Canadian Coast Guard College
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Who We Are
The Canadian Coast Guard College is a national, bilingual, degree-conferring training institution located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. We are a unique marine college with the purpose of saving lives, protecting the environment and contributing to Canada’s economic growth.
The College provides an opportunity for young Canadians to have an adventurous career as a Marine Engineering Officer or a Marine Navigation Officer in the Canadian Coast Guard. It is a four year training program in either discipline with both theory based training, simulator training and practical training both at the College and on Coast Guard Vessels.
As an employee in the training program, you will join a community where you have the opportunity to meet new people, discover rare parts of Canada, and engage in opportunities to help you grow and develop as a leader.
General Info
Enrolment Total
Campus Locations
1190 Westmount Road; Sydney, NS; B1R 2J6,
Sydney, NS
1190 Westmount Road; Sydney, NS; B1R 2J6
Sydney, NS
Nearby Highlights
We are located in Sydney, Nova Scotia on a 120-acre (486,000 m²) campus in neighbouring Westmount. The campus is located in a wooded area immediately south of Point Edward and adjacent to Petersfield Provincial Park. Sydney is the historic capital of Cape Breton and largest urban centre on the island. From the Harborfront boardwalk complete with buskers and visiting cruise ships to the world’s largest fiddle, Sydney will be sure to charm you! It also boasts a convenient proximity to all the major attractions on the Island like the world-famous Cabot Trail, Fortress of Louisbourg, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in the beautiful village of Baddeck, and 6 amazing golf courses!
Campus Tours
Programs
Featured Programs
Officer Training Program - Marine Engineering
Marine engineering officers are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of all equipment and structures aboard Canadian Coast Guard vessels. They keep the main engines and auxiliary systems of the ship in good working order under the supervision of the vessel’s chief engineer.
This program prepares you for a career as a marine engineering officer. The College has a number of modern, well-equipped labs, simulators and a large teaching machine shop that permit you to apply the theory you learn with practical experience. You’ll learn to operate numerous engineering systems aboard a vessel and develop your leadership abilities. You’ll also learn about:
electricity
hydraulics
mechanics
electronics
thermodynamics
Officer Training Program - Marine Navigation
Marine navigation officers are responsible for the safety of their vessel, their crew and the environment. They pilot and follow routes from charts while taking depth, weather conditions and traffic into account. They are also responsible for radio communications.
This program prepares you for a career as a marine navigation officer aboard a Canadian Coast Guard vessel. Officer cadets studying marine navigation learn about ship behaviour due to internal and external factors such as weather and ice conditions. You'll also learn about:
radar
signals
icebreaking
maritime security
aids to navigation
cargo and stowage
Info on All Programs
Areas of Study Available
- Sciences
Study Abroad Opportunities
There are no study options abroad.
Admissions
Basic Admissions Requirements
To be eligible for the Officer Training Program, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen upon appointment
- have a valid Canadian passport upon joining
- meet the medical standard required for seagoing personnel, including vision and hearing standards
- be able to pass a criminal record check and government security clearance at the reliability and secret levels
- be willing to take training in respiratory protection and wear a breathing apparatus which maintains a non-leaking seal over your face
Application Deadline
Our on-line application portal opens in the fall and closes in the winter annually. You can check our website periodically to see when the portal will be open or you can sign up to our “Stay Anchored Program”, in which you will be notified by email when the application portal opens.
Application Fee
There are no application fees as our programs are funded by the Government of Canada.
How to Apply
Congratulations on taking the first step towards a rewarding career with the Canadian Coast Guard!
To apply to the Officer Training Program in the stream of marine engineering or marine navigation, you will need to submit your application online.
Before you submit your online application, you must:
- Check to see if you meet the educational requirements.
Required courses with a grade of 70% or higher in each:
- Physics 12
- Chemistry 11 (for engineering program only)
- Pre-calculus 12
- English or French 12
2. Make sure you have the following documentation:
a. Resume
b. Copy of your high school transcripts
c. Copy of Canadian university or college transcripts (if applicable)
3. Proof of enrollment for high school students or individuals who have not completed or are upgrading in the required courses. Proof of enrollment can be:
a. High school transcript
b. Academic schedule
c. Enrollment registration form
d. International equivalency report(s) for studies outside of Canada (if applicable)
Admissions Contact Email
Admissions Contact Phone
Residence
First Year Residence Spots
Residence Options
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.
Total Average Residence Cost
Residence Cost Details
Non applicable
Indigenous Student Supports & Services
Indigenous Student Supports & Services Info
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce that reflects Canadian society. We promote employment equity and, while voluntary, we encourage you to indicate on your application if you are an Indigenous person.
International Students
International Student Info
The Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program is open to Persons residing in Canada and Canadian citizens residing abroad. Candidates must have a valid Canadian passport upon appointment to the Canadian Coast guard Officer Training Program.