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CAPTAIN / MASTER

The Captain, or Master, is a ship's highest-ranking officer with overall responsibility for crew and operations, including the protection of the vessel, its cargo and the environment. Responsibilities range from managing personnel resources, navigation, compliance to safety and quality system management performance standards, accounting, payroll and inventory.

Officers hold licenses issued by Transport Canada. Becoming navigation officer requires either gaining sufficient experience, accumulating sea time and passing the examinations, or by earning a college diploma from a maritime college in Canada.

Requirements:

MARINE EMPLOYERS IN CANADA

MATES

The Mate shares responsibility with the Captain for navigating the vessel, overseeing loading and unloading of cargo, supervising activities of the deck crew and other duties. On bigger ships, mates are generally divided into hierarchical categories, from First Mate down to Third, based on experience and credentials, with corresponding responsibilities.

Officers hold licenses issued by Transport Canada. Becoming a navigation officer requires either gaining sufficient experience, accumulating sea time and passing the examinations, or by earning a college diploma from a maritime college in Canada.

Requirements:

MARINE EMPLOYERS IN CANADA

CADET

A Navigation Cadet is an officer in training and is assigned to a vessel for work terms during their formal study sessions with a maritime college. The Navigation Cadet will follow the directives of the vessel Mates during the work period, typically called "sea time," and benefit from practical, hands-on training.

Shipping companies and labour unions encourage mariners to expand their credentials and often offer opportunities for continuing education and training.

Requirements:

MARINE EMPLOYERS IN CANADA

CHIEF ENGINEER

The Chief Engineer is the senior officer in the ship's engineering department, responsible for supervising the engineering staff and overseeing the maintenance and performance of onboard machinery and systems. The Chief Engineer attends to fuelling, lube oil and other consumables needs, updates supplies inventories, ensures the vessel complies with all rules and regulations and prepares the engine room for inspection.

Officers hold licenses issued by Transport Canada. Becoming an engineering officer requires either gaining sufficient experience, accumulating sea time and passing the examinations, or by earning a college diploma from a maritime college in Canada.

Requirements:

MARINE EMPLOYERS IN CANADA

LICENSED
ENGINEER

Engineers oversee the safe and efficient running of the vessel's mechanical equipment and systems. On bigger ships, engineers are generally divided into hierarchical categories, from Second Engineer down to Fourth, based on experience and credentials, with corresponding responsibilities.

Officers hold licenses issued by Transport Canada. Becoming an engineering officer requires either gaining sufficient experience, accumulating sea time and passing the examinations, or by earning a college diploma from a maritime college in Canada.

Requirements:

MARINE EMPLOYERS IN CANADA

CADET

An Engineering Cadet is an officer in training and assigned to a vessel for work terms during their formal study sessions with a maritime college. The Engineering Cadet will be directed by the engineering officers during the work period, typically called "sea time," and benefit from practical, hands-on training.

Shipping companies and labour unions encourage mariners to expand their credentials and often offer opportunities for continuing education and training.

Requirements:

MARINE EMPLOYERS IN CANADA

LOGISTICS
OFFICER

Logistics officers typically serve on Canadian Coast Guard vessels and provide logistical support to the entire ship, including accommodation services, as well as the administration and supply of the ship.

For more information, please consult the Canadian Coast Guard website.

Requirements:

MARINE EMPLOYERS IN CANADA

DECK
DEPARTMENT

Deck crew, or Ratings, assist with vessel operations such as maintenance of areas and equipment, docking and undocking, handling lines, operating machinery and lifesaving equipment. Deck crew are categorized by responsibilities with Ordinary Seaman focused on the general work of the deck department and Able-Bodied Seaman assisting with navigation.

One can become a deck Rating either by gaining seamanship experience and completing the appropriate courses and endorsements, or by completing a certificate course from an educational institution recognized by Transport Canada as well as obtaining basic certifications and documents.

Requirements:

MARINE EMPLOYERS IN CANADA

ENGINE
DEPARTMENT

There are many varied roles in the engine room department of a vessel depending on Ratings, which can include oiler, mechanical assistant (MA), junior engineer, fireman, deck engine mechanic, electrician, machinist, refrigerator engineer or a tunnelman on specialized self-discharging vessels.

One can become an engine room Rating either by gaining seamanship experience and completing the appropriate courses and endorsements, or by completing a certificate course from an educational institution recognized by Transport Canada as well as obtaining basic certifications and documents.

Requirements:

MARINE EMPLOYERS IN CANADA

CATERING
DEPARTMENT

The Galley or Catering Department consists of service staff and generally refers to the galley (kitchens) on a ship. Main duties include preparing and serving meals for the crew and conducting general housekeeping. This essential department is comprised of personnel working in positions of Chief Cook, Second Cook, Steward, Clerk or Storekeeper, depending on the size of the vessel.

Culinary training from an educational institution and experience in the food service industry are often required, as well as endorsements and basic certifications from Transport Canada.

Requirements:

MARINE EMPLOYERS IN CANADA