Ghana Maritime Authority Regulation
The GMA is responsible for training and certification of Ghanaian seafarers in accordance with the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) which prescribes the global minimum standards for seafarer training and certification. The Authority conducts examination and issues certificates of competency to Ghanaian seafarers trained at the Regional Maritime University. The training and certification are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) which has been incorporated into Ghanaian law by virtue of the Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) for Seafarers, 2004, LI 1790.
The GMA has also put in measures to ensure that Ghanaian seafarers are not only trained in accordance with the STCW but also high premium is place on the certificate of competency issued by the GMA. These measures include the following:
- The implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) established for the seafarer examination and certification unit of the Authority. The QMS ensures effective supervision of the curricula and training methods of the Regional Maritime University and also the processes for the issuance of seafarer certificates.
- Enhancing new certificates of competency and seafarer Discharge Books with additional security features to prevent faking of documentation,
- Creation of a strong room for securing certificates and examination questions,
- Installation of CCTV systems and other quality control measures to monitor activities and forestall certificate fraud,
- Internet connectivity to ensure prompt and effective responses to requests for verification of Certificates of Competency issued to seafarers by the GMA.
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