On Saturday 16th September 2023, I had the absolute pleasure to attend the one day conference at Hotel Agrabad, Chittagong, Bangladesh, as Guest of Honour, to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Marine Surveyors Association of Bangladesh (MSAB). An audience of more than 100 delegates from the marine surveying profession and wider local shipping industry had assembled to take part in the event. The conference was also broadcast live via Facebook.
Opening remarks and the welcome were made by Captain Fasihur Rahman. Following a short presentation by Captain Sakhawat Hossain, who reviewed the history of MSAB since its formation, Capt Rahman came back to the podium to give an overview of the marine surveying profession.
There followed a fascinating insight into and analysis of the navigability of the Karnaphuli River, on which the busy port of Chittagong is situated, knowledgeably delivered by Mar.Engr. Md Rashedul Islam.
One of the highlights of proceedings was the ceremonial unveiling of MSAB’s first-ever publication, the excellent BEACON magazine.
I took the opportunity to give a short overview of the many and varied activities that IIMS is currently involved in as part of my keynote address to the audience, which was much appreciated, both by local members and others.
Chief Guest, Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam, Bangladesh Director General of Shipping, took to the stage to give his keynote speech. In it, he stressed the importance and need to raise and maintain standards across the surveying and shipping industry.
In his closing remarks, Captain Mahfuzul Islam, the current President of MSAB, expressed his thanks to all those who had participated before moving on to the awards ceremony. To mark this auspicious occasion, a number of special awards were made at the end of the Conference.
Both MSAB and IIMS have agreed on closer collaboration between the two organisations going forward.
The following morning, the MSAB conference made front-page news headlines in the Chittagong daily paper, a remarkable end to a very successful celebration.
In conclusion, I am most grateful to the MSAB President and committee for extending their invitation for me to be present and to share in their celebrations. It was an adventure and a great experience. I also thank those who took time out of their schedules to oversee my transportation locally, their hospitality and for keeping me safe in Chittagong.
Report by Mike Schwarz, IIMS CEO
