Program at a glance
Credential
No credential
Area of Study
Technologies & Engineering
Trades & Apprenticeship
Study options
Full-time
Work experience
None
Open to International
No
Length
17 weeks
At a glance image
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 a Transport Canada Certificate. 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
“Yesterday I was able to check off one of my lifelong goals. I took the helm for the first time and steered the "Adventure" out of dock in Prince Rupert as we made way to Klemtu.”
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 will receive accommodation 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
Curriculum & courses
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, locations, and entrance requirements, or to apply for the Bridge Watch Rating program.
The next application package submission date of September 9, 2023 for the fall cohort of Bridge Watch Rating.
Contact BridgeWatchRating@camosun.ca for more details.
Class hours: 8:30am-4pm, Monday - Friday
Contact us
If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your Trades classes contact BridgeWatchRating@camosun.ca.
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Cindy Drover-Davidson
Bridge Watch Rating Coordinator
A career at sea!
Get the skills to start a nautical career aboard commercial vessels.
Contact information
Bridge Watch Rating Program
Admissions questions: