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RATINGS SEAFARERS

EDUCATION &
TRAINING

SHORESIDE LOGISTICS, MANAGEMENT, & MARINE TRANSPORTATION
GOVERNMENT &
PUBLIC SECTOR
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
College, University,
Trades, and Courses
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.

GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SECTOR

A career in the Government and Public Sector offers the chance to contribute directly to Canada’s maritime security, safety, and environmental stewardship. Whether ensuring safe navigation through Canadian waters or responding to emergencies at sea, these roles are essential within the country's marine industry.


Programs offered by organizations like the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard provide specialized training, skills, and practical experience for those interested in serving their country while building a rewarding career.

NAVAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM (NEP)
The Naval Experience Program (NEP) exposes you to life in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for one year to decide if it is the right choice for you.

After twelve weeks of training, you join the Navy fleet on the West or East coast and learn the ropes of being a sailor while shadowing a variety of jobs and learning new skills. The program ends with going to sea, so you can get a sense of the adventure to be found in a naval career.

When participating in the Naval Experience Program, you will receive the same pay, compensation and benefits entitled to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces. A Sailor Third Class is paid $3,614 monthly as of April 2024.

Once participants complete the program, they will be offered a selection of trades and may continue to serve with the RCN.

PAID EDUCATION
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has several paid education programs for a first-class education that will prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career.

NON-COMMISSIONED MEMBER SUBSIDIZED TRAINING AND EDUCATION PLAN
The Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan offers full-time paid training or education at Canadian colleges, universities and other postsecondary establishments for authorized courses of study related to military occupations. Get paid to learn the skills you need to succeed in the RCN and the marine industry!

REGULAR OFFICER TRAINING PLAN
The Regular Officer Training Plan gives young Canadians an opportunity to obtain both an officer’s commission in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and an undergraduate degree. Applicants who have been accepted at either of our two Canadian Military Colleges, or at another Canadian university, are enrolled in the CAF as officer/naval cadets.

INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY YEAR
The Indigenous Leadership Opportunity Year gives you a highly positive and productive academic year of educational and leadership experience at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario.
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