RATINGS SEAFARERS

EDUCATION &
TRAINING

SHORESIDE LOGISTICS, MANAGEMENT, & MARINE TRANSPORTATION
TRADE & TRANSPORTATION CAREER ADVANCEMENT
Like the sector itself, marine education and training schools and institutes span the country, offering programs and courses that cater to the needs of virtually anyone pursuing a marine career or advancing their current position. Choose from the list below to learn more about the schools and curricula offered in your area.
Direct-to-Job or Short
Courses
College/University
Professional Certifications
OFFICERS -
ENGINEERING
& NAVIGATION
College/University
RATINGS SEAFARERS

Ratings Seafarers are crew members who have not gone through officer training but fill a variety of skilled positions in all departments on a ship. The work can involve a wide range of tasks essential to the safe operation and maintenance of the ship.


Becoming a Ratings Seafarer is a great option if you want to start working quickly, gain practical onboard experience, and take exams over time to advance your career.


There are various shorter courses in Canada that can help advance you on your marine career path.


Explore Ratings seafaring careers


Basic requirements


  • Must be at least 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
  • A valid Marine Emergency Duties (MED) certificate (certification is offered at 41 institutions across Canada)
  • A Candidate Document Number (CDN) from Transport Canada (required before for your marine medical)
  • Basic Marine First Aid
OFFICERS - ENGINEERING & NAVIGATION

Attend a post-secondary cadet program and combine academics with simulation training and sea time work to become a navigation or engineering officer.


Navigation officers help sail the vessel, supervise deck crew and cargo/passenger handling, and ensure the safety of the crew, the vessel and the waters in which they operate. Navigation officers can progress with additional training and experience to the role of Captain or Master Mariner.


Engineering officers keep the engines, mechanical and environmental systems of the ship running in top condition. On larger vessels, they can gain experience and move up the ranks to become the Chief Engineer.


Explore marine officer careers


Basic requirements


  • Must be at least 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
  • A valid Marine Emergency Duties (MED) certificate (certification is offered at 41 institutions across Canada)
  • A Candidate Document Number (CDN) from Transport Canada (required before for your marine medical)
  • Basic Marine First Aid
  • Must pass Transport Canada officer examinations
NAVIGATION, MARINE ENGINEERING &
TECHNICAL COLLEGES

There are various college and university programs across Canada that provide different levels of marine officer and Ratings seafarer training & certification. Marine courses and programs range in length from a few weeks or months to 3-4 years, depending on the area of study.


To learn more about financing opportunities, visit our Funding page.

SHORESIDE LOGISTICS, MANAGEMENT, & MARINE TRANSPORTATION

There are countless office-based positions in Canadian towns and cities that ensure the success of the marine sector, from business development, management, human resources and professional services to logistical, safety, infrastructure, technical and operational services.


Below are different programs across Canada that can help prepare you for your shoreside career.


Explore shoreside operations careers


To learn more about financing opportunities, visit our Funding page.

TRADE & TRANSPORTATION CAREER ADVANCEMENT

Marine trade and transportation certificates in Canada are essential for professionals seeking to advance in the industry. With Canada's extensive coastline and busy ports, there is a high demand for qualified professionals, and earning a marine trade and transportation certificate is an excellent way to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.


To learn more about financing opportunities, visit our Funding page.

CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (CITT)

CITT is a non-profit organization created by industry in 1958 offering Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) certification and online supply chain logistics courses and webinars. CITT is industry's most experienced, valued and respected source of complete, career-long learning and career-path development open for everyone who buys, sells or manages the flow of goods and product, or is impacted by supply chain logistics.



CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDERS ASSOCIATION (CIFFA)

CIFFA education programs are designed by subject matter experts and are offered in a variety of delivery methods, including e-learning and classroom-based education. CIFFA is a certified training provider for FIATA, IATA, ICAO, CSCSC and courses include all IMO and Transport Canada regulations as required.



CANADIAN SOCIETY OF CUSTOMS BROKERS (CSCB)

Founded in 1921 and headquartered at Ottawa Canada, Canadian Society of Customs Brokers represents Canada's customs brokers and actively seeks improvements in government policies and procedures on behalf of the members and their clients. Programs leading to Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) and Certified Trade Compliance Specialist (CTCS) designations are available through the CSCB.



FORUM FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING (FITT)

The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing international business training, resources and professional certification to individuals and businesses. FITT offers the only international business training programs and related professional designation – Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) endorsed by the World Trade Centers Association and the Canadian government.



SHIPPING FEDERATION OF CANADA

The Shipping Federation represents and promotes the interests of the shipowners, operators and agents involved in Canada's world trade. In addition to offering marine industry familiarization sessions for government departments and agencies, the Shipping Federation has partnered with Concordia University (Montreal, QC) to offer a university-level Certificate in Marine Transportation.



SUPPLY CHAIN CANADA

Supply Chain Canada awards the Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation under the authorization of provincial legislation, and is responsible for standards-setting, accreditation and the continuing professional development of its members. Supply Chain Canada also offers a Management Training Program providing early-to mid-career professionals a solid skills base through which they support supply chain functions and cultivate related business skills.



THE LOGISTICS INSTITUTE CANADA

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Toronto (ON), the Logistics Institute delivers seven certification programs in the field of logistics and supply chain management. Each program leads to earning one or more professional designations including Professional Logistician (P. Log) and Logistics Specialist (LS).
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