GMA, IMO organise workshop for seafarer examiners

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), is organising a five-day workshop to build the capacity of seafarer examiners in alignment with emerging developments within the maritime sector.

The workshop, which is the second phase of the Assessment, Examination and Certification of Seafarers, began on Monday at the Bernhard Schulte Ship Management (BSM) Centre, Regional Maritime University (RMU).

Representing the Director-General of GMA, the Director of the Maritime Services Division, GMA, Janet Houghman Addy, noted that the train-the-trainer programme was designed to develop the capacity of assessors and trainers to effectively carry out their responsibilities in line with international standards.

According to her, emerging developments in the maritime sector, including maritime decarbonisation, Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), digitalisation, and other new technologies, are transforming the skills required of seafarers, hence the need for training, examination, and assessment practices to evolve in line with these developments.

Ms Addy reminded examiners and assessors of their direct responsibility for maritime safety, urging them to exercise sound and impartial professional judgement, supported by clear and objective evidence.

The Vice Chancellor of RMU, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jnr., commended the GMA for their continued cooperation and support to the University and the maritime industry in Ghana.

He expressed appreciation to the management of BSM for its commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding with RMU and its supporting efforts to advance maritime activities in Ghana and the sub-region.

Dr Brooks stated the importance of collaboration among maritime stakeholders, noting that sustained cooperation was important to strengthening maritime training and developing a common approach to training across Ghana and the sub-region.