Canadian Coast Guard College History

• Establishment
• Expansion
• 1962-2007
• The College Today

Established in 1965

The Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC) is a national maritime training facility located on Canada's East Coast, on scenic Cape Breton Island. It provides training and services in both official languages. Opened in 1965, the college built a solid reputation on a foundation of quality service and expert maritime training. As a residential facility that provides training in both official languages, the CCGC remains unique in the world.

Established on the abandoned Point Edward Naval Base, the Canadian Coast Guard College offered young men the opportunity to train in either Marine Navigation or Engineering, in the four year Officer Training Program (OTP).  Successful graduates were guaranteed a position with the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet. In 1973, the CCGC welcomed women into the OTP. The following year, the College received its first simulator.

In 1981, the modern Canadian Coast Guard College complex in its present Westmount location was established. The complex included an administration and training building, and a residential building. Shortly thereafter, Commonwealth Caribbean nationals attended the College for maritime training. In the 10 years that followed, 800 students from seventeen countries and states such as Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad-Tobago received training to improve their marine navigation and engineering skills.