We can make your transition from school to the labour market easier.

Our objective is to train you to be effective members of a ship's watch, both on deck and on the bridge, and to prepare you to write the Transport Canada's Bridge Watchman exam. Successful completion of the exam earns you a Bridge Watch Certificate, making you employable as a deckhand in the marine industry where you will perform a variety of duties from general ship maintenance to lookout on numerous types of ships. You will acquire necessary academic skills in addition to Marine Emergency Duties (MED) training, tanker familiarization, sea experience, and hands-on training using facilities in our rigging room and on our training vessel.

Program Structure

This 29-week program features 18-weeks of in-class instruction, required safety training and an eight-week sea placement.

What You'll Need

You must have completed, as a minimum, Grade Eight. You may also apply as a mature student or transfer from another post-secondary institution.

Transport Canada requires proof of satisfactory physical fitness prior to sitting for Transport Canada exams. This includes satisfactory visual acuity, colour vision and hearing, among other physical requirements. Proof of physical fitness must be provided by way of a signed medical from an approved physician. Signed Seafarer's and MED medicals from an approved physician are required for registration in this program. Contact the Registrar's Office for a list of physicians approved to conduct the Seafarers or MED medicals.

Student Experience

My life has changed by enrolling in the Marine Institute s bridge watch program. I had a great experience in class and out at sea doing my training, which I am now applying as an employee. If you show that you can be an asset, there are a lot of great companies out there that are willing to take you onboard and enhance your program training.

-Tia England