The NAMFI was formally established in July 1996 by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) as a Trust. The primary responsibility of NAMFI is to provide maritime and fisheries training in order to enable students to take up qualified positions within the maritime and fisheries industries in Namibia and elsewhere. Thus, building capacity in the field of maritime and fisheries sectors in and around Namibia.

NAMFI primarily operates in the maritime and fishing environment by providing trained personnel to ships operating in Namibia and International waters, through its three training departments: Navigation, Engineering and Safety. The training at NAMFI is in accordance with International Standards, i.e. the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)’s conventions and protocol on Maritime Education and Training (MET).