BECOME A
RATINGS
SEAFARER

EDUCATION &
TRAINING

WORK IN SHORESIDE LOGISTICS, SUPPLY CHAIN, MANAGEMENT, OR MARINE TRANSPORTATION
ADVANCE YOUR TRADE & TRANSPORTATION
CAREER
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.
Entry-Level Pathway
College Pathway
Professional Certifications
BECOME AN ENGINEERING
OR NAVIGATION
OFFICER

College/University Pathway
THE 2 PATHWAYS TO BECOME A SEAFARER
ENTRY-LEVEL, OR RATINGS, PATHWAY
Ratings seafarers are crew members who have not gone through officer training. Becoming a Ratings seafarer is a great option for anyone who wants to get onboard, start working quickly, and gain practical marine experience to be able to move forward in writing the Transport Canada challenge exams to obtain the next level of certification.

Seafarers complete basic safety and emergency courses, and some roles require specialized training depending on the size of the vessel, and/or for specific tasks such as bridge watch, VHF Radio operation, handling cargo, operating machinery or food safety. Ratings staff perform essential support including assisting navigation, cargo handling, engine & equipment maintenance, cleaning, and cooking.

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
[link to careers page)

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 and working with your body
  • Mechanics and working with equipment
  • Being part of a strong team
THE 2 PATHWAYS TO BECOME A SEAFARER

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY OFFICER PATHWAY
Become a navigation or engineering officer 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. Licensed seafarer ensure that the vessel operates safely, follows regulations and navigational procedures.

Attend a post-secondary cadet program and combine academics with simulation training and sea time work (co-op) placements to sit the Transport Canada licensing exams.

The path to 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
  • Must pass Transport Canada officer examinations

Types of jobs
[link to careers page)

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, responsibility, and problem solving
NAVIGATION, MARINE ENGINEERING &
TECHNICAL COLLEGES
There are various college programs across Canada that provide different levels of marine training & certification to become an officer or a ratings seafarer. Marine college programs range in length from a few weeks to a few years, with options to choose from many different areas of marine study and work placements.

To learn more about financing opportunities, visit our Funding page.
LOGISTICS, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, AND MARINE TRANSPORTATION COLLEGES
You can find your place in a marine shoreside career from almost any work background or education. There are also a variety of college programs to choose from that are specific to shoreside operations, like supply chain management, logistics, and transport. These programs offer a great foundation to the world of marine trade, the driving force of our economy.

For more information about financing opportunities, visit our Funding page.
TRADE &
TRANSPORTATION
There are various professional certifications you can earn to fast track your marine career and advance on your path. These certifications usually require a base amount of relevant work experience, and many programs are now offered online and can be completed at your own pace alongside your regular work.

For more information 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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