Experienced officers already holding the lower qualifying competency and building verified service at management level.
Maritime SupportAgencySenior certificate guide
Class 1: command-level responsibility.
A route map for experienced deck and engine officers preparing for the highest management-level capacity in their department.
Ghana-focused working guide reviewed 22 August 2026. GMA, the issuing administration, approved institution, or medical examiner makes the official decision.
Eligibility to train, sit the required assessments, and—only after GMA approval—receive the appropriate Master or Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency.
We can research, organise, pre-check, and coordinate. We cannot issue the certificate, declare medical fitness, guarantee eligibility, or alter an authority's decision.
Understand the route
The pathway and its requirements.
Read the branch that matches the department, capacity, and vessel limitation. Where both branches appear, they are alternatives—not a combined qualification.
01
Master · STCW II/2
Deck pathway
Ghana's published legacy class terminology identifies the master as Class 1 deck officer. Current certification is expressed by capacity and vessel tonnage.
- 1
First meet the requirements for officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 GT or more.
- 2
For the published 3,000 GT-or-more route: normally at least 36 months approved service in that capacity, reducible to at least 24 months when at least 12 months were served as chief mate.
- 3
Complete GMA-approved management-level education and training for masters and chief mates.
- 4
Hold a valid GMA-accepted medical fitness certificate and pass the required written and oral examinations.
02
Chief Engineer · STCW III/2
Engine pathway
The published Ghana class terminology identifies chief engineer officer as Class 1 marine engineer officer, with propulsion-power limitations shown on the certificate.
- 1
First meet the requirements for officer in charge of an engineering watch.
- 2
For the published 3,000 kW-or-more route: at least 36 months approved service, including at least 18 months in a position of responsibility while qualified to serve as second engineer.
- 3
For the published 750–3,000 kW route: at least 24 months approved service, including at least 12 months in a position of responsibility while qualified as second engineer.
- 4
Complete approved management-level education and training, maintain ancillary competencies, and pass the required examinations.
Evidence file
What to gather for a proper pre-check.
The final list remains case-specific, but these records normally allow the route to be assessed without relying on memory or verbal assurances.
- 01Current Certificate of Competency and endorsements
- 02Discharge book entries covering every period claimed
- 03Sea-service testimonials signed by the correct shipboard and company authority
- 04Approved training and management-level course records
- 05Valid medical fitness certificate and identity documents
- 06RMU confirmation of sea service, GMA receipts, and any verification address requested
From file to decision
A responsible working sequence.
- 01
Map the exact capacity
Confirm deck or engine, vessel tonnage or propulsion-power limit, current CoC, and the capacity in which each month was served.
- 02
Audit qualifying service
Reconcile discharge-book entries and testimonials before asking RMU/GMA to assess eligibility.
- 03
Complete approved training
Follow the management-level programme and ancillary-course pathway accepted for the target certificate.
- 04
Obtain eligibility and sit exams
Submit the official file, receive the Notice of Eligibility, then complete written and oral assessment.
Check before you commit
Important watchpoints.
- Class labels are useful shorthand, but the legal capacity and limitation printed on the certificate control what work it authorises.
- Service as an officer is not automatically service in the required capacity; testimonials and watchkeeping responsibility matter.
- GMA's current website refers applicants to the 2016 regulations. The older published instrument supplies the familiar class mapping and indicative service periods, so GMA must confirm the current case.
Official source desk
Confirm the current rule.
These links are provided so clients can distinguish MSA's explanation from the source that governs or administers the requirement.
Maritime requirements can change and may depend on certificate history, nationality, issuing administration, vessel flag, tonnage, propulsion power, voyage area, training route, medical findings, and accepted sea service. This page is educational preparation, not an eligibility letter or legal guarantee. Confirm the current requirements with the responsible authority before enrolling, paying, travelling, or relying on a deadline.
Turn the guide into your checklist
Let's review your actual evidence.
Tell us your department, current certificate, service history, and intended capacity. We will identify the questions that need official confirmation.
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