Seafarers applying for certification, endorsement, renewal, training, or a vessel assignment that requires current medical fitness.
Maritime SupportAgencyMedical readiness guide
Seafarer medical fitness: use an approved medical examiner.
Prepare for the medical examination that supports safe service at sea and the issue or endorsement of Ghanaian certification.
Ghana-focused working guide reviewed 22 August 2026. GMA, the issuing administration, approved institution, or medical examiner makes the official decision.
A medical fitness certificate issued by a doctor approved for the relevant administration. MSA cannot make medical decisions or issue fitness certificates.
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
GMA-approved doctor
Ghana certification route
GMA publishes the doctors approved to conduct seafarer medical examinations under STCW and MLC standards.
- 1
Book with a doctor currently listed or accepted by GMA.
- 2
Bring valid identity and any previous medical certificate requested.
- 3
Complete the examinations and tests required for the intended shipboard function.
- 4
Submit the current medical certificate with the certification or endorsement file.
02
Keep it current
Validity planning
STCW medical certificates normally have a maximum validity of two years, or one year for seafarers under 18, subject to the doctor's findings and administration rules.
- 1
Check the exact expiry date before travel or joining.
- 2
Allow time for referral or additional evidence where needed.
- 3
Tell the approved doctor about the actual intended duties.
- 4
Use the appeal/review route provided by the authority if a finding is disputed.
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.
- 01Passport or accepted identity
- 02Previous seafarer medical certificate
- 03Spectacles or hearing aids normally used
- 04Relevant medical records requested by the examiner
- 05Target rank/function details
- 06Official examination receipt and resulting certificate
From file to decision
A responsible working sequence.
- 01
Check the approved list
Use the current GMA source rather than an old contact list or third-party advertisement.
- 02
Attend honestly
Provide accurate health and medication information directly to the medical professional.
- 03
Review the certificate
Check identity, date, validity, limitations, signature, and the approved examiner details.
- 04
Store and monitor
Keep a secure copy and set an expiry reminder well before the next assignment.
Check before you commit
Important watchpoints.
- Medical records are sensitive and should be shared only where necessary.
- A certificate can include limitations; the employer and administration decide whether these fit the intended duty.
- Never use an unapproved certificate because it is faster or cheaper.
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