1.        Administration of Merchant Shipping ordinance '1983, The Inland Shipping ordinance '1976 and   rules made there under.

2.        Registration and Survey of Inland Ships.

3.        Investigation of all types of  Shipping accidents/casualties and to take precautionary measures for prevention of accidents.

4.        Holding of examination and issue of certificate of competency , certificate of no objection. Ratification of International Maritime Conventions.

5.        Implementation  of development projects  relating to Shipping .

6.        To act as an adviser to the Ministry of  Shipping regarding maritime and  technical matters.

7.        Issue of no objection for direct entry ship cadets.

8.        To control and supervise the sub -ordinate offices.

1.        Survey and Registration of all types of sea going  ships

2.        Issue of No objection certificate to vessels entering into and departing from Bangladesh ports.

3.        Implementation of International Maritime Convention on safety and prevention of pollution at sea.

4.        Issue of all types of safety certificates for sea going ships.

5.        Development and maintenance of Light Houses.

6.     Implementation of Flag Vessel Protection Ordinance, 1982.

1.        To provide training to fresher Seamen for employment  on national and foreign flag Ships.

2.        To provide training to re-fresher seamen on the latest technology and International Conventions.

3         To arrange short courses in accordance with International Maritime Conventions.

1.        Maintain a seamen's Hostel  at Chittagong for seamen .

2.        To arrange medical and recreation facilities for seamen.

3.        Inspection on board ship to investigate facilities provided for Bangladeshi seamen.

4.        To collect dues of dead/retired Bangladeshi  seamen from ship owners.

 1.        To issue C. D. C to Bangladeshi Seamen

2.        Matters relating to employment of
Bangladeshi seamen on Bangladesh and Foreign Flag ships.

3.        Matters relating to discharge of seamen from ships.

4.        Arbitration and settlement of problems /disputes between the ship owners and seafarers regarding employment and related problems often  raised by foreign flag vessels/owners .