Questions and Answers

About CCGC Programs...

• I would like to study Marine Engineering at an institution other than the CCGC and work for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) after I graduate. Does the CCG offer financial aid during the study period for those who are interested in employment with the CCG?
• Are there any programs for students interested in maritime Search and Rescue (SAR)?
• Does the Canadian Coast Guard College offer courses in French?
• After obtaining a marine engineering certification, how long does it take before I can start to train to be part of Search and Rescue?
• Will the certifications earned at CCGC be considered a college degree or a university degree? If it is a college degree, does the Coast Guard have an agreement with any universities so I can update my education and certification to a university degree?
• Do you accept transfer credits/degrees from other universities?

Question: I would like to study Marine Engineering at an institution other than the CCGC and work for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) after I graduate. Does the CCG offer financial aid during the study period for those who are interested in employment with the CCG?

Answer: We do not offer financial aid for students of other institutions. However, if you decide to enroll in our Marine Engineering Program at the CCGC, we can offer you much more. The program duration is 45 months, during which you will be hired as a student-officer in training and you will receive a base salary. You will not have to pay for room and board, books or tuition and you will receive free uniforms and clothing and one trip home every year. The number of years you study at the CCGC count as years of service to the Federal Government and towards your pension plan. If you would like more information on our program please visit the following link:

http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/College/marine_Engineering

Question: Are there any programs for students interested in maritime Search and Rescue (SAR)?

Answer: The CCG employs post-secondary students enrolled in full-time studies to operate the Inshore Rescue Boat Service at selected sites across Canada during the summer months. Further details on this opportunity can be obtained at the Public Service Commissions Student Workforce Employment Program (FSWEP) Website.

Question: Does the Canadian Coast Guard College offer courses in French? 

Answer: All courses at the Canadian Coast Guard College are offered in both official languages. This includes full four-year programs and training programs for Marine Communications Traffic Services Officers and Electronic Technologists.

Question: After obtaining a marine engineering certification, how long does it take before I can start to train to be part of Search and Rescue? 

Answer: Further training is dependent on the needs of your assigned region and could be as early as a few months following graduation.

Question: Will the certifications earned at CCGC be considered a college degree or a university degree? If it is a college degree, does the Coast Guard have an agreement with any universities so I can update my education and certification to a university degree?

Answer: A four-year program at the Canadian Coast Guard is considered a university degree. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Technology degree in Nautical Science from Cape Breton University (CBU), as well as Commercial Certification as a Ship's Officer from Transport Canada.

Question: Do you accept transfer credits/degrees from other universities? 

Answer: No, our program is a specialization and offers complete training for Officers therefore credits from other institutions are not transferable.