BECOME AN
UNLICENSED SEAFARER

EDUCATION &
TRAINING

BECOME A LICENSED
SEAFARER
BECOME A SHORESIDE
PROFESSIONAL
INTRO PARAGRAPLike 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.
Entry-Level Pathway
College-University Pathway
Professional Certifications

CHART YOUR COURSE

2 PATHWAYS TO BECOMING A SEAFARER IN CANADA

General intro text: choose from licensed or unlicensed;
Great compensation, exciting and rewarding career, strong sense of community. Set sail on your onboard career.

Learn more: SIU, Algoma, CSL, TC
BECOME A CERTIFIED SEAFARER
Entry-Level Pathway
Start working as an "unlicensed", or "Ratings" crew member faster and gain marine experience to be able to move forward in writing the Transport Canada challenge exams to obtain the next level of certification. With plenty of different roles to choose from, the industry term "unlicensed" does not necessarily mean crew has not been certified. Ratings crew members have not gone through officer training.

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)
  • Basic Marine First Aid

Types of jobs

Ordinary Seaman (O/S)
Able Seaman/Deck Rating, Chief Cook, 2nd Cook, General Purpose Watchkeeper, Mechanical Assistant, Tunnelman/Cargo Handler, Chief Engineer, Second Engineering, Third Engineer, fourth Engineer, Engine Room Rating, Electrician, Head Tunnelman, Tunnelman, Mobility Utility Employee (MUC)

An entry level pathway may be for you if you enjoy…

  • Spending time on the water
  • Learning your skills on the job
  • Getting your hands dirty
  • Mechanics and working with equipment
  • Being a part of a team
UNLICENSED CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
BECOME A LICENSED SEAFARER
College or University Pathway
Attend a post-secondary cadet program and combine academics with simulation training and sea time work (co-op) placements to sit the Transport Canada exams. Become a navigation officer (aka a mate!) and 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 you operate. Becoming a Master Mariner (Captain) on larger ships can take 4 to 5 added years to accumulate required sea time and pass license examinations.

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)
  • Basic Marine First Aid

Types of jobs

Jobs Master (Captain), Officer of the Watch, Chief Mate (First Officer/Chief Officer/First Mate), Second Mate (Second Officer), Third Mate (Third Officer), Engineering Officer

An licensed officer pathway may be for you if you enjoy…

  • In-class learning
  • Math and technology
  • Understanding how things work and operate
  • Charting and navigation
  • Procedure and responsibility
LICENSED CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

WHERE WATER MEETS LAND

BECOME A SHORESIDE PROFESSIONAL

Land-Based Career Pathways

Canada’s extensive 202,000 kilometres of coastline (the longest of any country in the world!) and many lakes and rivers mean that the marine sector is a major economic force, offering great job prospects—not only at sea, but also on land.

Types of jobs


An shoreside pathway may be for you if you enjoy…

  • Staying closer to home

Options:
Ship it -- build it -- design it -- built it -- protect it

OR

based off marine careers page
https://imagine-marine.ca/discover-shore-based-ship

OR
Professional
Shipping & Logistics (Eg. existing supply chain mgmt)
Environment
Port Operations
Gov't/Public Sector
SHORESIDE CERTIFICATIONS
COLLEGE LEVEL
SHORESIDE TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

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