Education · 1 of 4

The path

A marine engineering cadet programme, then a ladder of Transport Canada certificates from fourth class up to first.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 English and math. Georgian College also wants a valid Transport Canada marine medical certificate saying you are fit for sea service before you start.

2. 2

   Marine engineering programme

   3 to 4 years

   Georgian College in Owen Sound runs a three-year advanced diploma with two mandatory co-op terms. Other schools run three or four-year versions of the same idea.

3. 3

   Sea time as an engineering cadet

   About 7 months, inside the programme

   Paid work terms in a real engine room. The Georgian programme logs about 210 days of sea time inside the diploma.

4. 4

   Transport Canada certificate of competency

   Months of study

   Written and oral exams, starting at fourth class marine engineer. Approved programmes earn you exemptions from some papers.

5. 5

   Climb the classes

   Years at sea

   Fourth, third, second, then first class. Each needs more watchkeeping sea time and more exams.