[BMCS Seminar] Navigating Seafarer Shortage: Bangladesh’s Prospect in Maritime Education and Training

Bangladeshi Marine Community Singapore (BMCS) hosted an enlightening seminar titled “Navigating Seafarer Shortage: Bangladesh’s Prospects in Maritime Education and Training” on September 1, 2023, at the scenic Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa in Singapore. Mr. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury MP, State Minister for Shipping, Bangladesh, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor.

This enlightening seminar was hosted by BMCS Member Capt. Ghazi Abu Taher, Master Mariner (UK) BA(CU), MBA(UK) who created a congenial atmosphere to kick start the event.

BMCS President Sanwer Dito , MSc ,FIMarEST started the seminar with a warm welcome. Mr. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury MP, Guest of Honor, delivered a compelling address highlighting the potential of Bangladeshi seafarers and their substantial contributions to the global maritime industry, emphasizing the advantages of recruiting them for shipowners and management companies worldwide.
Distinguished speakers shared valuable insights on crucial maritime subjects.

Captain Belal Ahmed, Chairman of The International Maritime Employers’ Council and Managing Director of Western Shipping Pte, Singapore, elucidated the global seafarer shortage and its profound impact on the maritime industry.

Commandant Sajid Hussain, CEng CMarEng FIMarEST: Commandant of Bangladesh Marine Academy, discussed the evolving skills necessary for modern seafarers.
Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, OSP, NPP, rcds, afwc, psc, PhD: Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh, presented initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime education in Bangladesh.

Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam (E), BSP, NUP, BCGM, BCGMS, ndc, psc, BN: Director General, Department of Shipping, Bangladesh, highlighted Bangladesh’s potential in addressing the seafarer shortage through education and training.

Capt Zaki Ahad, Commandant, the International Maritime Academy, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in producing well-trained seafarers.
The seminar concluded with a lively panel discussion, during which the audience posed questions and experts provided insightful answers. Capt. Emdad Hossain, BMCS Professional Development Secretary, expertly moderated the discussion.

The expert panel included:

• Dr. Prof Arun Dev: A distinguished Naval Architect and Marine Engineer.
• Captain Belal Ahmed: Chairman of The International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC).
• Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam (E): Director General, Department of Shipping, Bangladesh.
• Commandant Sajid Hussain: Commandant of Bangladesh Marine Academy.
• Capt. Shahid Murad: General Manager at “K”-Line Ship Management(S) Pte Ltd.

BMCS General Secretary MarEngr Mohammad Shakhawat Hossain, CEng, CMarEng, MBA , MSc( SMO) thanked attendees, speakers, sponsors and conveyed the closing remarks for their invaluable contributions. The seminar drew participants from renowned shipowners, ship management companies, and manning agents in Singapore.

Generous sponsorship was provided by:

• True Marine (Singapore)
• Haque & Sons Ltd (Bangladesh)
• Mas Marine (Bangladesh)
• Bangladesh Marine Academy
• Naaf Marine

The programme ended with a banquet enjoyed by all.
The current management committee of BMCS, including Vice-President Capt. Rabiul Islam, Joint Secretary MarEng Latiful Islam, Treasurer Capt. Mozammel Hossain, Assistant Treasurer Capt. Md. Ranakul Islam, Cultural Secretary Capt. Abu Jafar Mohammad Sadat, Sports Secretary Capt. Ziaur Rahman, Welfare Secretary Capt. Md. Delwar Karim Khan, Council Members Capt. Imran Kalam Chowdhury and MarEng Mizan Al Kabir, alongside other dedicated BMCS members, exerted tremendous effort and played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the event. BMCS sincerely acknowledges the invaluable contributions of all its members, as, without their support, the event could not have been executed so smoothly.
BMCS remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within the maritime community. This seminar showcased BMCS’s unwavering dedication to addressing the global seafarer shortage and advancing Bangladesh’s maritime education and training sector.

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Courtesy: https://bmcs.sg