Qualified watchkeeping officers with approved sea service who are preparing for chief mate or second engineer responsibility.
Maritime SupportAgencyManagement-level upgrade guide
Class 2: ready to lead the watch and the department.
The management-level route for chief mates and second engineer officers preparing to carry broader operational responsibility.
Ghana-focused working guide reviewed 22 August 2026. GMA, the issuing administration, approved institution, or medical examiner makes the official decision.
Eligibility to undertake the approved management-level course and GMA examination for the relevant deck or engine capacity.
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
Chief Mate · STCW II/2
Deck pathway
Ghana's published legacy terminology identifies chief mate as Class 2 deck officer. The target certificate is also limited by ship tonnage and voyage area.
- 1
Hold or 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: at least 18 months approved service in the qualifying watchkeeping capacity.
- 3
Complete approved management-level education and training for masters and chief mates.
- 4
Pass the required written and oral examinations and retain valid medical fitness.
02
Second Engineer · STCW III/2
Engine pathway
The published Ghana class terminology identifies second engineer officer as Class 2 marine engineer officer.
- 1
Meet the requirements for officer in charge of an engineering watch.
- 2
For the published 3,000 kW-or-more route: at least 18 months approved service as assistant engineer officer or engineer officer.
- 3
For the published 750–3,000 kW route: at least 12 months approved service as assistant engineer or engineer officer.
- 4
Complete approved management-level training and pass the applicable examination.
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 operational-level CoC and endorsement pages
- 02Discharge book and chronological sea-service schedule
- 03Testimonials showing rank, department, vessel, dates, tonnage or propulsion power, and duties
- 04Approved course and ancillary-training certificates
- 05Valid GMA-accepted medical certificate
- 06RMU confirmation, official application, receipts, and verification contacts where applicable
From file to decision
A responsible working sequence.
- 01
Check the lower certificate
Confirm that the existing certificate and endorsements support the target management-level branch.
- 02
Calculate service
Separate total service from approved service in the capacity, department, vessel size, and responsibility level required.
- 03
Prepare the eligibility file
Align the discharge book, testimonials, certificates and RMU confirmation before formal submission.
- 04
Train and assess
Complete the accepted upgrade programme and the written/oral assessment stated in the Notice of Eligibility.
Check before you commit
Important watchpoints.
- A Class 2 deck route and Class 2 engine route are different qualifications; one cannot substitute for the other.
- Tonnage and propulsion-power limitations can change the minimum qualifying service.
- Do not enrol or pay third parties until GMA/RMU confirms the route for the specific certificate history.
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.
Request a pathway review