No. Safety Marine International Crewing Limited operates in full compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 – Regulation 1.4, which strictly prohibits licensed recruitment and placement services from charging seafarers fees for employment.

This requirement is also enforced in Ghana under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2003 (Act 645) and applicable Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) guidelines governing seafarer recruitment and placement services. Seafarers are only responsible for costs related to mandatory personal documents, such as medical certificates and seafarers’ books, where permitted by law.

Seafarers may apply by submitting their curriculum vitae and valid certification through Safety Marine International Crewing Limited’s approved application channels. All applications are assessed in accordance with:

• STCW Convention, 1978, as amended

• MLC, 2006

• Ghana Maritime Authority licensing and crewing guidelines

Verification includes certification validity, sea service records, medical fitness, and compliance with flag-state requirements.

To qualify as a seafarer in Ghana, applicants must meet the requirements established by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2003 (Act 645) and the STCW Convention. These include:

• Completion of GMA-approved maritime education and training

• Demonstrated professional competence and required sea service

• Compliance with minimum age requirements

• Medical fitness certification in accordance with STCW Regulation I/9 and MLC, 2006

Before deployment, seafarers must hold valid documentation as required by the GMA, STCW, and the vessel’s flag state, including:

• STCW Certificates of Competency or Proficiency

• Flag-state endorsement (where applicable)

• Ghana Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (Seaman’s Book) issued by the GMA

• Valid passport

• Medical certificate approved by a GMA-recognised medical practitioner, compliant with MLC, 2006 and STCW

• Any additional documentation required by the shipowner or flag state

The Ghana Seafarer Certificate of Competency (CoC) is issued by the Ghana Maritime Authority to seafarers who meet the competency standards prescribed under the STCW Convention.

The CoC authorises holders to serve onboard vessels engaged in international trade and is issued in accordance with STCW Regulation I/2 and relevant GMA certification procedures.

Contract duration varies depending on vessel type, trading area, and shipowner requirements. All Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEAs) issued through Safety Marine International Crewing Limited comply with:

• MLC, 2006 minimum standards

• GMA-approved SEA formats and guidelines

Contracts clearly state wages, duration, leave entitlement, repatriation rights, and termination conditions.

Yes. Seafarers are employed under contracts that provide insurance coverage in accordance with MLC, 2006, including medical care, injury, illness, disability, and repatriation.

These provisions are subject to oversight by the Ghana Maritime Authority and, where applicable, aligned with ITF requirements.

Seafarers should first utilise onboard complaint procedures as required by MLC, 2006 – Standard A5.1.5.

If unresolved, Safety Marine International Crewing Limited assists with escalation to:

• The shipowner or operator

• The vessel’s flag state

• The Ghana Maritime Authority

• The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), where applicable