INFO SHEET: CANADIAN COAST GUARD – OFFICER TRAINING PROGRAM

Admissions Process:

• The application process for the Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC) – Officer Training Program (OTP) closes on February 28th, 2025. If your full application is not submitted by this due date you will not be considered for this year’s process. Please ensure you complete and submit your full application by the deadline.
• The Canadian Coast Guard College is located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. If accepted, you will need to relocate to our campus in Sydney, NS to attend the 4 year program.
• We have 2 streams Marine Navigation and Marine Engineering broken into language - French and English (English Navigation, English Engineering, French Navigation and French Engineering). (*Currently we take 80 people per year – 24 in English Navigation, 24 in English Engineering, 16 in French Navigation and 16 in French Engineering).
• You attend training up to 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. You start in the morning at approximately 7:30am and continue for the rest of your day.
• You have evenings and weekends off as well as statutory holidays, you are free to use this time as you see fit but we do caution that your academics remain a priority. You are also here during the summer months for training and do not necessarily get “time off”. You do however get a holiday break in December.
• You need to have a valid Canadian passport in order to be accepted into the program. It is your responsibility to maintain its validity.
• Anyone accepted to the Navigation program will require Pleasure Craft Operator License (PCOC). You do not need this to apply but rather if you are made an offer into the program; we will advise you on how to acquire one (if needed).
• You are being hired for a job position with DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans)/Coast Guard not a post-secondary school (university or college program). Although you do get a degree and diploma as part of your training; this is a government hiring process not a post-secondary school (university/college) acceptance process. There are multiple screening steps and even if successful in all steps, not everyone receives an offer as we have a limited number of spots available to fill each year. If you are not chosen, we always recommend re-applying.
• If accepted, all aspects of your training are covered, tuition and books, accommodations, food, uniform, etc. You also receive a monthly allowance of $800 (minus taxes) to cover incidentals etc. this amount increases for seaphase.
• You need to have the required course requirements in order to be eligible for moving forward in the selection process. It is in your best interest to go to our Admissions Requirements page for more information and understanding. You need to have a 70% or higher grade in each required course. In-progress courses are accepted with proof of enrollment and equivalency courses are accepted at the discretion of the College.
• The application contains important screening questions about your personal suitability, it is of extreme importance that you are putting your best effort into answering and providing supportive examples for your responses. You are able to go and come back to your application so take your time working on your answers. Once you hit “Submit” your application will be reviewed.
• There may be some costs associated with some steps…like fingerprints, medicals, etc. that you need to pay for up front however only IF you are made an offer to the program you can submit these costs for re-imbursement.
• Not everyone will move forward to an interview or medicals. Due to certain specifications we are only obligated to advance those being considered for acceptance into the program.
• We get you to submit your security forms and information in advance but will not be sending it for processing until we know you are being accepted into the program.
• We will let you know if you are moving forward on to an online interview. If you are contacted for an online interview, you will be provided with a date and time for your online interview. Interviews take place Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm (Atlantic). It is your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements with your school or work to attend.
• IF you have a legitimate conflict then it is of utmost importance you are contacting Admissions as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements. If you do not attend your online interview you will automatically no longer be considered in the selection process.
• If you are moving forward to a Health Canada or Transport Canada medical we will advise and assist you with instructions on how to proceed. Do not make these arrangements yourself. You will need to do 2 medicals, a Health Canada and a Transport Canada medical. A Health Canada medical is necessary to hire you into the program. As per Transport Canada regulations a TC medical is necessary to work on Coast Guard vessels.
• Please note that the CCGC is not responsible for the results of any medicals. If any limitations are noted on your medicals or a result of “does not meet” medical standards is recorded, we are unfortunately unable to accept you into the program. Both medicals need to be met without any limitations.
• It is a TC regulated program therefore all 4 years are part of your training and all 4 years need to be completed. Credits from previous education/institutions are Non-transferrable credits due to the nature of the program being a specified “job” training program. Any prior knowledge you enter with is always an asset to your success in this program.
• Although you may have the credits to meet our academic requirements from your past education, it is recommended you brush up the Math and Physics skills if you have not studied them in a few years. The first year of the program is especially heavy in Math and Physics and your success is based on foundational knowledge.
• All of the communication for this process will be conducted via email for screening and assessment purposes (including sending invitations for interviews), it is your responsibility to ensure that you check for messages regularly and to ensure that your email address accepts messages from unknown users; some email systems block these types of email or filter them to a junk mail folder. The Canadian Coast Guard College is not responsible for any incorrect or incomplete information. You are responsible for advising and keeping your profile updated. You are also accountable to manage all requests made and adhere to deadlines provided throughout the entire process. Failure to pay attention to detail and follow instructions as noted may result in no further consideration of your application.

Life at the College:

• All courses in the program are mandatory and consist of a mix of classroom and hands-on learning.
• Unlike other post-secondary schooling you need to be successful in all required courses of your program (Marine Navigation or Marine Engineering). You cannot retake a course if you fail. Failure to be successful in all your courses could result in academic dismissal from the program.
• Mid-term and examinations are administered as course assessments tools.
• You are also only allowed to miss 10% of classes and this is only for approved leave. Leave/Sick time has to be submitted and is subject to an approval process. You have a supervisor (Superintendent of Officer Cadets) and you need to report to them. The program is also regulated/structured and taking time off is not conducive to the training. You may have to miss many important life events.
• If made an offer, you are responsible for personal and life arrangements, just like being hired for any other job/post-secondary school in a different province. If made an offer we provide up to $5000 to relocate you to the college but it is limited to certain aspects of relocation and does not include any personal affairs that need to be arranged i.e. selling a house or ending a lease, storage of furniture.
• You are entitled to accommodations at the college which includes board, food, etc. however it is only for the person being hired not their family. You and your family are able to live off campus if you so choose however the cost of living will be at your own expense. The officer cadet only is still entitled to the amenities of the college (food, etc.) with no cost BUT any arrangements outside the college are their own responsibility. There are no barracks or family accommodations on campus.
• You will be training and living with people of all different ages, backgrounds, life experiences etc.
• Living arrangements are a cluster with 8 people, you have your own room but will share the bathroom and common living space with 7 other cluster mates of all ages and backgrounds. The cluster room is cozy but small as it mimics ship-life living therefore no furniture etc. can be brought to the college.
• We are not the military but the program has some related aspects. The program involves certain aspects like drill, uniform, physical fitness classes, etc. and the officer cadet not only adheres to the procedures and policies of the OTP program/College they also adhere to those of the federal government including the Values and Ethics policies.
• In the second and third year you will be required to go on seaphase. You can be posted anywhere in Canada. Depending on your program you will be on ship for 9 months total (Engineering) to 14 months total (Navigation). This means you will be on ship for 4 (Engineering) to 7 (Navigation) months at a time for each seaphase. You will most likely miss a lot of major events in your life and it takes a lot of endurance to prevail.
• Although preferences try to be upheld for placements upon graduation, spots are filled based upon operational needs. You can be posted anywhere in Canada. A commitment of 4 years to the Coast Guard is required after graduation.

Other Notables:

• You are responsible for researching and asking the important questions pertaining to your future therefore it is in your best interest to contact Recruitment and Admissions to retrieve answers to prepare yourself in advance for your commitment to the program.
• The program is a commitment and very intense academically therefore it is recommended that you maintain good time management skills and study habits. If you find yourself struggling in any way it is your responsibility to seek assistance. We have the resources available to you, you just need to tell us. We cannot help if we don’t know.
• We want you to know what you have applied for and what you are about to embark on if accepted to the college. It is highly recommend you review both the Coast Guard and College websites as well as participate in any online or in-person events from our Recruitment Team. We also recommend contacting us via email any time with any questions you have, the more you know the more prepared you will be.
• Please read the job notification (next) carefully as it highlights important information including conditions of employment, competencies being assessed, etc. You will be able to save or print a copy of this info sheet and the job notification when you start the application.

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JOB NOTIFICATION 

Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program 
(Marine Engineering Officer / Marine Navigation Officer)

For further information on the organization, please visit Canadian Coast Guard College

Who can apply: Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad (Applicants must have Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport by June 2025).

Important Message

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation 

Become a Canadian Coast Guard Officer

The Canadian Coast Guard recruits and develops candidates to become Canadian Coast Guard Officers. Candidates entering into the Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program are initially hired as Officer Cadets at the SO-MAO-00 level and progress to the SO-MAO-02 level (*under review) once they have completed the 4 year training program. Upon graduation, they are given continued employment across Canada, within the Coast Guard Fleet.

The Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program will not only provide you with a gateway to becoming a Marine Engineering Officer or a Marine Navigation Officer with the Coast Guard, but provides the following benefits of employment:

·       Classroom and practical training at the College and on Coast Guard vessels

·       Textbooks and uniforms

·       Room and board

·       A monthly allowance

·       Medical and dental plan coverage

Graduates from the Canadian Coast Guard College will receive:

·       Technology Degree in Nautical Sciences granted in partnership with Cape Breton University

·       Canadian Coast Guard College Diploma

·       Commercial Certification as a Ship's Officer issued by Transport Canada

·       Continued employment with the Canadian Coast Guard. CCG Officers must accept an assigned posting anywhere in Canada.

Qualified candidates may be selected for entry into the program prior to the closing date. The CCG College has one intake per year, typical start date is the last week of August. The CCG College has limited number of positions, and not all candidates who are successful in the application process will enter into the program.

As it can take several months to complete assessments, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. In order to be considered for the intake of 2025, complete applications and transcripts need to be received by February 28^th, 2025. 

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Official language proficiency

English or French (Officer Cadets may choose to study in either French or English) 

Education

Successful completion of a high school diploma and completion of the following required advanced/post-secondary school preparatory level courses with 70% or higher in each:

For applicants studying in Quebec:

• Secondary 5 – Chemistry 534 (051504) (*Required for Engineering Program Only)
• Secondary 5 –Mathematics Technical-Sciences (064506), or Mathematics Natural Sciences (065506)
• Secondary 5 - Physics 534 (053504)
• Secondary 5 – French or English (132506/134504)

Notes

·       A final grade of a minimum 70% is required in each of the advanced/post-secondary school preparatory courses.

·       Applicants currently in High School need to provide a copy of their current transcript with a grade 12 course enrollment listing.

·       Applicants upgrading courses need to provide a copy of proof of enrollment in the required courses

·       All Applicants either in High School and/or upgrading courses must provide a copy of mid-year transcript(s) as well as an end of semester transcript(s).

·       For specific information on course requirements please refer to Prerequisites by Province.

·       Post-secondary school credit courses may be accepted as equivalencies to the required high school courses.

·       Applicants who completed secondary or post-secondary school through a Non-Canadian education system are required to meet the equivalent standards indicated in the Canadian Education system

*Please note that the Canadian Coast Guard College reserves the right to be the final arbiter of what it will accept on an equivalency basis.

Other Essential Qualifications: that will be assessed

Personal Suitabilities:

 

PS1. Leadership

PS2. Judgment

PS3. Teamwork

PS4. Initiative

PS5. Adaptability

 

Knowledge:

 

K1. Knowledge of the Coast Guard

K2. Knowledge of the Canadian Coast Guard College

 

Abilities and Skills: (will be evaluated throughout the entire selection process):

*All information collected during the selection process including behaviour and communication, from the time of the application until the end of the process, may be used to assess candidates.

 

A1. Ability to communicate effectively orally

A2. Ability to communicate effectively in writing

A3. Attention to Detail 

A4. Ability to Follow Instructions

 

Qualifications that are not essential to perform the work, but that would benefit the organization or enhance the work to be performed currently or in the future.  An asset is considered as a "bonus" or "nice to have", but is not a minimum requirement for the position.

Experience:

 

EX1. Experience working with the Canadian Coast Guard

EX2. Experience working, volunteering or participating in maritime based activities

EX3. Experience participating or volunteering with events, organizations, projects or committees

  

Organizational Needs

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard are committed to establishing and maintaining a workforce representative of the population it serves. In order to achieve this representative workforce, preference may be given to candidates who, at the time of application, indicate that they are belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups (self-declaration): Indigenous peoples, Women, Visible Minorities and Persons with Disabilities.

 

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

·       Must have a valid Canadian passport upon appointment to the Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program and must maintain its validity throughout the program;

·       Valid Medical - No limitations ** A Health Canada Occupational Assessment Medical (pre-placement) and a Transport Canada Marine Medical must be completed prior to initial hire and must be maintained as an ongoing condition of employment.

·       Must obtain a CDN number from Transport Canada prior to the medical;

·       Must have Reliability Security Clearance upon initial hire and Secret Security Clearance by first sea phase;

·       *For the Navigation Program Only – Must obtain an official Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) prior to appointment

·       Must wear and maintain a uniform as per the Canadian Coast Guard Uniform Manual;

·       Must wear and maintain required protective clothing and equipment in the prescribed manner as per the Canada Labour Code, Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Maritime Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and other regulations governing seagoing personnel;

·       Must take training in respiratory protection and wear a breathing apparatus. In compliance with the rules and instructions regarding the wearing of a breathing apparatus on board CCG vessels, employees must be disposed to achieving and maintaining a non-leaking face piece-to skin seal with the mask of the breathing apparatus;

·       An Officer Cadet has an obligation to complete his/her training at the Canadian Coast Guard College and to serve in His Majesty's service for a minimum of four(4) years following graduation from the college; and

·       Must accept appointment to any position across Canada.

Operational requirements

40 hour week of classroom or practical training in addition to other activities. 

Other information

Candidates will be required to provide original proof of citizenship; education and Canadian passport as part of the selection process.

Essential and asset qualifications may be assessed via academic transcripts, written assessment, interview, references or other type of assessment tools (i.e., experience questionnaire).

Candidates must meet ALL essential qualifications, operational requirements, and conditions of employment to be considered for an appointment to one of the limited positions.

Candidates are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of their choice and are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

As all of the communication for this process will be conducted via email for screening and assessment purposes (including sending invitations for interviews), it is your responsibility to ensure that you check for messages regularly and to ensure that your email address accepts messages from unknown users; some email systems block these types of email or filter them to a junk mail folder. The Canadian Coast Guard College is not responsible for any incorrect or incomplete application information. Errors in your profile and or failure to update your information may result in no further consideration of your application.

All information collected during the selection process including behaviour and communication, from the time of the application until the end of the process, may be used to assess candidates.

This is a multi-tier selection process and candidates are expected to be available for assessments, respond in a timely manner, adhere to all deadlines, pay attention to details and follow instructions carefully. Failure to do so may result in a candidate’s application to be no longer considered in the selection process.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

Contact information

Admissions Team - CCGC

DFO.CCGCSelection-CGCCSelection.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

 

To Apply: 

Once you have read the info sheet and job notification and gathered the necessary documentation (resume, transcript(s)/ proof of enrollment) needed to apply you may proceed as follows: 

• Complete the online application form *(by clicking the 'Apply Now' button below) 
• When directed upload your resume and copies of your academic transcript(s)/proof of enrollment with the application
• Carefully answers the "Personal Suitability Screening Questions"
• Submit by clicking the "Complete" button 

In order to be considered, we must receive your complete application by February 28th, 2025.

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