The Canadian Coast Guard College

Officer Training Program

A centre of excellence where learning becomes life changing.

The Canadian Coast Guard College

A centre of excellence since 1965.

The Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC) is the Coast Guard’s national, bilingual, degree-conferring training institution. The College provides all marine training for Coast Guard officers and marine safety, security and environmental protection specialists.

Located in the urban hub of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the College’s unique and specialized training is sought after by organizations around the world.

The 4-year Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program is one of the best marine training programs in the world, producing both marine engineering officers and marine navigation officers.

Graduates of the Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program receive:

• Canadian Coast Guard College Diploma
• Bachelor of Technology in Nautical Sciences
• Commercial certification issued by Transport Canada
• Continued employment with the Canadian Coast Guard
• Internationally recognized certification

Inspired by tradition

The Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program is more than a degree, it is about joining a community with a purpose of saving lives and protecting the environment.

As an employee in the training program, you will have the opportunity to meet new people and engage in opportunities to help you grow and develop as a leader.

The Officer Training Program, and many of our campus traditions, are rooted in social responsibility and provide you with professional development options.

Keepers of the coastline

The Canadian Coast Guard are the keepers of Canada’s 243,000 kilometer long coastline – the longest of any in the world. The Canadian Coast Guard is the leading maritime authority in the country, operating 24/7 in some of the most challenging conditions on earth to provide services that are critical to Canada’s safety, security and economic growth.

The Canadian Coast Guard includes 4,800 professionals, 75% of whom work directly on the front line. Personnel are proud of the work performed each and every day, such as:

• Protecting individuals navigating on Canadian waters
• Protecting the environment from marine spills
• Supporting economic growth by being Canada’s on-water economic enabler
• Ensuring Canada’s sovereignty and security by establishing a strong federal presence on the water

Cadet fit — cadet ready

The Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program is an exciting opportunity to serve your country while making a real difference on Canada’s waters. Our 45-month training program will equip you to become a highly-motivated and competent officer serving at sea in the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet.

Experience adventure and the chance to see our great country as you train and serve with the Canadian Coast Guard:

• Make lasting friendships
• Solve unique marine challenges
• Get physically active and fit
• Be a part of the Cape Breton Island community

Campus life

While at the College, you will be embraced by an accepting and motivating community. This environment will allow you to create personal relationships with colleagues and classmates.

The expansive and modern College has five major facilities.

Administrative and academic complex

A variety of large and small conference and classrooms provides a training outlet for Coast Guard and other government departments. John Adams Library has a vast collection of print and electronic resources making it one of the largest nautical libraries in Canada. The cafeteria, also known as The Galley, is known across Cape Breton Island for its excellent food and service.

Waterfront training centre

Known as the Boat Shed, this facility is home to various vessels for training and recreation. Officer cadets learn how to navigate sailboats, rescue crafts and various power vessels during their training. They learn valuable on-water skills related to environmental response, aids to navigation, search and rescue procedures, and seamanship.

Marine engineering training building

Known as the Machine Shop, this safety-first facility is where hands-on training prepares cadets for their future work with the Coast Guard. Skills include welding, machining, engine repair and rebuilding, refrigeration, ship refitting, water purification, and hydraulics.

Wellness centre

Our multi-functional Wellness Centre houses a 25-metre swimming pool, double gymnasium, fitness rooms, squash court, and outdoor soccer and baseball fields.

Residence

For cadet living, the College offers excellent accommodations imitating shipboard life. Each cluster is made up of 8 private rooms with shared washroom and living room. Amenities include a large media room, music room, and a cozy pub with games room.

Extracurricular

• Student council
• Officer cadet canteen
• Chez-nous lounge
• Diverse committees

Sports

• Intramural sports
• Hockey
• Triathlons
• Swim meets
• Boat regattas
• Archery
• Cabot Trail relay
• Scuba diving

Community involvement

• Community parades
• Charity events
• Terry Evans Cup (sailing)

What to expect

The Marine Engineering Program and Marine Navigation Program will prepare officer cadets for exceptional career paths in the Canadian Coast Guard.

As a Canadian Coast Guard employee in the training program, officer cadets will develop skills within their field of study through a consecutive 4 year program consisting of 4 terms per year. The 4 years of study will include a blend of classroom learning, simulation and practical training with time at sea. Officer cadets will experience life and work aboard Coast Guard vessels during two sea training phases, the first in year 2 of the program and the final seaphase in year 3.

Fall term kicks off with 2 weeks of practical training for all officer cadets in-house, followed by classroom sessions for the remainder of the term. After exams in December, officer cadets will enjoy a holiday gala before travelling home for the holidays.

At sea: 2nd year navigators and engineers.

Winter term runs from January to April where officer cadets in-house have a mix of classroom sessions and some hands-on training. Through the winter session, the officer cadets will enjoy their carnival week and end the session with their term exams.

At sea: 2nd and 3rd year navigators.

Spring term is always an exciting time of year as we say fair seas to our 4th year graduates. Until mid-July officer cadets continue to benefit from classroom learning and some hands-on training.

At sea: 3rd year navigators and engineers.

Summer term is always one of the officer cadets’ favorite time of year. This 5 week summer program involves hands-on training at the Waterfront facility and the Mechanical facility followed by approximately 3 weeks of vacation.

At Sea: 3rd year navigators and engineers.

Why CCGC?

As a public servant of Canada, and during your four years at the College,

you will receive:

• Paid education and a monthly allowance
• Accommodations and meals
• Textbooks and uniforms
• Medical and dental plan coverage
• Up to four weeks paid vacation leave every year

Is marine navigation for you?

Marine navigation officers are responsible for the safe passage of a Canadian Coast Guard vessel at sea and for its security in port. They also have logistical, safety and financial responsibilities onboard a vessel.

This Transport Canada accredited program prepares you for a career as a marine navigation officer in the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet. You will learn watchkeeping, search and rescue, and environmental response procedures, while learning to maneuver a variety of vessels in all types of sea and ice conditions.

You will develop your marine skills through classroom learning, world-class navigation and ice breaking simulations, as well as practical hands-on training at the College and at sea. You will also have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills to effectively provide direction to the ship’s crew while ensuring the safety of the vessel and persons aboard.

Is this program for you?

Ask yourself, are you:

• Clear-headed and logical
• A team player
• Dedicated
• A good communicator

Program elements

• Seamanship
• Chartwork
• Signals and communications
• Shipboard management
• Meteorology
• Stability
• Navigating and handling different size vessels

Program prerequisites

• Physics 12
• Advanced math 12
• English 12

See page 14 by list of prerequisites by province.

Marine navigation - academic timetable

• 11 months at College
• 7 months at sea
• 8 months at College
• 7 months at sea
• 10 months at College

Is marine engineering for you?

Marine engineering officers are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of all equipment and structures of Canadian Coast Guard vessels. They are involved in the maintenance of all equipment and perform major refit (repairs) to main engines and associated propulsion systems.

This Transport Canada accredited program prepares you for a career as a marine engineering officer in the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet. Through classroom learning, state of the art propulsion plant simulator and practical training at the College and at sea, you will learn to operate numerous engineering systems aboard a vessel including hydraulics, propulsion plant, electrical and electronic systems, and refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

You will develop marine skills to provide effective watchkeeping, vessel maintenance, and repairs. The development of your leadership skills will ensure the safe operation of the vessel and its crew.

Is this program for you?

Ask yourself, are you:

• Good with hands-on work
• Accepting of challenges
• Able to react quickly
• A resourceful person

Program elements

• Tech sketch and blueprint reading
• Engineering knowledge
• Electricity
• Hydraulics
• Ship construction
• Thermodynamics
• Electronics and electrotechnology

Program prerequisites

• Chemistry 11
• Physics 12
• Advanced math 12
• English 12

See page 14 for list of prerequisites by province.

Marine engineering – academic timetable

• 11 months at College
• 4 months at sea
• 14 months at College
• 4 months at sea
• 10 months at College

Admissions

Application process

To apply to CCGC, submit your online application and attach a copy of your high school transcript and any post-secondary transcripts.

Government hiring process

Submitting an application to the CCGC signifies you are applying to a Government of Canada hiring process, also known as a selection process. A selection process is a multi-tier process; therefore, it is recommended you apply early (September to December).

Job notification

A selection process will have a job notification. It’s important you read through the job notification on our website. This will provide you with information, such as the position title, course requirements, conditions of employment, and deadlines. It also provides you with a list of the essential and asset qualifications on which you will be evaluated throughout the selection process.

Acceptance into the program

Applicants who meet the essential qualifications will be placed in a pool of qualified applicants. The College will select applicants from this pool to fill positions within the Officer Training Program. The number of qualified applicants may exceed the positions available; therefore, being placed in the pool does not guarantee a job offer.

Course requirements

For an application to be considered, a high school diploma is required by June 30th of the intake year, with a minimum final grade of 70% in each of the following university-preparatory courses.

The CCGC reserves the right to change the admission requirements. The latest updates will be posted online.

Apply now

Application process

Apply online at www.cgc.gc.ca and attach a copy of your transcript(s).

• As a high school graduate, you need to provide a high school transcript and any post-secondary transcripts demonstrating that you have achieved the course requirements.
• As a current high school student, you need to provide a transcript demonstrating you have completed Grade 11 (Secondary 4) course requirements and proof of enrollment of Grade 12 (Secondary 5) courses. Throughout the school year, you will need to provide a mid-year grade report, end of semester transcript and a final transcript at the end of the school year.
• For applicants who are upgrading a course(s), you need to provide proof of enrollment in the required course(s). Throughout your academic semester, you will need to submit a mid-year grade report and final transcript upon course completion.

Selection process

The process begins with the assessment of your academic transcripts against the course requirements. You will only move forward in the selection process if you have completed or are enrolled in the required courses.

If you are continuing in the process, you will be evaluated on the essential and asset qualifications listed in the job notification. Qualifications may be assessed through a variety of assessment methods.

Applicants who meet the essential qualifications will be placed in a pool of qualified candidates.

The College will select applicants who meet all the requirements for a position in the Officer Training Program specializing in either marine engineering or marine navigation based on the number of positions available.

Selected candidates will receive a letter of offer.