In London, Ghana and Canada inked a Memorandum of Understanding that will enable the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates of competency issued by their respective maritime administrations. The signing took place at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization, with Capt. (Rtd.) Dr. Kamal‑Deen Ali, Director‑General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, signing on behalf of Ghana, and Ms. Joanna Manger, Director‑General of Marine Safety and Security at Transport Canada, representing Canada.
The MoU is grounded in Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, and establishes a framework for the recognition of certificates issued by each country. Qualified Ghanaian seafarers will now have a clearer pathway to have their professional qualifications accepted by Canadian maritime authorities, subject to the usual certification and endorsement requirements.
Beyond expanding employment opportunities for Ghanaian maritime professionals aboard Canadian‑flagged vessels, the agreement is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian crews in the global labour market. It also creates a formal channel for the two administrations to verify certificate authenticity, maintain internationally accepted training standards, and ensure compliance with STCW obligations.
The Ghana High Commission in London welcomed the accord, praising the collaborative efforts of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Transport Canada and other stakeholders. The mission reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Ghana’s maritime interests through sustained diplomatic engagement and strategic international partnerships.
With this landmark agreement, Ghana and Canada are reinforcing their maritime partnership and signalling a shared commitment to maritime safety, professional mobility and the development of a competent global seafaring workforce.
