Canadian Coast Guard Information Kit

Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC)

Opened in 1965, the CCGC has built a solid international reputation in maritime training. In 2005, the College was designated the functional authority for all Coast Guard training and it is committed to becoming the Centre of Excellence for the delivery of a broad range of academic, operational and technical bilingual and relevant maritime training for the Canadian Coast Guard Agency.

The College team consists of approximately 100 people, including 40 instructors located at its campus in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The campus is a client-oriented facility consisting of an administrative and academic complex as well as a fully equipped waterfront training facility and an extensive engineering machine shop. Also onsite is a student residence as well as a large sports complex.

The Canadian Coast Guard College currently offers the programs and courses described below.

Officer Training Program

The CCGC is the educational venue for the Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program (OTP). Through this program, officer cadets pursue a four-year degree (45 months) program to become a Navigation Officer or a Marine Engineering Officer. While at the College, officer cadets study a full range of academic curriculum before embarking on timely sea-phase assignments to gain practical, operational skills in the marine environment. Upon successful completion of the program and, through a partnership and Memorandum of Understanding with Cape Breton University, OTP graduates receive a Bachelor of Technology degree in Nautical Sciences. These officers then join one of the 116 vessels in the CG fleet nationally.

Marine Communications and Traffic Services Ab-initio Training

The Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) department trains ab-initios or students to become MCTS officers. Graduates of the 25-week MCTS program then train at one of the 22 MCTS centres nationally to gain practical on-the-job experience prior to receiving their centre designation certification.

The CCGC can also then provide certified MCTS officers with professional development training.

Search and Rescue and Environmental Response

The Rescue, Safety and Environmental Response (RSER) department offers training in search and rescue to CCG employees and members of the Department of National Defence. This department also provides courses and professional development training in the field of environmental response.

Marine Maintenance and Equipment Training

The Marine Maintenance and Equipment Training department delivers training to CCG technical personnel. This department provides the technical community from across the country with the training to maintain and repair all marine equipment used on CCG ships as well as the state-of-the art technical equipment used onshore. CCG technical personnel can also avail themselves of other professional development training at the College.

For more information on the CCGC, its programs and courses or how to apply, please visit our web site at www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/College.