Start Your Seafaring Career in Ontario
Fast. Funded. Job-Ready.
Train for an exciting career onboard vessels operating in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River region through this new program
Eligible candidates will benefit from fully-funded tuition and course materials along with other supports to improve learner access.*
The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF) is accepting applications for an Entry-level Seafarer program that aims to help Ontario jobseekers gain the foundational skills and certifications needed to start working on onboard ferries, tugs and barges, cargo ships, tour boats, Canadian Coast Guard and other vessels quickly and with confidence.
Train to Be an Entry-level Deckhand
This program will prepare graduates to work as an entry-level deckhand (also known as an Ordinary Seaman/Seafarer) onboard Canadian vessels. Deck crew assist with vessel operations such as maintenance of areas and equipment, docking and undocking, handling lines, operating machinery and lifesaving equipment.
An entry-level deckhand, which typically pays up to $60,000 annually, is focused on the general work of the deck department and these individuals have the opportunity to advance their careers as they obtain more experience at sea and additional certifications.
This program will prepare graduates to work as an entry-level deckhand (also known as an Ordinary Seaman/Seafarer) onboard Canadian vessels. Deck crew assist with vessel operations such as maintenance of areas and equipment, docking and undocking, handling lines, operating machinery and lifesaving equipment.
An entry-level deckhand, which typically pays up to $60,000 annually, is focused on the general work of the deck department and these individuals have the opportunity to advance their careers as they obtain more experience at sea and additional certifications.
What’s Included in the Program?
CMCF’s program provides successful candidates*:
CMCF’s program provides successful candidates*:
- Pre-qualification Assistance to organize a Marine Medical with a Transport-Canada certified physician. Cost reimbursed.
- Paid tuition for the 17-day Entry-level Seafarer Micro-Certificate course (Micro-Certificate course provided by Georgian College's Centre for Marine Training and Research – Owen Sound). 7 days of online, instructor-led learning followed by 10 days of in-person, hands-on training at the Owen Sound campus.
- Knowledge and practical skills necessary for safe and efficient operation on board vessels, ensuring compliance with international standards, and includes the following nationally-recognized Transport Canada certificates: STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats (PSC), Marine Basic First Aid, and Vessel Personnel with Security Responsibilities (VPWSR).
- Program graduates receive a Micro-Certificate in Entry Level Seafaring.
- Interview Day with Employers and Labour Organizations will be organized by CMCF for graduates.
- Extra Support: You may be eligible for partial or full reimbursement of travel, accommodations, meals, if you are displaced from your home community to complete your in-person training. Training stipend may be available to those that meet eligibility requirements.
Program Eligibility (Who Can Apply)
To be eligible to apply for this program, you must:
Want to learn more? Complete the interest form below, or contact Eli Burley: eburley@imagine-marine.ca
To be eligible to apply for this program, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be unemployed
- Be a resident of Ontario
- Be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
- Be able to legally enter and leave the United States (Canadian Great Lakes vessels can routinely cross the border)
- Have a Certified Criminal Record Check
- Obtain a Valid Transport Canada Marine Medical (Cost will be reimbursed by CMCF)
Want to learn more? Complete the interest form below, or contact Eli Burley: eburley@imagine-marine.ca
BECOMING A SEAFARER IN CANADA
Canada’s marine industry is a hidden gem when it comes to rewarding and long-term careers. Seafarers play a vital role in moving essential goods and passengers across the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and beyond.
Seafaring is much more than just a job. The marine sector offers excellent pay, meaningful work and room to grow.
As many marine professionals are set to retire over the next 5 years, more than 8,300 new workers (1/3 of the current seafaring workforce) will be needed across Canada to help keep the marine sector operational. With so many opportunities available, there's never been
a better time to choose marine.
Seafaring is much more than just a job. The marine sector offers excellent pay, meaningful work and room to grow.
As many marine professionals are set to retire over the next 5 years, more than 8,300 new workers (1/3 of the current seafaring workforce) will be needed across Canada to help keep the marine sector operational. With so many opportunities available, there's never been
a better time to choose marine.
You May Be a Future Seafarer, if You:
- Are an adventure seeker who likes to travel
- Enjoy being part of a team
- Are comfortable with an unconventional work schedule (you could be working and living on board a vessel for days, weeks or months at a time)
- Enjoy physical, hands-on work in indoor and outdoor conditions
- Are comfortable with water
What's Life Like Onboard a Vessel?
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Imagine Marine, a CMCF Initiative. © 2025, Canadian Marine Careers Foundation, all rights reserved.
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