Ships Officers and Crew

Employment opportunities and application procedures

The Canadian Coast Guard Agency, within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, is primarily responsible for search and rescue; safe operation and maintenance of aids to navigation; maritime security; icebreaking support; conservation and protection; environmental response and scientific research.

The Canadian Coast Guard Agency operates from five Regions: Pacific, Central and Arctic, Quebec, Maritimes, and Newfoundland and Labrador. More than 2000 seagoing employees work on board more than 100 Coast Guard vessels and air-cushioned vehicles, situated across Canada.

Most Coast Guard vessels operate on a rotational crewing system; that is to say employees work a scheduled number of days on board the Coast Guard vessel and then enjoy an equal number of paid days off. Rotations vary by vessel and operations but include 7 days on/7 days off, 14 days on/14 days off, and 28 days on/28 days off, and for vessels operating in the high Arctic, 42 days on/42 days off.

CG vessels are operated by Ships' Officers and Ships’ Crew. Ships' Officers require certification which is obtained through Transport Canada, Marine Safety Branch with the exception of Logistics Officers and Electrical Officers who are certified internally. Becoming a Navigation or Engineering Officer in the Canadian Coast Guard can be done through the Canadian Coast Guard College located in Sydney, Nova Scotia; by working up through the Ships Crews' ranks combined with attending Marine Training Institutes; or by attending another accredited Marine Institute. Ships' Crew are not required to possess a marine certificate. Ships' Crew are employed through the Regional Coast Guard offices.

The largest number of employment opportunities for men and women interested in positions with the Canadian Coast Guard is Ships’ Crew, with occasional opportunity for direct entry as Ships’ Officer. Most employees are initially hired on a contract or term basis during peak operation periods as a result of increased program activity. Full-time or indeterminate employment status is achieved through the competitive process. Promotional opportunities are filled from within the department whenever possible, with candidate selection determined by education, skills, knowledge, experience and past work performance.

After spending a designated period of time with the department, employees are eligible for group medical coverage, extended medical coverage, dental coverage and disability insurance.

A seagoing position offers opportunities to travel the waterways of Canada’s coastline and internal waterways with occasional voyages offshore, to the United States. Shipboard lifestyle differs to land-based work, in that considerable time is spent away from home with a small nucleus of people, in limited space. The number of people working on a ship varies, depending on size between 2 and 50 officers and crew.

The Canadian Coast Guard is committed to having a skilled, diversified workforce reflective of Canadian society, and to ensuring the equitable representation of men and women.

Application Process:

If you are interested in working as a Ship’s Officer or Ship’s Crew with the Canadian Coast Guard you will want to be aware of the following:

Candidates must:

• pass the Coast Guard/Health Canada medical standards,
• be a Canadian citizen and be able to obtain a Canadian Passport, and
• be subjected to a Criminal Record Check.

Candidates will need to provide:

• copies of all necessary qualifications,
• copies of any relevant courses, volunteer work and experience (i.e. small boat handling etc.),
• names and contact numbers of two work references, and
• completed application form indicating which position(s) you are applying for.

For a list of current job opportunities with the Canada Coast Guard, including Ship's Crew positions, and to apply online, visit the Public Service Commission at http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/index-eng.htm.

We are unable to respond to each application, but should you have the necessary qualifications your application will be kept on file for one year.

The selection process may include such methods as an interview, a written examination, a practical examination, and samples of work and reference checks. Proof of education/certification is required.

Qualifications required of all seagoing personnel is a high school diploma or higher.

Applicants must be able to meet the conditions of a pre-employment medical, including vision and hearing standards. Applicants must be able to meet the conditions of an enhanced security clearance, having no criminal record that could adversely affect the public trust.

SHIP'S OFFICERS:

Salary range for Ship’s Officers is $45,000 to more than $100,000 annually

Navigation Officer

Navigation Officers, under the authority of the Commanding Officer, coordinate the vessel’s operations. They must understand safe navigation procedures as well as an understanding of the functions of the ship’s navigation equipment. Navigation Officers are responsible for the safety of the ship, its crew and any other persons on board the vessel. The Navigation Officer also directly supervises and coordinates the activities of crew working on the bridge. The Commanding Officer (the highest level of Navigation Officer) is in overall charge and has the responsibility for the entire vessel.

Engineer Officer

Engineering Officers, under the direction of the Chief Engineering Officer, are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vessel’s propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment. These systems include the electrical generation systems, pumping and transfer systems, hydraulic systems, refrigeration systems, control systems, water treatment systems, etc. The Engineering Officer also directly supervises and coordinates the work of other engine room personnel. Engineers must be able to quickly trouble shoot broken equipment and effect the necessary repairs.

Electrical Officer

Electrical Officers, under the direction of the Chief Engineering Officer, are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vessel’s electric and electronic equipment. The Electrical Officer must know how to read and interpret the various types of shipboard electrical plans and diagrams, and be aware of the various electrical standards that may apply. Electrical Officers must be able to quickly troubleshoot broken electrical equipment and make the necessary repairs.

Logistics Officer

Logistics Officers are responsible for providing logistics support to all shipboard personnel in the areas of hotel services, ship’s administration and non-public funds, as well as managing personnel, materiel management, financial management and ship’s administration.

SHIP'S CREW:

Salary range for ships’ crew is $38,000 to $50,000 annually

Deckhand

This position will entail duties such as standing a watch and security duties, and the operation of small craft and deck machinery. Deckhand are also responsible for maintaining small boats, ropes and equipment, and are involved in a wide variety of activities related to the DFO programs such as fisheries enforcement, search and rescue, maintenance of aids to navigation and environmental response.

Twinehand

This position is involved primarily in fishing research involving the operation and maintenance of fishing gear. Standing a watch and security duties are also required as well as the operation and maintenance of small boats. Twinehands may also be involved in a variety of activities related to the DFO programs such as fisheries enforcement, search and rescue, maintenance of aids to navigation and environmental response.

Engine Room Rating/Technician

The Engine Room Rating/Technician assists the Engineering Officer with the operation, maintenance and the repair of the vessel’s propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment. While machinery is in operation, the Engine Room Rating/Technician monitors the equipment checking gauges and recording readings, ensuring that the machinery is operating within normal parameters.

Steward

This position is responsible for housekeeping duties on board the vessel as well as assisting with loading of supplies etc. Stewards are also involved in food service, which may entail serving meals or assisting with galley (kitchen) responsibilities. Stewards may also be involved in DFO program activities such as search and rescue, environmental response etc.

Cook

The Ships’ Cook prepares and carries out the cooking of food on board the vessel. The Cook has the responsibility for other staff in the galley (kitchen) and organizes and manages all the activities of the galley and its personnel (the assistant cooks) when required. The cook requires the knowledge necessary to develop a variety of healthy menus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Visit the Canadian Coast Guard College website

Note for consideration, if looking for other Job Openings within DFO or Coast Guard, please contact the Public Service Commission internet site at http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/index-eng.htm .

All employees must have the ability to interact in a positive way with people whose culture, lifestyle or ethnicity is different than their own.

Thank you for your interest in the Canadian Coast Guard.