BMA’s mandate is to develop academic and vocational skills, and provide the maritime labour needed for sustainable growth of the Blue Economy.

BMA functions are specified under clause 4(1) of the Presidential Order of 19^th November 2018 and published under gazette Notice No. 233 dated 28 November 2018. The functions are:

1. Be an Institution of excellence in teaching, training, scholarship, innovation and research in maritime skills;
2. Provide and advance education and training to appropriately qualified candidates, leading to the award of diplomas and certificates and such other qualifications as the Board may, from time to time prescribe;
3. Conduct examinations for such academic awards as the Board may, from time to time prescribe;
4. Implement government policy on maritime education and training;
5. Ensure the highest international maritime standards in maritime human resource development;
6. Recommend and advise the Government on the development of relevant legislation to facilitate successful implementation of maritime education and training;
7. Serve as the Regional Maritime Centre of Excellence for training for ports, terminals, logistics and maritime transport skills;
8. Establish centres of excellence in maritime education and training based on international maritime standards in maritime human resource development;
9. Partner with other institutions in furtherance of maritime education and training;
10. Serve as a national centre for motion simulator training for seagoing competencies; and
11. Perform any other functions necessary or incidental to achieving the functions of the Academy.