INFO SHEET: CANADIAN COAST GUARD – OFFICER TRAINING PROGRAM

Admissions Process:

• The application process for the Canadian Coast Guard Academy (CCG Academy) – Officer Training Program (OTP) closes on February 13^th, 2026. 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 Academy 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, 8am 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 the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Canadian 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 Academy.
• 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 CCG Academy 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 Academy 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 Academy:

• All courses in the program are mandatory and consist of a mix of classroom and hands-on learning.
• Most courses at the Canadian Coast Guard Academy use an online learning platform to aid in instruction. You will be expected to keep up with all online and in class learning as required.
• 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. 
• Your progress (marks) in a course is determined based on various means of assessment. These can include interim tests, assignments, mid-terms, practical demonstrations, and a final exam. At the start of each course the Instructor will inform the class how they will be assessed and it is your responsibility to meet the academic standards as set out in the program.
• 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 Academy 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 Academy 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 Academy (food, etc.) with no cost BUT any arrangements outside the Academy 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 Academy. 
• 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/Academy 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 sea phase. 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 sea phase. 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 Academy. It is highly recommend you review both the Coast Guard and Academy 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

National Defence and the Canadian Coast Guard - Academy

Closing date: February 13, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Reference number
DND25J-182762-000025

Selection process number
25-DND-EA-CCG-661131

Location
Various locations in Canada upon graduation
Sydney, Nova Scotia for the duration of the 4 year training program

Salary
SO-MAO-00 (Monthly training allowance $800.00) SO-MAO-02 upon graduation ($39.58 hourly rate) (*under review)

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 2026).

Organization information
For further information on the organization, please visit National Defence and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Work environment
The Department of National Defence (DND) is one of the largest federal government employers, offering over 70 types of civilian career opportunities. DND's role is to provide services and support to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in their operations and missions at home and abroad. The civilian workforce is an essential part of the Defence Team. Your knowledge and expertise contribute to the overall mission. In this regard, the department fosters a work environment where you have opportunities to learn, to develop your talents, to progress in your career and have job satisfaction over the long-term.

The Canadian Coast Guard is a special operating agency within the Department of National Defence. We work to ensure the safety of mariners in Canadian waters and protect Canada’s marine environment.

The Canadian Coast Guard Academy is the national maritime training facility of the Canadian Coast Guard. The CCG Academy develops and delivers specialized training and services in French and English to support our mission and mandate in marine safety, security and environmental protection.

* Note: Effective 1 September 2025, the Canadian Coast Guard has transferred to DND by Order-in-Council.

Intent of the process
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 Academy 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 Academy will receive:
• Technology Degree in Nautical Sciences granted in partnership with Cape Breton University
• Canadian Coast Guard Academy 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 Academy has one intake per year, typical start date is the last week of August. The CCG Academy 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 2026, complete applications and transcripts need to be received by February 13th, 2026.

Important messages
▶This is an inventory process, and candidates will be assessed on a continuous basis until the closing date.

▶After clicking “Apply now” and answering the non-screening questions, please ensure you click “Submit application.”

▶ Once your GC Jobs application is submitted, you will receive an email with a link to the VidCruiter platform to complete the entire Officer Training Program application and essential screening questions. If you have already started your application through VidCruiter this step does not apply to you.

▶ 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 Academy 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.

▶ To ensure the integrity of the selection process, the content and questions of the assessment must remain confidential. Please do not discuss or share the assessment content with anyone, including other candidates. You must complete the assessment, including screening questions, by yourself, without the help of others, including the use of unapproved internet resources and artificial intelligence (such as ChatGPT or any other forms of artificial intelligence). Plagiarism and the use of artificial intelligence is strictly prohibited throughout the entire process and suspected non-compliance will be investigated. Any violation may result in potential consequences which could include your elimination from this selection process.

▶ If, at any point in this process or upon qualifying in this process, your Values and Ethics do not align with that of the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics and Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, you will be eliminated from further consideration in this process. (Copy and paste these links in your browser for more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/defence-ethics/policies-publications/code-value-ethics.html AND https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=25049).

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 Transport Canada Marine Medical must be completed prior to initial hire and must be maintained as an ongoing condition of employment. A Health Canada Occupational Assessment Medical (pre-placement) must also be completed within the first year of the program 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 Academy and to serve in His Majesty's service for a minimum of four(4) years following graduation from the Academy; and
▶ Must accept appointment to any position across Canada.
▶ Strict adherence to the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics, Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, Directive on Conflict of Interest, and Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAOD) 7021-1, Conflict of Interest.
o Copy and paste these links in your browser for more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/defence-ethics/policies-publications/code-value-ethics.html AND https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=25049 AND https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32627 ANDhttps://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/defence-administrative-orders-directives/7000-series/7021/7021-1-conflict-of-interest.html

Operational Requirements

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

You need (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date

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:
• Grade 11 Chemistry (*Required for Engineering Program Only)
• Grade 12 Advanced Mathematics (Pre-calculus)
• Grade 12 Physics
• Grade 12 English or French

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 Academy reserves the right to be the final arbiter of what it will accept on an equivalency basis.

Learn more about degree equivalency.

Knowledge:
K1. Knowledge of the Canadian Coast Guard
K2. Knowledge of the Canadian Coast Guard Academy

Abilities: (will be evaluated throughout the entire selection process):
A1. Ability to communicate effectively orally
A2. Ability to communicate effectively in writing
A3. Attention to Detail
A4. Ability to Follow Instructions
A5. Demonstrating Integrity and Respect

*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.

Personal Suitabilities:
PS1. Leadership
PS2. Judgment
PS3. Teamwork
PS4. Initiative
PS5. Adaptability

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date

English or French - Officer Cadets may choose to study in either French or English

Learn more about language requirements.

You may need (asset qualifications)

May be applied / assessed at a later date

Asset Experience:
AEX1. Experience working with the Canadian Coast Guard
AEX2. Experience working, volunteering or participating in maritime based activities
AEX3. Experience participating or volunteering with events, organizations, projects or committees

Note: Asset 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.

Our commitment

We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Learn more about assessment accommodation.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.

Organizational Needs:
The Department of National Defence is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team that reflects Canada's population.

To achieve a representative workforce, selection may be based on qualified candidates self-declaring as belonging to one or more of the designated groups: Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and women.

We encourage you to indicate if you belong to any of the designated groups when you apply.

As means to support our military families, consideration may first be given to the spouses or common-law partners of serving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.

Learn more about employment equity.

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.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

How to apply

Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.

Information you must provide

• Your résumé

We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Additional links

Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
Directive on Conflict of Interest
For further information on the organization, please visit Canadian Coast Guard Academy Canadian Coast Guard Academy

Hiring organization contact

Name: Chitra Sivasubramanian, Staffing and Recruitment Advisor
Email address: chitra.sivasubramanian@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Name: Admissions Team – CCG Academy
Email address: DFO.CCGCSelection-CGCCSelection.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca