West and Central African Maritime Officials Strengthen Seafarer Assessment and Certification Standards
Maritime officials from six West and Central African countries are taking part in a regional training course in Accra, Ghana, from 24–28 August, aimed at strengthening seafarer assessment, maritime certification and competency standards across the region. The five-day programme is focused on improving the systems used to assess, examine and certify seafarers in line with international maritime safety requirements.
The training is based on IMO Model Course 3.12 and is helping maritime administrations, maritime training institutions and examination authorities strengthen assessment systems in accordance with the STCW Convention and Code, particularly regulations I/6, I/8 and VIII/2. The initiative is significant for maritime safety, seafarer training and international shipping, as transparent and reliable certification systems are essential to ensuring that qualified seafarers meet internationally recognized competency requirements.
Participants are developing their knowledge of modern assessment methods, quality assurance techniques and the use of simulators to evaluate seafarers’ competence. The programme is designed to help ensure that certificates issued to seafarers are valid, transparent and supported by effective assessment procedures.
The course also addresses gender-sensitive teaching and learning practices, highlighting the importance of creating more inclusive maritime education and training environments.
The workshop brings together 25 participants, including five women, from Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. By bringing together officials responsible for maritime administration, training and examinations, the programme allows participating countries to examine seafarer competency and certification challenges from multiple institutional perspectives.
A major focus of the training is helping participating countries address findings identified through the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). These findings include a lack of documented procedures for training, assessment and record-keeping; insufficient monitoring and review of training performance; and inadequate reporting of mandatory information to the IMO.
The programme is therefore aimed not only at improving examination practices but also at strengthening the wider quality-assurance framework surrounding maritime education and training. Better documentation, monitoring and reporting can help maritime administrations demonstrate that their seafarer certification systems are consistent, accountable and aligned with international obligations.
Stronger Seafarer Assessment Can Reinforce Maritime Safety and Competency
From a maritime governance perspective, strengthening seafarer assessment systems is an important step toward improving maritime safety and workforce competency in West and Central Africa. Effective certification depends on more than examinations alone; it requires documented procedures, qualified assessors, quality assurance, reliable records and continuous monitoring.
The increased use of simulators and modern assessment techniques can also provide training institutions with better tools for evaluating practical competence. For countries seeking to strengthen their participation in international shipping, maintaining credible and internationally aligned certification systems can support confidence in their maritime workforce while helping address weaknesses identified through international audits.
A comprehensive mission report will document the key lessons and recommendations emerging from the training for participating Member States.
The activity is being delivered through the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme, in close collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority.
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