Becoming a seafarer in Ghana as a career change

Age limits

• RMU's mature students' entry route is for applicants aged at least 25.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Undergraduate programmes, admission requirements
• Under Ghana's regulations, even a deck watch rating must be at least 18.
  Source: Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification, Manning and Watchkeeping) Regulations, 2004 (L.I. 1790)

Entry through your shore profession

Minimum set of documents

• GMA-approved pre-sea training.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
• The four basic safety training certificates.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
• A GMA medical certificate of fitness for sea service.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
• Proof of national identity.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)

Costs and timing: official fees only

• The RMU pre-sea vocational course takes six weeks; the course fee is $300 and the admission form GH¢60.
  Source: Regional Maritime University: Professional & Vocational Programmes
• A GMA medical certificate takes five working days to issue.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
• A discharge book is issued within a day.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
• Processing a certificate of competency takes 14 working days.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)

How to avoid scams

• Producing false documents at an oral examination is reported to the police for prosecution.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examinations (eligibility, regulations, validity of passes)
• The GMA answers requests to verify certificates of competency it has issued.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
• New certificates of competency and discharge books carry security features against forgery.
  Source: Ghana Maritime Authority: Seafarers examination and certification (procedures)
• Under the MLC 2006, recruitment and placement fees must not be charged to the seafarer.
  Source: ILO, Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended)

First job: starter vacancies

Krew Guru numbers