Established in late 1978 by a group of marine science enthusiasts, the National Oceanographic and Maritime Institute (NOAMI) was founded with the mission to promote education and training in oceanographic sciences. The goal was to assist in creating a knowledge base and disseminate it to the general public and decision-makers, aligning with the dreams of Bangladesh's Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who envisioned achieving socio-economic development through the proper exploration and exploitation of oceanographic resources.

Over the past forty-three years, NOAMI has actively worked towards advancing ocean sciences by executing projects and organizing conferences, seminars, and symposia at international, regional, and national levels. The institute maintains a connection with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and has recently engaged in UN Ocean Decade activities. Participating in international conferences, workshops, and seminars, NOAMI collects valuable information and disseminates it to scientists, teachers, and students through periodic meetings, seminars, and publications of technical and scientific papers, including the NOAMI journal and newsletter.

NOAMI's dedication extends to education and training, having organized more than 100 seminars/workshops and 50 training programs covering oceanography, marine sciences, numerical modelling, Artificial intelligence, RS GIS, Google Earth Engine, and multidisciplinary issues. Since 2003, the institute has consistently organized a Training Course on Oceanography, earning high-level acceptance in the professional and international community. Over 350 professionals from national and international backgrounds have received comprehensive training through this course.

A significant contribution by NOAMI is the regular publication of one of Bangladesh's pioneering Ocean and Marine Science journals since 1983. The institute's influence is evident in the establishment of oceanographic departments in various universities and research institutes across Bangladesh.

As a pioneer and non-profit marine institute in Bangladesh, NOAMI's contributions are extensive, making a lasting impact on the field of oceanography and playing a crucial role in the development of marine sciences in the country.