Seafaring for Blue Economy
Bangladesh Marine Academy (BMA) – Policy and Plans for Blue Economy (2018-2028)
1 June 2018
INTRODUCTION
On 25 September, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Development that includes a bold set of Global Goals. The 17 goals and their targets are intended to guide the global efforts to end poverty, promote prosperity and well-being for all, protect the environment and address climate change.
Bangladesh, as a Member State of UN, is duly committed comply, as applicable, the 17 SDG Goals of the UN.
Bangladesh Marine Academy (BMA) – a dedicated maritime educational institution for developing Seafarers (Marine Cadets, Marine Officers and Marine Engineers) for ocean-going ships engaged in international voyages for transportation of goods and humans. Since its inception in 1962, BMA is spontaneously performing to serve the ocean-going ships of national and foreign flags.
SEAFARING FOR BLUE ECONOMY
In line with the ‘Seafaring for Blue Economy’, through its well established education, capacity building and research agenda and recognizing that all the goals are interrelated and indivisible, BMA will contribute directly and tangibly to the implementation of the following Global Goals of UN:
Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all.
Since 1983, BMA has contributed to postgraduate education and professional development opportunities for individuals around the globe, in particular from developing countries including small island developing countries, and that ongoing effort will continue.
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Through education, BMA will contribute to the elimination of discrimination against women and further the equality and empowerment of women and ensure their full and effective participation with equal opportunities for leadership at sea as well.
Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
BMA will support the targets focused on capacity-building and trade aimed at significantly increasing the exports by developing countries.
PLANS for Blue Economy (2018 – 2028)
In line with the ‘Seafaring for Blue Economy’, BMA plans the following aspirations for the forth-coming future in 2018-2028:
- 2018-2028: Maintaining/increasing the standard of quality in recruiting the Cadets in line with the requirement of IMO (International Maritime Organisation – a UN Agency).
- 2018-2028: Maintaining the revenue earning in foreign currency through our Graduates (currently over 4,500 in number); about US$ 200 Million per year.
- 2018-2028: Increasing the revenue earning in foreign currency through the Cadets.
- 2018-2028: Conducting recently introduced 4-years’ Bachelor of Maritime Science (Honours) Degree course for the Cadets under affiliation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh.
- 2018: Introducing MSc in Maritime Science Degree course, from Oct 2018, for our Graduates under affiliation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh.
- 2019: BMA is providing necessary technical assistance in establishing Four Marine Academies in Rangpur, Pabna, Barisal and in Sylhet since 2010. These are expected to go into function by 2019-2020. BMA will continue providing all assistance for commencement and smooth operation of these New Academies.
- 2020-2028: Establishing Bangabandhu Techno Marina Complex by 2020 (approved in principle by MoS). This will provide research facilities to the MSc and PhD levels.
- 2022: Procuring a Training-cum-Trading (ocean-going) Ship and a Full-mission Deck/Engine Simulator by 2022 under an ongoing Project with EDCF Korea and MoS & ERD.
- 2025: BMA will wide open its span for Post Graduate (MSc/PhD) Maritime Research by 2025 to serve the national and international shipping.
MarEngr. Sajid Hussain HonDSc MSc CEng CMarEng FIMarEST
Commandant, Bangladesh Marine Academy
IMO Maritime Ambassador
