Questions and Answers

About CCGC Training...

• Do I get to train aboard an actual vessel?
• What does it mean to be an Officer Cadet?
• Are helicopter pilots trained at the College?

Question: Do I get to train aboard an actual vessel?

Answer: Yes, part of the training for an Officer Cadet is time on board a ship during what is called Sea Phase.

Question: What does it mean to be an Officer Cadet?

Answer: Imagine a professional career at sea... Head for the freedom, excitement and challenge of a sea-going career and become an Officer on board a Canadian Coast Guard ship. To the successful candidates, we offer two 4-year programs: a Navigation Officer program or a Marine Engineering Officer program.

The Canadian Coast Guard is now Canada’s largest Special Operating Agency. As the marine operational arm of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (a world leader in oceans and marine resource management), the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) maintains and operates a fleet that:

• assists thousands of vessels involved in commercial shipping, fishing and recreational boating;
• monitor mariners distress signals;
• coordinate and deliver Search and Rescue services;
• provide Icebreaking services;
• continue science work;
• maintain Navigation Aids (buoys, beacons, channel markers);
• Assists in home land security.

Question: Are helicopter pilots trained at the College?

Answer: We do not train pilots at the CCGC or within the Coast Guard. The training can be done with the Canadian Forces, or with any other schools/organizations providing this training.

Pilots are on loan to the CCG from Transport Canada. Please visit the following site for more information: 

http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/general/flttrain/menu.htm