Ghana Ship Registration Procedures

Ghana, as a flag state, has adopted the applicable international regulations on requirements and conditions for ship registration as well as the exercise of its jurisdiction over such ships in accordance with the Ghana Shipping Act 2003 (Act 645).

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) is mandated to maintain the Ghana Ship Register by registering ships and implement Ghana’s flag state obligations to ensure that ships flying the Ghana flag are seaworthy and operate in accordance with regulations on safety, security and marine environment protection. Flag state obligations are conducted through an effective system of ship surveys and issuance of various ships certificates.

PROCEDURE FOR SHIP REGISTRATION/LICENSING

  1. Applicants must obtain a permit for the importation of vessels.
      • From the Ministry of Transport for all ships (except fishing vessels).
      • From the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (for fishing vessels)
  2. An applicant shall officially write to the Director-General for a permit with the following documents attached:
      • Copies of certificate of incorporation of the company,
      • Certificate to commence business,
      • Company objectives on Form 3 and
      • Bill of sale (old vessel) or
      • Builders’ certificate (new Vessel)
  3. Upon satisfactory assessment of the aforementioned documents, approval will be given for the purchase of the under-mentioned forms from the Ghana Maritime Authority.
      • Application to register a ship
      • Declaration of ownership
      • Notice of a name proposed for a Ghanaian Ship
      • Allotment of signal letters
      • Survey application form
  4. Upon receipt of the documents, the applicant is issued with the appropriate fee via a Payment Order.
  5. The Applicant pays into the designated account as per the Payment Order.
  6. The Applicant presents the bank pay-in-slip to the GMA Accounts Department for a Payment Receipt to be issued.
  7. A surveyor is appointed to conduct an initial survey.
  8. After the initial survey, the application is approved by the Director-General.
  9. The Registrar of Ships then issues an official number and Ship’s Carving and Markings Notes.
  10. The Ship’s survey Certificate and Carving and Marking Notes are duly endorsed by the Surveyor and submit same to the Registrar of Ships.
  11. The Ship’s Certificate of Registry will then be issued within five (5) working days