Becoming a seafarer in Ghana as a career change
Official rules for adults who already have a profession on shore.
Age limits
- RMU's mature students' entry route is for applicants aged at least 25.
- Under Ghana's regulations, even a deck watch rating must be at least 18.
Entry through your shore profession
| Your profession on shore | Role at sea | Course | Where and on what terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanic | Motorman / oiler (engine rating) | Marine Engine Mechanic (RMU) | The Marine Engine Mechanic programme lasts six months. A motorman who completes it may later advance to officer level based on performance. |
| Adult without maritime education | General purpose rating | Pre-sea vocational training (RMU) | The pre-sea vocational course is the GMA-endorsed route to a seaman's discharge book. |
| Adult without the usual school grades | Deck or engine officer | RMU degree via the mature students' route | Mature applicants must pass RMU's entrance examinations in English, mathematics and an aptitude test. |
| Cook | Ship's cook | Basic safety training and discharge book | No seafarer under 18 may work as a ship's cook. |
Minimum set of documents
- GMA-approved pre-sea training.
- The four basic safety training certificates.
- A GMA medical certificate of fitness for sea service.
- Proof of national identity.
Costs and timing: official fees only
- The RMU pre-sea vocational course takes six weeks; the course fee is $300 and the admission form GH¢60.
- A GMA medical certificate takes five working days to issue.
- A discharge book is issued within a day.
- Processing a certificate of competency takes 14 working days.
How to avoid scams
- Producing false documents at an oral examination is reported to the police for prosecution.
- The GMA answers requests to verify certificates of competency it has issued.
- New certificates of competency and discharge books carry security features against forgery.
- Under the MLC 2006, recruitment and placement fees must not be charged to the seafarer.
First job: starter vacancies
Live vacancies on Krew Guru for starter positions. Vacancies without any sea experience are rare, so we do not promise a job without it.
No open starter vacancies right now. Upload your CV and we will send you matching vacancies.
Krew Guru numbers
89% of open vacancies on Krew Guru accept citizens of Ghana.
Seafarer profiles from Ghana on Krew Guru: 700+.
Checked: 26 Oct 2026. Rules change, so always check with the maritime authority: Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA)