Bridge Watch Rating Program

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

Area of study

Technologies & Engineering

Trades Foundation

Length

17 weeks

Nautical training

We offer Transport Canada approved nautical training programs and courses.

ProSIT

Begin your career at sea!

Indigenous people and women who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents are invited to participate in the fully-funded Bridge Watch Rating program to learn and enhance seamanship skills, earn nationally-recognized certifications, and embark upon an exciting, entry-level career in the marine industry.

Supported by Transport Canada and OPP (Oceans Protection Plan), and via a partnership with BCIT, Camosun’s Bridge Watch Rating program provides a pathway for you to enter into rewarding marine sector careers. You’ll learn the essential knowledge and skills related to the practice of seamanship, navigation, standards of safe working procedures, and the hazards associated with the marine environment.

Learn from experienced sailors, take field trips, practice hands-on techniques, undertake a practicum at sea, and earn nationally recognized Transport Canada marine certifications. Marine-based employers are excited to hire our graduates!

A Camosun success story

Richard Watts, a recent graduate from the Bridge Watch Rating program, talks about his experience with the program.

Train on a variety of marine vessels

The program is designed to provide entry-level personnel with base-level knowledge of seamanship to prepare for a career at sea with:

BC Ferries
Canadian Coast Guard
local tug operators
cruise ships
deep-sea vessels, and more.

In addition to working on commercial vessels, career opportunities exist for:

water-based ecotourism
commercial fishing
sport fishing
travel
other recreational marine guiding roles

Weyla and Eunice are now full-fledged deck hands and have well-paying jobs waiting for them in their home community of Beecher Bay with Kotug/Horizon Maritime. We’re so proud of them!

Get the skills you need to begin a career at sea

Training covers the hands-on skills and coursework required by Transport Canada for employment. Over 17 weeks (depending on electives) this full-time program is based on three modular courses designed to prepare you for a career in the marine industry.

Gain hands-on skills and knowledge in:

Keeping a lookout
Steering the vessel
Operating communication systems
Anchoring and mooring
Responding to emergencies
Basic environmental protection procedures
Assisting in cargo operations
Handling ropes and chains

Earn nationally recognized training certificates

Transport Canada Bridge Watch Rating Training Certificate
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015)
Restricted Operator’s Certificate – Maritime Commercial (ROC – MC)
Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP)
Marine Basic First Aid Certificate (MBFA)
STCW Basic Safety Training (BST)
STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC)

Program cost

All tuition, books, and course materials are provided.
Lunch or lunch funds are provided for all students for each day a student is on campus
Bus passes for travel within the greater Victoria area are provided
Students who must relocate to attend training may be eligible to receive accommodations and meals for the time that they are away from home.

Costs not covered:

Rent/mortgage
Vehicle payments and insurance
Groceries
Child/elder/pet care
Phone and internet
Extended health care

Program start

Multiple start dates are available throughout the year. The course is offered at Camosun College in Victoria with supplementary training at BCIT in North Vancouver. Contact BridgeWatchRating@camosun.ca for more details on dates, location, entrance requirements, and prerequisites, or to apply for the Bridge Watch Rating program.

Entrance requirements

Applications are accepted throughout the year from women and Indigenous people who are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents. Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and prerequisites to be waitlisted for a seat.

Prerequisites

High School grade of 50% or higher in English 12 OR First Peoples’ English 12 OR English Studies 12 OR academic assessment
High School grade of 50% or higher in any Math 11 OR academic assessment
Government-issued photo ID
Transport Canada Candidate Document Number (CDN)
Seafarers’ Medical Certificate from a Transport Canada-approved physician

Apply today

For the open enrollment Bridge Watch Rating Program, please visit the Professional Studies & Industry Training site here.

Contact BridgeWatchRating@camosun.ca for more details.

Class hours: 8:30 am-4 pm, Monday - Friday excluding statutory holidays and College closures.