Under the STCW Convention, all Seafarers need to meet minimum standards of competence, age, medical fitness, and approved sea-going service. The certificates are required to be held depending on rank, functions (responsibilities assigned on board), and capacity (size of capacity vessel served on). Before any Seafarer joins a ship, he/she needs to make sure that all valid certificates are in place. This documentary evidence is proof of competency and will be subject to inspection by the master, flag state, and port state inspectors.

Acquiring STCW certificate from Ghana

To obtain an STCW certificate from the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Seafarer needs to successfully attain the required level of maritime education and training approved by the GMA or to complete a period of approved seagoing service, have professional competence for service at sea, the appropriate age and would have undergone medical examination. These are of utmost importance to ensure compliance with the standards of the STCW Convention. Certificates are issued once Seafarers are able to prove their competence in, and knowledge of, the tasks covered and will be subject to inspection by the master, flag state, and port state inspectors. Seafarers need to hold the following certificates to confirm that all requirements of the convention are met:

Certificate of Competency (COC)

A document is issued to Masters, officers, radio operators, and ratings forming part of a watch who meet the standards of competence relevant to their particular functions and level of responsibility on board.

Certificate of Proficiency

These certificates certify that a seafarer meets STCW standards of competence in specific functions related to safety, care of persons, or cargo. These certificates include certificates for personnel serving on certain types of ships (tankers and passenger ships) and for those assigned with safety, security, and pollution prevention duties.