About The Department

The Administration, in a bid to explore the opportunities in the maritime sector and owing to its mandate to take measures for the development of the maritime industry in The Gambia, has established a Ship Registry and Seafarer Affairs department. The Department is established in line with the Merchant Shipping Act 2013, which mandates the appointment of the Registrar of Shipping and Seafarers. The department ensures the effective management of ship registration processes and seafarer-related affairs, overseeing the registration of ships under the flag of The Gambia and managing all matters pertaining to seafarers’ welfare and compliance.

The department is tasked with developing and implementing programs that promote the welfare, training, and certification of seafarers. It further monitors compliance with seafarer certification requirements, which includes medical fitness. The department will also supervise the conduct of examinations for seafarers and the issuance of Certificate of Proficiency (COP) and Certificate of Competency (COC).

The Ship Registry and Seafarer Affairs department provides assistance and support to seafarers in matters concerning employment conditions, repatriation, dispute resolution, and ensures the implementation of good occupational health and safety practices for maritime workers.