Ghana Ship Registration Procedures

As a flag state, Ghana has adopted the applicable international regulations for ship registration and its jurisdiction over registered ships, in accordance with the Ghana Shipping Act 2003 (Act 645).

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) is mandated to maintain the Ghana Ship Register, register ships, and implement Ghana’s flag state obligations, ensuring that ships flying the Ghana flag are seaworthy and operate in accordance with regulations on safety, security, and marine environment protection. These obligations are carried out through a system of ship surveys and the issuance of ship certificates.

Procedure for Ship Registration / Licensing

  1. Obtain a permit for the importation of the vessel from the appropriate ministry:
    • Ministry of Transport — for all ships except fishing vessels
    • Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development — for fishing vessels
  2. Submit a written application to the Director-General for a permit, attached with:
    • Copy of the company’s Certificate of Incorporation
    • Certificate to Commence Business
    • Company Objectives (Form 3)
    • Bill of Sale (for an existing vessel), or
    • Builder’s Certificate (for a new vessel)
  3. Once the documents are approved, purchase the following 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. Receive a Payment Order from the GMA specifying the applicable fee.
  5. Pay the fee into the designated account as stated in the Payment Order.
  6. Present the bank pay-in slip to the GMA Accounts Department to receive a Payment Receipt.
  7. A surveyor is appointed to conduct the initial survey of the vessel.
  8. The Director-General approves the application following the initial survey.
  9. The Registrar of Ships issues an official number and the Ship’s Carving and Marking Notes.
  10. The surveyor endorses the Ship’s Survey Certificate and Carving and Marking Notes, then submits them to the Registrar of Ships.
  11. The Certificate of Registry is issued within five (5) working days.