Ghana and Canada have taken a significant step towards strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Mutual Recognition of Seafarers’ Certificates at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Republic of Ghana by Capt. (Rtd.) Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, while Ms. Joanna Manger, Director-General of Marine Safety and Security at Transport Canada, represented the Government of Canada.
The historic agreement establishes a framework for the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates of competency issued by the respective maritime administrations, in accordance with Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.
The agreement represents an important milestone in Ghana’s efforts to expand international employment opportunities for its trained and certified maritime professionals.
Through this arrangement, qualified Ghanaian seafarers will have an established pathway for the recognition of their professional qualifications by Canadian maritime authorities, subject to the applicable certification and endorsement requirements.
This development is expected to enhance the international competitiveness of Ghanaian maritime professionals and potentially facilitate greater access to employment opportunities aboard Canadian-flagged vessels and within the wider maritime industry.
The MoU also provides for cooperation between the two maritime administrations in verifying the authenticity of certificates, maintaining internationally accepted standards of maritime education and training, and ensuring compliance with relevant STCW requirements.
Beyond employment opportunities, the agreement reinforces international confidence in Ghana’s maritime training and certification framework and strengthens the country’s position as an important source of skilled maritime human resources.
he signing underscores the growing maritime partnership between Ghana and Canada and reflects the shared commitment of both countries to promoting maritime safety, professional mobility and the development of a competent global seafaring workforce.
It also aligns with Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen international maritime partnerships, promote skills development and create sustainable employment opportunities for Ghanaian seafarers.
The Ghana High Commission in London welcomes this important achievement and commends the Ghana Maritime Authority, Transport Canada and all stakeholders whose engagements and cooperation contributed to the successful conclusion of the agreement.
The Mission remains committed to advancing Ghana’s maritime interests through sustained diplomatic engagement and strategic international partnerships.
Ghana continues to strengthen its presence in the global maritime industry, opening new pathways for its seafarers and deepening international cooperation.
