How to become a seafarer in Ghana after school

Officer: maritime academy or college

• Regional Maritime University (RMU) offers a degree and a diploma in nautical science.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Nautical Science Department
• RMU's Marine Engineering Department offers degree and diploma programmes in marine engineering.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Marine Engineering Department
• RMU degree programmes take four years.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Undergraduate programmes, admission requirements
• RMU diploma programmes take two years.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Undergraduate programmes, admission requirements
• Degree applicants with WASSCE/SSSCE need credits in English, mathematics and integrated science.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Undergraduate programmes, admission requirements
• Candidates with elective mathematics and geography can also apply for the BSc in nautical science.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Undergraduate programmes, admission requirements
• Diploma applicants in nautical science or marine engineering need a science background.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Undergraduate programmes, admission requirements
• A candidate for officer in charge of a navigational watch must be at least 18 and have at least one year of approved seagoing service in an approved training programme.
  Source: Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification, Manning and Watchkeeping) Regulations, 2004 (L.I. 1790)
• A candidate for officer in charge of an engineering watch must be at least 18 and have at least 12 months of seagoing service in the engine department.
  Source: Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification, Manning and Watchkeeping) Regulations, 2004 (L.I. 1790)

Rating: rating course

• RMU's pre-sea vocational course is endorsed by the GMA as a prerequisite for the seaman's discharge book.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Professional & Vocational Programmes
• The pre-sea vocational course needs at least a basic education certificate (JHS/JSS) or a higher school certificate.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Professional & Vocational Programmes
• A rating forming part of a navigational watch must be at least 18 and have at least six months of approved seagoing service, including training and experience.
  Source: Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification, Manning and Watchkeeping) Regulations, 2004 (L.I. 1790)
• An engine-room watch rating must also be at least 18.
  Source: Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification, Manning and Watchkeeping) Regulations, 2004 (L.I. 1790)
• RMU's Marine Engine Mechanic course is a six-month vocational programme for engine-room ratings (motorman, oiler, wiper).
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Professional & Vocational Programmes

Exams and certification

• Certificate of competency examinations are set by the Ghana Maritime Examinations Board.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examinations (eligibility, regulations, validity of passes)
• To sit an examination, a candidate first gets a Notice of Eligibility; the GMA accepts the application only after the required training and sea service.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examinations (eligibility, regulations, validity of passes)
• Applications are due no later than 30 days before the examination.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examinations (eligibility, regulations, validity of passes)
• The certificate of competency is issued after the oral and all written examinations are passed.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examinations (eligibility, regulations, validity of passes)
• A pass in an academic subject stays valid for 5 years.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examinations (eligibility, regulations, validity of passes)

Documents in order

1. Complete a pre-sea training course approved by the GMA.
   Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
2. Get the four basic safety training certificates.
   Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
3. Get a medical certificate of fitness for sea service issued by the GMA.
   Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
4. Apply in person for the seafarer's record book (discharge book): the applicant is interviewed with the required documents.
   Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
5. Officers then apply for a Notice of Eligibility and sit the certificate of competency examinations.
   Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examinations (eligibility, regulations, validity of passes)

Cadet training at sea

• RMU nautical science and marine engineering graduates are eligible for the discharge book as deck and engine cadets.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
• For an eligibility letter after sea service, the applicant first gets a confirmation of sea service from RMU.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examinations (eligibility, regulations, validity of passes)
• A deck officer candidate's sea service must be part of an approved training programme with on-board training.
  Source: Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification, Manning and Watchkeeping) Regulations, 2004 (L.I. 1790)

Approved training institutions

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