GMA Boosts Quality of Seafarer Training: The Latest Updates

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has launched a five-day training programme at the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Nungua to strengthen the capacity of seafarer examiners, assessors, and instructors. The programme, which runs from today, brings together maritime professionals from Ghana and six other African countries to update their knowledge and skills in assessment, examination, and certification of seafarers.

The training programme is being conducted under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Model Course 3.12 and aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Mr Mubarick Masawudu, Deputy Director-General of the GMA, said the quality of maritime assessment was critical to ensuring that seafarers entrusted with vessels, cargo, and human lives possessed the requisite competence to perform their duties safely.

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The programme, which is expected to promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices in maritime assessment across the participating countries, brings together maritime professionals from Cabo Verde, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Mr Masawudu said examiners and assessors played an important role in protecting lives at sea, safeguarding vessels and cargo, and maintaining confidence in the maritime industry.

Training Aligns with International Standards

The training is being conducted under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Model Course 3.12 and aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Mr Masawudu said the programme was particularly significant as Ghana prepared to undergo the IMO Member State Audit Scheme in 2027, explaining that the qualification of assessors and the integrity of examination systems were among the areas that would fall within the scope of the audit.

Updating Knowledge and Capacity

Mr Milton Alfredo De Jesus Baron Perico, Lead Facilitator, said the training would update instructors on the latest methods for assessing, examining, and certifying seafarers. He said growing global concerns about air and sea contamination required maritime professionals to continuously deepen their knowledge and capacity to respond to emerging challenges.

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Strengthening Professional Standards

Mr Masawudu urged the participants to use the training to strengthen professional standards and share knowledge and best practices that would help prepare the next generation of competent seafarers. He said the training was being conducted to ensure that maritime professionals continued to uphold the highest standards of maritime training and certification.

The work of maritime examiners and assessors has direct implications for safety at sea and the sustainability of the maritime industry. By determining whether seafarers have acquired the competencies required for their duties, they help ensure that those responsible for operating vessels, handling cargo, and performing other critical functions are adequately prepared. The GMA training programme is a step towards strengthening the capacity of seafarer examiners, assessors, and instructors to uphold international standards in maritime training and certification.

Source: JOY