Marine Navigation Management Technology

Overview

Navigation officers are in high demand worldwide. Through a combination of classroom, lab and simulation training, this program prepares you for a management-level career as a ship's navigation officer in the commercial marine industry. You build on your navigation training and sea experience with a focus on 3 functions at the management level: marine navigation, cargo handling and stowage, and ship operations and safety. You then put your skills to use in ship simulators.

This program places a high importance on providing you with the skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. You develop knowledge of control procedures that ensure safe operations and care for persons on board your ship.

Other info

• Completion of this program provides credits for Transport Canada's Chief Mate Certificate of Competency.
• The officer certification achieved upon completion of the program and sea service is recognized by the International Maritime Organization, through Transport Canada.
• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.
• Successful program completion requires that students maintain an attendance standard of 90% and a pass mark of 70% in marine subjects and 60% in academic subjects.
• International students may not be eligible for a Transport Canada certificate of competency unless granted citizenship or permanent resident status. You are strongly encouraged to verify currency of training with your government prior to registering. View additional Transport Canada details
• 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

September 2026

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Strait Area Campus Port Hawkesbury	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• Marine Navigation Technology diploma or a Transport Canada Watchkeeping Mate certificate with 6 months of service as an Officer of Watch.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country.  View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• You must provide a valid Transport Canada Marine Medical certificate indicating you are fit for service. You may be assessed by a variety of criteria including physical fitness, visual acuity, peripheral and colour vision, depth perception, and hearing sensitivity. Medical assessments can only be completed by a medical examiner recognized by Transport Canada. Visit Transport Canada for a list of authorized physicians, by location. Further details are provided with your acceptance notification.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2025-26 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual 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.

• Marine Navigation Management Technology

Ocean Dream Award for Women and Indigenous Peoples 

If you’re accepted to the program and are a woman and/or Indigenous person, you may be eligible for a $5,500 bursary for annual tuition. Indigenous students who receive this award are also automatically considered for additional funds to assist with living expenses. Read more about the Ocean Dream Award for Women and Indigenous Peoples

Career options

• Graduates find employment with a variety of shipping companies that operate cargo ships, tankers, passenger ferries and research and offshore supply vessels.
• After accumulating additional time at sea, graduates are eligible to pursue the Transport Canada Chief Mate Certificate of Competency, and are qualified to serve as second in command of a vessel, after the Captain.
  
• Learn more about labour market information. View career options