Marine Technology - Navigation student using a marine simulator at Georgian College's Centre for Marine Training and Research

Become a navigation officer aboard marine vessels

Marine Technology – Navigation Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Co-op program

Become a leader in the marine industry! Internationally recognized. Outstanding facilities. Work in Canada or anywhere in the world.

Program code MNAV
Duration 3 Years
Credential Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Co-op
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

This program has been planned in co-operation with Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) and Canada’s shipping companies. You acquire a complete education which will prepare you for the occupation of ship’s Navigation Officer. Skills include navigating merchant ships, assisting in cargo operations, and ensuring safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment. The specialized competencies and work experience also provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in government and in other marine-related industries.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2025 Owen Sound

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

What are the admission requirements for the Marine Technology – Navigation program?

Marine Technology – Navigation admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Any* Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M, or U)

* A minimum grade of 70% in Grade 12 MAP4C, Foundations for College Mathematics, is required.

Note: Applicants must provide a valid Transport Canada Marine Medical stating ‘fit for sea service’ or ‘fit for sea service with limitations’ prior to program start. In the case of an applicant with a certificate ‘fit for sea service with limitations’, the application will be reviewed. Failure to provide the certificate by the deadline may result in an offer of admission being revoked and withdrawal from courses.

You can find more information on how to obtain a Marine Medical Certificate here. Please note: once you have applied to the program, admissions will follow up with instructions on how to submit your Marine Medical documentation.

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Additional information

Co-operative Work Term Requirements 

This is a fully integrated co-operative education program, wherein the cadet will participate in semesters of academic study at the Owen Sound Campus interspersed with coop work terms on board ships. Hence, undergraduates are involved in work activities directly related to their educational objectives. TCMSS requires twelve months of Co-op sea service.

Marine Emergency Duties training, which is required before a cadet may proceed to the shipboard work term and for certification as an officer, will be scheduled for students at an extra charge.

The Co-op Education and Career Success department at Georgian College facilitates co-op work terms for cadets. It is the Cadets responsibility to participate in the job search process which includes attending co-op classes, shipping company presentations, and interviews. Cadets must participate in resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews, and maintain a good academic record to qualify for a co-op placement.

International students are encouraged to investigate Co-op opportunities prior to commencing studies. Cadets may be subjected to adverse environmental conditions while on board ship (noise, dirt, dust, confined quarters and heavy lifting). Anyone with known allergies should consult with the Co-op department.

International applicants must sign a letter to acknowledge that Transport Canada does not issue Marine Certificates of Competency (Marine License) to non-Canadians.

Eligibility to enter the U.S.

Although not an admission requirement, all shipping companies, whether Canadian or foreign, which have vessels trading in U.S. ports require that all their shipboard personnel be eligible to legally enter the U.S.

What career paths can I take in marine technology and navigation?

Your Marine Technology – Navigation diploma gives you many career opportunities

Graduates of this program may find rewarding careers as ship’s officers on board commercial vessels throughout Canada and the world. This three year co-operative cadet training program may lead to pathways for career advancement to senior ranks on board ship and to positions of leadership in the marine industry. Graduates are eligible to write examinations for the Transport Canada Watchkeeping Mate Certificate of Competency and can gain employment in domestic and international shipping industries.

Accreditation

Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada)

This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada), formerly Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE),

This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-operative education programs in Canada, and recognizes Georgian’s commitment to quality in co-op education.

CEWIL Canada Accredited Program

Why study Marine Technology – Navigation at Georgian?

Our grads get great jobs

Our graduates find rewarding careers at all levels of the marine industry. A worldwide shortage of qualified engineering and navigational officers means that, once certified, grads are immediately entering the workforce. Entry level salaries can reach $100,000.

State-of-the-art facilities

The Centre for Marine Training and Research is Canada’s most advanced marine simulation and research centre. Located in beautiful Owen Sound, Ontario, the facility recently underwent an extensive $8-million renovation to enhance hands-on training for students.

Industry support

This program was developed in co-operation with Transport Canada and national shipping companies and relationships with those partner organizations remain strong. Marine companies support this program by providing a variety of inland and coastal placements for cadet work terms, which can lead to employment upon graduation.

Hands-on experience

Students learn through a progressive mix of skills training, shipboard training and academic studies, including navigation training in our marine simulators. The program involves six academic semesters accompanied by two mandatory co-op terms. Navigation cadets (students) get a total of 365 days of sea time over those work terms.

What courses are included in the Marine Technology – Navigation diploma program?

Course overview

40 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 Co-op Work Terms

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Marine Technology – Navigation program outline.

  • MARE 1054 – Practical Seamanship
  • MARE 1055 – Radar Navigation
  • MARE 1056 – Chartwork 1
  • MARE 1057 – Seamanship
  • MATH 1049 – Introduction to Marine Technology Navigation Mathematics
  • METE 1001 – Meteorology 1
  • PHYS 1009 – Physics

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

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Do you have questions about Marine Technology – Navigation? Contact us!

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