Chowdhury Sadaruddin is a distinguished Bangladeshi marine engineer and a proud graduate of Bangladesh Marine Academy, Chittagong (19th Batch, Engineering). His professional journey reflects excellence in maritime service, regulatory leadership, and strong community engagement—both nationally and internationally.
Bangladesh Marine Academy does more than train officers; it shapes leaders. The values of discipline, responsibility, and professionalism instilled at the Academy have remained with him throughout his 27-year career with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Chowdhury Sadaruddin stands as an inspiring example of professional excellence, public service, and community leadership within the Bangladeshi-Australian diaspora. With nearly three decades of service at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and an equally impactful contribution to multicultural and faith-based community development, his journey reflects dedication, integrity, and leadership.
Chowdhury Sadaruddin is a distinguished Bangladeshi marine engineer whose professional journey reflects excellence in maritime service, regulatory leadership, and community engagement—both nationally and internationally. He is a proud alumnus of Bangladesh Marine Academy, Chittagong (19th Batch – Engineering), where his leadership qualities emerged early. During his cadetship, he served as the Chief Cadet Captain for Fore Top, leading the engineering cadets and setting a strong foundation for his future career. After graduation, Mr Sadaruddin built a solid sea-going career, sailing on various types of ships and eventually attaining the rank of Chief Engineer. His extensive shipboard experience provided him with deep operational insight before he transitioned to a shore-based maritime career.
Maritime Career in Australia
Mr Sadaruddin migrated to Australia in 1996 and joined Sydney Ferries in 1997 as an Outer Harbour Engineer. His expertise and professionalism soon led him to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), where he commenced work at the Sydney office in 1999 before relocating to the AMSA Darwin Office later that same year.
Alongside his professional responsibilities, he further strengthened his academic credentials by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Management from Deakin University.
Nearly three decades at AMSA, Mr Sadaruddin has held numerous critical roles, including:
- Marine Surveyor
- Examiner of Engineers
- ISM Auditor
- Lead Investigator
- Causality Coordinator
- Subject Matter Expert on Marine Orders (Livestock)
- Trainer and capacity-building specialist
He was also awarded by AMSA, along with five colleagues, for developing the Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) Inspection Training program, a significant contribution to maritime safety and regulatory consistency. Currently, Mr Sadaruddin serves as Principal Regional Marine Surveyor, responsible for North-West Operations, overseeing AMSA activities across Darwin, Port Hedland, and Karratha.
International Contribution and Capacity Building
During his tenure, Mr Sadaruddin has contributed extensively to regional and international maritime cooperation. He has trained numerous Port State Control Inspectors from countries including Indonesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia, and has represented AMSA at various international forums. His work has strengthened maritime safety standards and regulatory capacity across the region.
National Recognition: Australian of the Year – NT Local Hero
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Sadaruddin’s community contributions have earned him national recognition. In 2009, he was awarded the Australian of the Year – Northern Territory Local Hero, one of the highest civilian honours bestowed by the Australian Government.
The Australian of the Year Awards recognise outstanding Australians across four categories, with Local Hero honouring individuals who make extraordinary contributions to their communities. Another prestigious national honour, the Order of Australia, is conferred by Australia’s Head of State, His Majesty the King.
- Chowdhury Sadaruddin | Australian of the Year
- Chowdhury Sadaruddin awarded the NT Local Hero 2009 – PriyoAustralia.com.au
- Bangladeshi Australian of the Year (NT Local Hero 2009)
Leadership in Community and Faith Organisations
Mr Sadaruddin is deeply involved in community leadership, particularly within the Muslim and Bangladeshi communities of the Northern Territory.
He currently serves as the Chairman of the Islamic Council of the Northern Territory (ICNT). Under his leadership, ICNT played a pivotal role in:
- Acquiring land for the Palmerston Mosque
- Constructing the mosque to serve the growing Muslim community
- Purchasing and converting a city property into a mosque for Muslims working in Darwin’s CBD
As Chairman, he actively represents the interests of Muslims in the Northern Territory across media platforms, and in engagement with territory and federal governments, as well as the political opposition.
At the national level, Mr Sadaruddin is also involved with the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), Australia’s peak Muslim body with over 60 years of history. He serves as one of the nine Federal Council Chairmen, contributing to policy, advocacy, and national coordination on matters affecting Muslims across Australia.
Contribution to the Bangladeshi Community
Mr Sadaruddin is a founding member and advisor of the Bangladesh Association of the Northern Territory (BANT). Through this role, he has supported and advocated for the interests of Bangladeshis living and working in the Northern Territory, helping to strengthen community ties and representation.
Tiwi Islands man guilty of murdering international student, NT Supreme Court jury finds – ABC News
A Role Model for Bangladeshi Mariners
Chowdhury Sadaruddin’s journey from a marine professional to a senior maritime regulator and nationally recognised community leader is a source of pride for Bangladeshi mariners worldwide. His career demonstrates how professional excellence, ethical leadership, and community service can go hand in hand.
His story serves as an inspiration to young Bangladeshi seafarers and maritime professionals aspiring to build successful careers while contributing meaningfully to society.
A short interview with Chowdhury Sadaruddin:
“Service, Safety and Community Must Go Together” — Chowdhury Sadaruddin.
For Chowdhury Sadaruddin, maritime safety is not just a profession—it is a lifelong commitment matched by an equally strong dedication to community service.
bdmariners.org spoke with Mr Sadaruddin, currently the Principal Regional Marine Surveyor for North-West Operations at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), about his journey from migration to national recognition.
bdmariners.org: You came to Australia in 1996. How did your maritime career begin here?
Chowdhury Sadaruddin: I started working with Sydney Ferries in 1997 as an Outer Harbour Engineer. It was a valuable experience and helped me understand Australian maritime operations from the ground up.
bdmariners.org: You joined AMSA soon after. How did your role evolve over the years?
Chowdhury Sadaruddin: I joined AMSA in 1999 and later that year moved to Darwin. Over time, I worked as a Marine Surveyor, Examiner of Engineers, ISM Auditor, Lead Investigator, and trainer. I also became involved as a subject matter expert, particularly in Marine Orders related to livestock operations. Today, I oversee North-West Operations covering Darwin, Port Hedland, and Karratha.
bdmariners.org: You have also contributed internationally.
Chowdhury Sadaruddin: Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to train Port State Control inspectors from Indonesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia, and to represent AMSA at regional and international forums. Maritime safety is a shared responsibility, especially in our region.
bdmariners.org: In 2009, you were named Australian of the Year – NT Local Hero. What did that recognition mean to you?
Chowdhury Sadaruddin: It was a great honour. The award recognises community service, and for me it reflected the collective effort of many volunteers working to build understanding, harmony, and strong institutions.
bdmariners.org: You are deeply involved in community leadership as well.
Chowdhury Sadaruddin: I currently serve as Chairman of the Islamic Council of the Northern Territory. We worked hard to establish the Palmerston Mosque and a city mosque for working Muslims. I’m also involved with the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils at the national level and with the Bangladesh Association of the Northern Territory, which I helped found.
bdmariners.org: What message would you give to young Bangladeshi mariners?
Chowdhury Sadaruddin: Focus on professionalism, integrity, and continuous learning. At the same time, stay connected to your community. Success is most meaningful when it benefits others.
As Mr Sadaruddin approaches 27 years of service with AMSA, his career stands as a powerful example of how Bangladeshi mariners can excel globally while contributing meaningfully to both industry and society.
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