Prepare for a career as an engineering officer in the marine industry

OSSD or equivalent with

• 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/

For advanced standing entry into the 3rd year (Semester 5 and 6) of the program, the following additional requirements apply:

• Graduates of a Marine Engineering Cadet Training Program in Canada, (Georgian MTCY or METC graduates meet this requirement), or
• holders of at least a 4th Class Certificate of Competency as a Marine Engineer issued under the STCW Convention, or
• equivalent level of knowledge demonstrated through an interview and portfolio of qualification and experience with written approval from Transport Canada.

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 onboard ships. Hence, undergraduates are involved in work activities directly related to their educational objectives.

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 a Georgian College 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.

TCMSS Certification

Students interested in obtaining the TCMSS engineering certificates must comply with their legal requirements as described in the Canada Shipping Act Marine Personnel Regulations. These include proof of Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent resident status and a valid marine medical certificate.

Marine Emergency Duties, Propulsion Plant Simulator, and Maritime Security courses are also requirements for certification by TCMSS. These courses are provided at Georgian College at an extra fee.

Graduates are educated and trained to become marine engineer officers of the watch. They may find a rewarding career as a ship’s engineering officer on board commercial vessels such as bulk carriers, tugs, ferries, tankers, cruise ships, coast guard and fishing vessels throughout Canada and the world. This program may also lead to positions of leadership in the marine industry. Graduates may earn academic exemptions and credentials to advance to Chief Engineer pending further shipboard experience and higher level short training courses.