Education · 1 of 5

The path

A cadet programme mixes school terms with paid sea phases, then Transport Canada tests you.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 English and math are the normal entry requirements. You also need a Transport Canada marine medical certificate saying you are fit for sea service before you start.

2. 2

   Nautical science or marine navigation programme

   3 to 4 years

   Three or four years mixing campus terms with sea phases. Georgian College in Owen Sound runs a three-year advanced diploma; the Marine Institute in Newfoundland runs a four-year diploma of technology.

3. 3

   Sea time as a cadet

   About 12 months, inside the programme

   Roughly 360 days of approved sea service, logged in an accredited book and signed off by the officers you sail with.

4. 4

   Transport Canada examinations

   Months of study

   Written and oral exams for the Watchkeeping Mate certificate of competency, plus safety courses such as Marine Emergency Duties training.

5. 5

   Sail, then climb the certificates

   Years

   Watchkeeping mate, then chief mate, then master. Each rung needs more sea time and more exams.