start your journey as a rating or an officer cadet, your progress depends on accredited training, verified sea service, a current medical certificate, and meticulous record-keeping.

Decide early which fleet sector (tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, cruise vessels, or offshore support) you want to focus on, and work toward earning the endorsements relevant to that field.

Always ensure your certificates remain valid, keep secure digital copies of important documents, and handle your Training Record Book with the utmost care - it’s one of your most valuable assets at sea.

Good luck and if you’re looking for your next seafarer job, don’t forget to take a look at Martide’s maritime job vacancies!

Disclaimer: The information above is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing and is provided for informational purposes only as a starting guide. Requirements change and can vary by authority, flag, company, and vessel type. We highly recommend checking the latest guidance from Bangladesh’s *Department of Shipping, your chosen maritime academy/training provider, and your employer or crewing agency before making decisions.*