Adults entering shipboard work as ratings or progressing toward navigational-watch or engine-room-watch certification.
Maritime SupportAgencyEntry and ratings guide
Ratings, watchkeeping, and the discharge-book pathway.
A starting guide for deck and engine ratings building approved pre-sea training, onboard evidence, and watchkeeping competence.
Ghana-focused working guide reviewed 22 August 2026. GMA, the issuing administration, approved institution, or medical examiner makes the official decision.
The approved training and evidence required for the relevant rating competency and, where applicable, GMA issue of seafarer record/discharge and identity documentation.
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
Navigational watch · STCW II/4
Deck rating
GMA's published initiative requires new deck ratings to complete approved pre-sea training and onboard training toward navigational-watch competence.
- 1
Complete approved pre-sea training at an approved METI.
- 2
Use the approved onboard training record book.
- 3
Complete at least two months approved service on vessels of 500 GT or more under the published initiative.
- 4
Meet the competence assessment and document requirements for the rating certificate.
02
Engine-room watch · STCW III/4
Engine rating
The equivalent engine route builds watchkeeping competence on vessels with propulsion power of 750 kW or more.
- 1
Complete the approved pre-sea route for engine ratings.
- 2
Document onboard tasks and supervision in the correct record book.
- 3
Complete the approved service applicable to the engine-room watch route.
- 4
Keep medical, identity, safety training, and application records current.
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.
- 01Approved pre-sea certificate
- 02Rating training record book
- 03Sea-service testimonial and discharge entries
- 04Basic safety training
- 05Valid medical fitness
- 06Identity photographs and official application records
From file to decision
A responsible working sequence.
- 01
Choose deck or engine
The department determines the training record, onboard duties, and watchkeeping competence to be demonstrated.
- 02
Complete approved pre-sea training
Verify the institution and programme before enrolling.
- 03
Build supervised service
Use the correct record book and obtain signatures as tasks are completed—not months later.
- 04
Apply through GMA
Submit the competency and identity/discharge-document file through the official channel.
Check before you commit
Important watchpoints.
- A discharge book records service; it is not by itself proof that every period qualifies for an upgrade.
- The vessel size/power and supervised duties affect whether service is accepted.
- Do not pay for promised sea time without a lawful written arrangement and verified vessel/employer.
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