Fleet Officers

Launching a Career with the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet

The Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program (OTP) is run by the Nautical Science Department at the Canadian Coast Guard College. The goal of this department is to train highly motivated and competent leaders for the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet.

Serving the world's largest coastline, with 243,000 km along the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Oceans and another 9500 km along the Great Lakes, the Canadian Coast Guard maintains and operates a fleet whose mission is to:

• provide ice breaking services
• monitor boater distress signals
• coordinate and deliver Search and Rescue services
• assist vessels involved in commercial shipping, fishing and recreational boating
• conduct research and science work
• address marine environmental concerns
• maintain navigation aids (buoys, beacons, channel markers) 

Becoming a Fleet Officer requires diligence, intellectual effort, and commitment. The Officer Training Program prepares Officers in both Marine Engineering and Navigation. The 45-month training period involves comprehensive in-class theory, the use of modern marine simulators and practical experience during sea training.

Officer Cadets may choose instruction in either French or English, with training in the other official language as part of the curriculum.  The OTP provides Officer Cadets with a complete and thorough understanding of the ship's operation and the latest in marine technology.

Upon successful completion of either program, a graduate receives a diploma from the Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC), a Bachelor of Technology in Nautical Sciences from Cape Breton University (CBU), as well as Commercial Certification as a Deck Officer (Marine Navigation) or as a Marine Engineering Officer.

The Training Cycle of an Officer Cadet
Officer Cadet Benefits
How to Apply
Candidate's Guide