Ghanaian Seafarers to Benefit from New Canada Maritime Agreement

Ghanaian seafarers are expected to gain improved access to employment opportunities in Canada’s maritime industry following an agreement between Ghana and Canada to mutually recognise professional certificates issued by their respective maritime authorities.

The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Thursday at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London, establishes a framework for recognising certificates of competency held by qualified seafarers from both countries.

The Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Capt. (Rtd.) Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, signed on behalf of Ghana, while the Director-General of Marine Safety and Security at Transport Canada, Ms. Joanna Manger, represented the Canadian Government.

Under the arrangement, qualified Ghanaian seafarers will have an established pathway to have their professional qualifications recognised by Canadian maritime authorities, subject to applicable certification and endorsement requirements.

The agreement is expected to improve the international competitiveness of Ghanaian maritime professionals and potentially expand their opportunities to work aboard Canadian-flagged vessels and within Canada’s wider maritime industry.

It also provides for cooperation between the two maritime administrations in verifying the authenticity of certificates, maintaining internationally accepted maritime education and training standards, and ensuring compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.

The framework is in accordance with Regulation I/10 of the STCW Convention, which provides for the recognition of certificates issued by another administration, subject to established requirements.

Beyond employment prospects, the agreement is expected to strengthen confidence in Ghana’s maritime training and certification system and reinforce the country’s position as a source of skilled maritime professionals.

The Ghana High Commission in London welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important achievement in the growing maritime partnership between the two countries.

The Mission also commended the Ghana Maritime Authority, Transport Canada and other stakeholders whose engagements contributed to the conclusion of the agreement.

The agreement forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships, promote professional mobility and create sustainable employment opportunities for skilled Ghanaians.

It also reflects the shared commitment of Ghana and Canada to maritime safety, skills development and the availability of qualified professionals to support the global shipping industry.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah / Bridget Bonnie, ISD