Seafarers Certification

An STCW certificate is a certificate issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended. STCW certificates include certificates of competency, endorsements, certificates of proficiency, and any documentary evidence that a requirement of the Convention has been met.

Certificates are the main evidence that a seafarer’s maritime education and training, sea service, professional competence, medical fitness, and age meet the STCW standards. As a party to the Convention, Ghana issues certificates only to seafarers who meet these requirements.

Certificates needed for compliance with STCW

Under the STCW Convention, all seafarers must meet minimum standards of competence, age, medical fitness, and approved seagoing service. Certificates are required based on the seafarer’s rank, functions (responsibilities assigned on board), and the capacity of the vessel served on. Before joining a ship, a seafarer must ensure that all valid certificates are in place. This documentary evidence is proof of competency and is subject to inspection by the ship’s master, flag state, and port state inspectors.

Acquiring an STCW Certificate from Ghana

To obtain an STCW certificate from the Ghana Maritime Authority, a seafarer must:

  • Successfully complete the required level of maritime education and training approved by the GMA, or complete a period of approved seagoing service
  • Demonstrate professional competence for service at sea
  • Meet the minimum age requirements
  • Complete a medical examination by a GMA-approved medical officer

Certificates are issued once seafarers prove their competence in, and knowledge of, the tasks covered. All certificates remain subject to inspection by the ship’s master, flag state, and port state inspectors.

Seafarers must hold the following certificates to confirm compliance with the Convention:

Certificate of Competency (COC)

Issued to masters, officers, radio operators, and ratings forming part of a watch who meet the standards of competence for their function and level of responsibility on board.

Certificate of Proficiency

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

STCW Endorsement

  1. STCW endorsement is a document issued to masters and officers that confirms that the national certificate has been issued in accordance with all STCW requirements.
  2. Endorsements are issued by the GMA on the condition that:
    • The authenticity of any certificates and documentary evidence is verified
    • The candidate has fulfilled all requirements and has the standard of competence for the capacity identified in the endorsement.
    • The proper approval of the equivalent seagoing service and training is ensured, and a database of certification registration with controlled electronic access is maintained.

STCW Endorsement of Recognition

Endorsement of Recognition

An Endorsement of Recognition is issued under Regulation I/10 of the STCW Convention by the GMA. It is the official recognition that a certificate issued by another State that is party to the Convention is valid for service on a Ghana-flagged ship.

To obtain an Endorsement of Recognition, you must submit the original of your national Certificate of Competency.