One of the functions of the Ghana Maritime Authority is to ensure the engagement and welfare of Ghanaian Seafarers. In pursuance of this mandate, the GMA has initiated a Seafarer Employment Programme designed to promote the employment of Ghanaian seafarers on board all ships, particularly foreign ones.
The Authority has thus submitted itself for voluntary audit for recognition of seafarer certificates by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), a decentralized body of the European Union responsible for the implementation of EU legislation on maritime safety, to confirm the Ghana Maritime Authority’s compliance with the requirements of the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
The EU has formally communicated its decision to recognize seafarer certificates of competency issued by the Ghana Maritime Administration.
The EU’s recognition of Ghanaian certificates of competency is significant as it opens a huge market window for Ghanaian seafarers to obtain shipboard employment. The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) includes the recognition of seafarer certificates with major ship owning countries (Panama, Liberia, Bahamas, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, Singapore, Cyprus, Singapore, Ethiopia, etc.) to facilitate the employment of Ghanaian seafarers on board their flag vessels.