মেরিন ফিশারিজ একাডেমি (এমএফএ)

1. Bridge Simulator

Marine Fisheries Academy provides Bridge Simulator training in collaboration with recognized maritime training institutes, allowing cadets to acquire practical competencies in bridge watchkeeping, ship handling, voyage planning, collision avoidance, Bridge Resource Management (BRM), and emergency response in a realistic simulated environment. A project is currently underway to establish a world-class, IMO-compliant Bridge Simulator at the Academy to further strengthen practical maritime education and training.

2. Ship Model Room

The Ship Model Room serves as the Academy's practical bridge training facility, featuring a comprehensive range of navigational and communication equipment, including **RADAR, ARPA, GMDSS, steering systems, engine telegraph, bridge communication systems, and other bridge instruments**. Here, cadets receive hands-on training in ship navigation and manoeuvring, helm orders, bridge watchkeeping, bridge-to-bridge and bridge-to-engine room communications, radar/ARPA operation, GMDSS procedures, and standard bridge operational practices. The facility enhances cadets' practical skills, situational awareness, communication, and decision-making abilities before they proceed to simulator and onboard training.

3. Seamanship Laboratory

The Seamanship Laboratory provides comprehensive hands-on training in traditional and modern deck operations, enabling cadets to develop practical seamanship skills in accordance with the requirements of the STCW Convention. The laboratory is equipped with two steel ship models for practical demonstrations of anchoring, mooring, and cargo handling operations, allowing cadets to understand shipboard procedures in a realistic training environment.

The laboratory also houses a wide range of deck equipment and training aids, including anemometers, line-throwing apparatus (LTA), pyrotechnics, Aldis signalling lamps, searchlights, life rafts, life buoys, life jackets, MOB buoys, pilot ladders, accommodation ladders, gangways, cargo handling gear, lifting appliances, shackles, blocks, winches, and fishing deck equipment. Through practical exercises, cadets acquire competency in rope work, knots, bends, hitches, splices, rigging, signalling, anchoring, mooring, cargo handling, emergency procedures, life-saving techniques, and the safe operation of deck equipment, thereby strengthening their professional skills, safety awareness, and operational readiness for service on board merchant and fishing vessels.

4. Chart Room

The Chart Room is a spacious, fully air-conditioned instructional facility located on the ground floor of the Administrative Building, providing an ideal learning environment for practical navigation training. Designed to accommodate 40 cadets at a time, it is equipped with large chart tables, modern multimedia and projection systems, and a wide range of navigational training aids to support interactive teaching and learning.

The facility houses Admiralty and national nautical charts, nautical publications, sailing directions, tide tables, lists of lights, Notices to Mariners, chart correction materials, parallel rulers, dividers, and other chartwork instruments. Through practical exercises, cadets develop proficiency in chart plotting, position fixing, chart corrections, course and distance calculations, voyage planning, and the effective use of nautical publications. The Chart Room enhances cadets' navigational competence, analytical ability, and decision-making skills, while ensuring compliance with the principles of safe navigation and the competency requirements of the STCW Convention.

5. Meteorology Laboratory

The Meteorology Laboratory provides comprehensive practical training in marine meteorology through the use of a wide range of modern meteorological instruments and observation equipment. The laboratory is equipped with anemometers, aneroid barometers, manometers, barographs, thermometers, hygrometers, hydrometers, rain gauges, wind socks, and other meteorological training aids, enabling cadets to acquire practical knowledge of weather observation and atmospheric measurements.

Through hands-on training, cadets develop competency in measuring and interpreting meteorological parameters, including wind direction and speed, atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, rainfall, and other weather elements essential for safe navigation. The laboratory also supports instruction in weather forecasting, interpretation of weather charts, marine meteorological reports, and the application of meteorological information to voyage planning and navigational decision-making. These practical exercises enhance cadets' understanding of marine weather phenomena and strengthen their ability to ensure safe and efficient ship operations in accordance with the competency requirements of the STCW Convention.

6. Survival Craft & Fire Fighting Facilities

The Marine Fisheries Academy provides comprehensive Survival Craft and Fire Fighting Facilities for practical training in accordance with the requirements of the STCW Convention and relevant IMO Model Courses. The Academy is equipped with a standard indoor swimming pool, a dedicated Fire House, and a wide range of life-saving and firefighting equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, life buoys, immersion suits, pyrotechnics, line-throwing apparatus (LTA), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), fire extinguishers, fire hoses, nozzles, fireman's outfits, rescue equipment, and other emergency response appliances.

The facilities enable cadets to develop practical competencies in personal survival techniques, water survival, abandon-ship procedures, survival craft operations, fire prevention, basic firefighting, casualty rescue, and onboard emergency response through realistic practical exercises. In addition, cadets receive Advanced Fire Fighting and Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) practical training in collaboration with recognized maritime training institutes, ensuring compliance with international competency standards.

To further strengthen practical maritime education, the Academy maintains close collaboration with national and international maritime organizations and shipping companies, facilitating advanced practical training, professional exposure, and opportunities for onboard sea training aboard international merchant ships. These partnerships help prepare cadets to meet the competency requirements of the global maritime industry.

7. Training Ship

The Marine Fisheries Academy provides extensive onboard practical training through its steel-hulled medium-sized Training Ship, which serves as a floating classroom for competency-based maritime education on the Karnaphuli River. The Training Ship enables cadets to apply theoretical knowledge in a real shipboard environment while developing practical skills in ship navigation, bridge watchkeeping, helm orders, ship handling and manoeuvring, anchoring, mooring, deck operations, voyage planning, safety procedures, and routine shipboard operations under the supervision of experienced instructors.

To further enhance practical learning, the Academy operates two training ferry boats that provide additional opportunities for hands-on instruction in navigation, manoeuvring, berthing, unberthing, and inland ship operations. The Academy also maintains a modern high-speed boat, which is utilized for specialized practical exercises, field training, and instructional demonstrations as required. These training platforms provide cadets with invaluable real-time operational experience, strengthening their professional competence, confidence, and decision-making abilities while preparing them for onboard training and future careers in the national and international maritime industry.