Many of the courses offered over the four-year program build upon each other, with the tasks becoming increasingly difficult each year. All Officer cadets must take the following core courses:

Coast Guard Operations and Administration – To explain the role of the Canadian Coast Guard and the responsibilities of the Ship's Officers in the Coast Guard Fleet and ashore.

Communication Skills – This course focuses on organizational communication and covers the theory of communication; business correspondence; technical report writing; oral presentations; effective meetings, resume writing, and communication of difficult issues.

Computer – This course teaches computer literacy, word processing, spreadsheets, and integrated software communications.

Damage Control – Students will learn the proper techniques for extinguishing fires at sea, rescuing crew and repairing leaks in vessels due to collisions or groundings.

Drill and Leadership – Augmented with daily morning exercises called Divisions, this course trains students in drill, marching and parade techniques; provides classroom instruction in leadership theory, the role of a group leader, class leader, team leader, self-discipline and ship-board discipline.

English and French as a Second Language – As Officer cadets need to be prepared to serve on a vessel where the language of communication is either French or English, this course provides instruction in either of Canada's official languages.

Marine Emergency Duties – This course teaches fire extinguishing, lifeboat use and emergency procedures.

Maritime History – To appreciate the marine world they are training to serve, this course introduces students to the maritime aspects of Canadian history and Canada's significant role in the maritime world.

Mathematics – As numbers are at the heart of the program’s theory, Officer cadets enter with an already strong mathematical background. This course provides specific mathematical knowledge and skills for future applications in professional subjects.

Physical Education – Instructors utilize the College’s Wellness Centre to offer a complete physical education program that provides long-term strengthening of the body and mind. The four-year course covers the rudiments of many sports, time management, nutrition, and stress relieving techniques. A highlight of the course are the excursions which take cadets into various parts of Cape Breton, including ice fishing, hiking, snow shoeing.

Physics – Hand in hand with math, a strong background in physics is essential to even enter the Officer cadet program. This course provides further theoretical knowledge and specific practical applications to support studies in professional subjects.

Pollution Control – As ecological preservation is a major component of the Coast Guard fleet’s duties, this course teaches the environmental responsibilities and capabilities of the Canadian Coast Guard and the procedures and equipment for pollution protection and recovery.

Seamanship – officer cadets learn boat handling, sailing, and marlinspike seamanship.

Ship Construction – This course teaches the types of ships and their construction, ship terminology, structural fault and stress testing, sketching and describing ship detail.

Signals – This course teaches the International Code, sattelite communications and radiotelephone use.

Sociology of Leadership 401 – Through lectures, class discussions, individual and group exercises, presentations and projects, Officer Cadets learn about behaviour styles and attitudes of effective leaders and employees in organizations.  Exercises, projects, and discussions include discussion of current management practices found within the Canadian Coast Guard. 

Stability – Teaches stability in relation to ship operation and stability calculations.

Technical Report – Officer Cadets will write a comprehensive report on a work-related topic to demonstrate their proficiency in organising, planning, researching and communicating effectively.

Technical Sketching and Blueprint Reading – Teaches drawing and reading of blueprints and schematic drawings that pertain to marine systems and subsystems.

Technical Writing - Teaches students the different sections of a technical report through practical exercises.

Training Ship - Teaches students practical seamanship and navigation skills in a controlled working environment.