To ensure safe navigation (and thus protect lives and the environment), Part II of the Canada Shipping Act stipulates that all ships' officers must hold certificates of competency appropriate to the type, tonnage, and plce of operation of vessels under their command.  Possession of such and officer's certificate also attests to relevant seafaring experience.

The knowledge and skills required to hold such a certificate may be acquired on the job or (as is generally the case) learned through academic training at educational institutions.   Ultimately, however, marine surveyors acting as ship engineer officer or nautical examiners, and in co-operation with support staff, verify candidates' eligibility, administer various normative examinations, and correct examinations.

National mariner training standards are at least as stringent as international standards.  Specific regulations specify the type of certificate that an officer must hold to operate a vessel of a certain type.