Funding available for women and Indigenous peoples
To help meet the marine industry demand and diversify the workforce, the federal government is providing $2.5 million in bursaries for women and Indigenous peoples. You may qualify to have 90% of your costs covered by a bursary for your education. As an Indigenous person, you are automatically considered for additional funds (up to $300 per week). View funding details for women and Indigenous peoples
Overview
This 100-hour program offers you the skills needed to safely operate small commercial vessels in near-coastal (class 2) and sheltered waters, as defined by Transport Canada. As part of this program, you attain SVOP, MED-DVS, MBFA, and ROC-MC certifications.
In this program, you learn to:
- Communicate using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, an internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, equipment, and communication protocols used to increase safety.
- Operate a small, non-pleasure vessel in near-coastal and sheltered waters under normal operating conditions, including darkness and restricted visibility. (Note that this learning is classroom-based. There is no practical, on-the-water training.)
- Provide basic first aid.
- Identify how the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Nova Scotia and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System regulations apply within a marine environment.
Other info
- This program is part of the A'paqt (Oceans): Building Bridges for Women and Indigenous Peoples in Marine Training project. It aims to improve access to and awareness of marine training and employment opportunities for women and Indigenous peoples.
- For more detailed information specific to the marine industry, visit Careers at Sea.
Tuition
Tuition amounts are for the 2025-26 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.
Tuition (Domestic):
$2,225
Tuition, fees and program costs
In addition to tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.
View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.
Funding available for women and Indigenous peoples
To help meet the marine industry demand and diversify the workforce, the federal government is providing $2.5 million in bursaries for women and Indigenous peoples. You may qualify to have 90% of your costs covered by a bursary for your education. As an Indigenous person, you are automatically considered for additional funds (up to $300 per week) to help with living expenses while enrolled in nautical courses. View funding details for women and Indigenous peoples
Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
MARI 7019 - Restricted Operator Certificate - Maritime Commercial (GMDSS-ROC-MC)
This Industry Canada approved course will enable radio station personnel to efficiently utilize aspects of the GMDSS communications systems applicable to Sea Area 1 operations. This course adheres to the fundamental recommendations for training of maritime radio personnel as outlined in the Industry Canada RIC-25. Upon successful completion of this course, ROC-MC Certificates will be issued.
To participate in this course you must be 18 years of age or older.
MARI 7129 - Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP)
This course meets the requirements of a stand-alone course that addresses the particular need for minimum training of operators of commercial vessels, other than tugs, and fishing vessels up to 15 gross tonnage or 12 meters overall length engage on a near coastal, class 2 (including an inland voyage on Lake Superior or Lake Huron) or a sheltered waters voyage.
To participate in this course you must be 18 years of age or older.
MARI 7180 - Marine Emergency Duties - Domestic Vessel Safety (MED-DVS)
This course is designed to provide first time seafarers with the minimum knowledge of emergency response required to safely work aboard a vessel; to determine the hazards associated with the marine environment and their own vessel, and of how to prevent shipboard incidents including fire.
To participate in this course you must be 15 years of age or older.
MEDC 1811 - Marine Basic First Aid
This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize an emergency, provide appropriate first aid at the scene, notify emergency medical services and promote a safety oriented life style for the prevention of accidents. This course meets the requirements for first aid training as set out by Transport Canada and Workplace Occupational Health and Safety.
SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.
SAFE 1019 - Safety and Sustainability Basics
This course provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as those in the workplace under the NS Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics such as duties and precautions, accident reporting, as well as personal and campus safety and sustainability initiatives will be explored.
