Marine Training

Why Choose North Island College?

• Valuable knowledge. NIC’s Marine Training courses are specifically designed for current mariners to upgrade their certificates and for those new to the marine industry looking for the opportunity to start their career.
• Small classes, great instructors. The excellent student-to-faculty ratio at NIC gives you more direct contact with your instructors than at other institutions. NIC’s program is designed to aid mariners throughout the province by making training in nautical subjects convenient and accessible.
• State-of-the-art ship simulators. Certain marine courses utilize a multi-function simulation system giving students the opportunity to practice ship maneuvering and navigation from the safety of a classroom setting. The TRANSAS simulators in use are the only of their kind on the North Island using programs unique to the BC coast.
• Be prepared. NIC’s qualified and professional marine instructors will prepare you to write the Transport Canada exams for certification in the following classifications: Master, Limited (60-Ton ticket), Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), MED A’s, ROC-MC.

Program Highlights

Marine education and training is vital to all communities served by North Island College. Whether learners are pursuing skill development and training for the workforce or for personal marine travel, knowledge of boat safety, hazards, emergency response, survival and rescue are of critical concern. Following Transport Canada guidelines, North Island provides experienced and emerging boaters with an informed learning experience.

Career Opportunities

Depending upon the courses and programs you choose, NIC’s Marine Training can assist you with starting your career or upgrading your training in the marine industry. For more information, contact Continuing Education at the campus nearest you.

Admission Requirements

ALL students registering for the following Marine courses: MEDs, SVOP, Master, Limited, must provide their Canadian Document Number (CDN) at the time of registration. Students can apply for their number through Transport Canada.

While we do not require specific academic prerequisites, it is advisable that your skills in Mathematics are to a level of at least Grade 10 (MAT 033). North Island College provides assessment and upgrading services to meet this requirement. In order to sit Transport Canada examinations, you must meet additional requirements as set by Transport Canada. These requirements are described under the program areas.

Watchkeeping Mate Programs

Although Watchkeeping Mate programs are not currently scheduled, individuals may express interest in the full program or in preparation for individual examinations by contacting Claire Marchand at 250-334-5005.

Marine Emergency Duties Courses

These Transport Canada, Ship Safety approved Marine Emergency Duties courses are requirements for persons working on the water. These courses provide mariners with basic understanding of fire and fire prevention, dealing with emergencies and abandonment, survival and rescue. MED-032 ensures that crew members are able to maintain the safety of passengers.

• MED-031 Marine Emergency Duties A1
• MED-032 Marine Emergency Duties A1 & A2
• MED-003 Small Non-pleasure Craft Marine Emergency Duties (A3) – 25 Miles

Restricted Operator Certificate (GMDSS) – Maritime Commercial

The Restricted Operator Certificate – Maritime Commercial (ROC-MC) is intended for mariners serving on compulsorily-fitted commercial ships (Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems or GMDSS) within the North American A1 sea areas operating beyond 25 nautical miles off shore. It is compliant with the International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended in 1995 (STCW 95 Regulation IV/2).

Please note existing ROC certificate holders who bring a valid certificate to class, issued prior to February 1, 1999 from Industry Canada only, are required to attend the last 2 days of class. Canadian Power & Sail Squadron certificates do not meet this requirement. The certificate must be presented when registering. Persons without an existing ROC certificate must attend 3 days of class.

• NAU-051 Restricted Operator Certificate – Maritime Commercial (GMDSS ROC-MC) (3 days)
• NAU-041 Restricted Operator Certificate – Maritime Commercial (abridged) (GMDSS ROC-MC) (2 days)

Small Vessel Operator Proficiency

This course applies to operators of Small Commercial Vessels under 5GT and Commercial Fishing Vessels under 15GT engaged on near coastal class 2 (within 25 nautical miles offshore) and is based on Transport Canada syllabus. Topics include: basic nautical terminology, vessel hull types and configuration, basic seamanship, collision regulations, stability, safety on the job, marine weather, navigation, distress signalling and rescue. This course will assist the student in safely operating a small, non-pleasure, and power vessel. 

Other courses that may be applicable: ROC-M, Marine Basic First Aid, MED A3.

Master Limited Certificate

This program is for mariners who operate, or who wish to operate, commercial vessels under 60GT. The course content will focus on the requirements as outlined in the Examination and Certification of Seafarers for the Master Limited certificate issued by Transport Canada. With completion of this course the student will be prepared to write the Chartwork and Pilotage level 1 exam and the Navigation Safety level 1 exam, as well as prepare you for the oral exam with a Transport Canada examiner. Examinations are based on as much of the syllabus as determined by the examiner and deemed appropriate to the area of operation, type of craft, and equipment carried on board, for which the certificate is valid. The examinations are practical and oral and include two written papers. Eligibility to take the oral exam is provided once students achieve 70% in the written exams and through application to Transport Canada, Marine Safety. This course may be of particular interest to charter boat operators, or to those wanting to increase their knowledge of navigation, collision regulations, vessel stability, weather, and associated Transport Canada regulations. Certificate issued by Transport Canada Marine Safety.

Sea Service Requirements

Note: Eligibility to take the oral Transport Canada examination requires the individual to apply to Marine Safety. The examiner will request information regarding the applicant's sea time, the particulars of the vessel to be operated, and the area of operation. With candidates wishing to operate vessels over 60 gross tons, or vessels carrying passengers, the requirements are more extensive. Sea time requirements are determined by Marine Safety in all cases, with a minimum of 2 months performing deck duties on a vessel of similar size, in an area of which the certificate is sought and on similar voyages that correspond to the certificate sought.

Note: Calculation of Sea Service; One month is equivalent to 30 days. An 8 hour day is one day. A 12 hour day is equal to 1.5 days. This time must be while the vessel is underway.

Examination Requirements

Certificate of Service as Master of a Fishing Vessel of Not More than 60 Tons Gross Tonnage

Certification

Master of a fishing vessel or a vessel engaged in transferring to shore the unprocessed catch of a fishing vessel not exceeding 60 gross tonnage on voyages within the limits specified in the certificate.

Certificate issued by Transport Canada Marine Safety.

Sea Service Requirements

Complete 12 months service as Master of a Fishing Vessel of not less than 15GT, performed before 2007; and in addition, 6 fishing seasons acting as Master of a Fishing Vessel over 5GT before 2007. If the applicant has not completed this additional 6 fishing seasons (with no two of those seasons occurring in the same year) then the applicant will be required to complete; Simulated Electronic Navigation Limited, Marine Basic First Aid and the Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP).

Note: Calculation of Sea Service; One month is equivalent to 30 days. An 8 hour day is one day. A 12 hour day is equal to 1.5 days. This time must be while the vessel is underway.

Examination Requirements

Fishing Master – Class IV

Certification

The holder of this certificate may act as Master on board a fishing vessel of not more than 100GT engaged on a Near Coastal or sheltered waters voyage and as Officer in charge of the watch of a fishing vessel of any tonnage engaged on Near Coastal and Sheltered Waters Voyage. Certificate issued by Transport Canada Marine Safety.

Sea Service Requirements

12 months sea time performing deck duties on fishing vessels equal to or more than 5 GT.

Note: Calculation of Sea Service; One month is equivalent to 30 days. An 8 hour day is one day. A 12 hour day is equal to 1.5 days. This time must be while the vessel is underway.