Education · 1 of 4

The path

One school, one programme, four years. You apply to the Coast Guard, not to a university.

1. 1

   High school with strong science

   Grades 11 and 12

   You need a diploma by June 30 of the intake year, with at least 70% in physics, advanced or pre-calculus math, and English or French. The marine engineering stream also requires chemistry.

2. 2

   Apply through the Academy job posting

   Months

   Applications open as a federal job posting. Expect testing, interviews, a medical and a security screening.

3. 3

   Pick a stream

   At entry

   Marine navigation, which leads to the bridge, or marine engineering, which leads to the engine room.

4. 4

   Four years of alternating school and sea

   4 years

   The programme alternates months at the Academy on Cape Breton Island with months at sea aboard Coast Guard vessels.

5. 5

   Graduate as a fleet officer

   After graduation

   You leave with a Bachelor of Technology in Nautical Sciences and a recognized commercial certificate of competency, and you are posted to a ship.