Apply to the Inshore Rescue Boat student program: Step 1. Who can apply

Who can apply

To apply to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) service, you must:

• be a full-time student at an accredited institution such as:
  • CEGEP
  • college
  • university
• be returning to full-time post-secondary studies in your next academic term
• meet the minimum age requirement to be employed in the province or territory where the job is located
• be fluent in French to work in the Quebec region and fluent in English to work in all other regions
• hold a valid:
  • Canadian driver’s license
  • Standard First Aid certification with CPR-C/AED certification
  • Pleasure Craft Operator Card or accepted certificate of equivalency
  • Maritime Radio Certificate (ROC-M ) with VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) endorsement

You should also be:

• reliable
• motivated
• hardworking
• knowledgeable of marine safety
• able to work in challenging conditions
• able to remain calm and make sound decisions in high stress situations

During the hiring process, be able to successfully:

• complete the online National Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) marine knowledge exam and interview
• obtain a government-issued reliability security status
• pass a Health Canada medical clearance which includes a:
  • hearing test
  • physical examination
  • colour-vision examination

Security status and physical exams are only completed after you pass the interview.

At the Canadian Coast Guard, people are our strength and main priority. We aim to recruit a diverse and skilled workforce that represents the communities we serve. We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Conditions of employment

All IRB crew members must:

• be willing to:
  • work full-time hours and various shifts, including weekends and holidays
  • work overtime as required, sometimes with little notice
  • be posted to an IRB station in their identified region(s) of choice, as assigned by the employer
• wear the provided:
  • CCG uniform
  • personal protective equipment when required
• successfully complete the 16-day paid training course that certifies candidates in:
  • Marine Advanced First Aid (MAFA) or Advanced Medical First Responder (AMFR)
  • Marine Emergency Duties (MED)- Small non-pleasure domestic vessel basic safety
  • Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) training

Naval Reserve candidate requirements

In addition to the essential requirements and conditions of employment for all IRB crew, Naval Reserve members applying to the program must have:

• level 1 security clearance
• an Operational Functional Point
• a medical fitness evaluation and current Fitness for Operational Requirements of CAF Employment (FORCE) test

Ask your Naval Reserve division point of contact for more details about this opportunity.