How to Become a Deck Officer in Canada (federal)
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with Transport Canada to work as a deck officer in Canada or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“To become a seafarer, you need a certificate of competency.”
From tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification..., checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 4 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 4 done
- 4 steps without a listed fee
- Listed time: 36 to 42 months (only 1 of 4 steps state a time)
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Apply to a recognized school that offers the Nautical Cadet Training Program.
Source
“You can apply to a recognized school that offers this program (TP 10655 – Recognized institutions and approved training courses). Each school has its own entry requirements and financial support options.”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification... -
Complete the program, which usually takes 36 to 42 months and includes classroom learning and time working on vessels.
Time: 36 to 42 monthsTime source
“These programs usually take 36 to 42 months and include classroom learning and time working on vessels.”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification...Source
“These programs usually take 36 to 42 months and include classroom learning and time working on vessels.”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification... -
While on board, complete assignments and keep a record of your work and studies, which instructors review after each sea period and an examiner checks when you apply for your certificate.
Source
“While on board, you will need to complete assignments and keep a record of your work and studies. Instructors will review this record after each sea period, and an examiner will check it when you apply for your certificate.”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification... -
Contact your nearest Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security Office to schedule an appointment to apply for the certificate of competency.
Source
“To apply, contact your nearest Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security Office to schedule an appointment.”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Transport Canada
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Other
You must be over the minimum age; you can accumulate sea service towards a certificate of competency at 16 years of age, or 15 years of age for service on a fishing vessel for a fishing certificate.
Source
“be over the minimum age - You can accumulate sea service towards a certificate of competency at 16 years of age - In the case of service acquired on a fishing vessel in respect of an application for a fishing certificate, 15 years of age”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification...You must meet strict vision, health, and fitness standards.
Source
“meet strict vision, health, and fitness standards”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification...You must have appropriate certificates and qualifications for the position held.
Source
“have appropriate certificates and qualifications for the position held”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification...You must have a seafarer's discharge book that shows your sea service and qualifications.
Source
“have a seafarer’s discharge book that shows your sea service and qualifications”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification...All seafarers must have at least an unaided vision of 6/60 or 20/200 with both or either eye alone.
Source
“All seafarers must have at least an unaided vision of 6/60 or 20/200 with both or either eye alone so they can function in emergency situations”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification...You must produce proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency before the certificate can be issued.
Source
“You must also produce proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act before the certificate can be issued.”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification...You must take basic safety training (Marine Emergency Duties) within your first 6 months of sea service.
Source
“You must take basic safety training (Marine Emergency Duties) within your first 6 months of sea service.”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification...
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Exams
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exams
Source
“To qualify for a certificate, you must complete the required sea service, pass exams and finish the training courses listed in the Marine Personnel Regulations.”
tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification...
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Transport Canada
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $24.33 | $41.36 | $72.12 | — |
Deck officers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Not confirmed yet
- Quebec Not confirmed yet
- New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
- Nova Scotia Not confirmed yet
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- How to become a seafarer tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification... · fetched October 8, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a deck officer in Canada?
Yes. A licence or certificate from Transport Canada is required to work in Canada.
Which exams are required?
exams.
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