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Fisheries and Oceans - Government of Canada
The CCG Fleet

Officer Training Plan
Candidates Guide

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Canadian Coast Guard

Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program:

Table of Contents

Competition Poster

Classification: SO-MAO-00

Position Title: Canadian Coast Guard Officer Cadet

Department: Fisheries and Oceans

Location: Canadian Coast Guard College (Sydney, Nova Scotia)

Organization: Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) – Fleet / Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC)

Salary: Prorated monthly allowance is $337.00 to $521.00 (College) with an additional $1011 to $1437 while on sea training. Graduate salary is $43,305 (contract expired March 31, 2006).

Program: Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program (CCGOTP)

Programs of Study: Marine Engineering or Navigation in English or French

Tenure: Indeterminate

When may I apply? On or before January 31, 2008

Who can apply? Canadian Citizens or Landed Immigrants

Challenge: 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 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 serves the nation, to:

What is required?

Education

High school diploma or higher, whose program permits preparation, entrance and/or acceptance into engineering, physics, math, science or other similar technologies including courses specified in the Statement of Merit Criteria.

Experience:

Are there Employment Conditions?

Candidates must pass a pre-employment medical, including visual acuity, colour vision and hearing examinations as well as a Secret Level security check.

The job requires a high degree of mobility. Upon successful completion of either program, Officer Cadets graduate to Ships’ Officers positions and are assigned to a Coast Guard (CG) vessel anywhere in Canada. 

What are the job functions? Upon graduation from the College, an Officer will work on Coast Guard vessels performing specific yet challenging tasks. This opportunity offers the career of a lifetime. There are multiple opportunities for advancement on board vessels, and later on, in key shore positions working within the different CG sectors.

Coast Guard vessels have specific purposes. They include icebreaking service, navigational aids (buoys) service, platforms for fisheries management, science and security. In addition to this, all CG vessels are equipped to conduct missions for search and rescue and environmental response.

The duration of the training is 45 months. Most of this time is spent at the Canadian Coast Guard College with two sea training phases in the second and third academic years. The College offers a comprehensive program of both academic (theory) and practical training that prepares Officers for a diversified career and adventure aboard CG vessels.

How can I apply? Visit the Canadian Coast Guard College website at: www.cgc.gc.ca to access Careers and to view the Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program (CCGOTP) – Candidate’s Guide, for application details and forms, or:

Telephone: 1-888-582-9090

Fax: (902) 567-3233

E-mail: caseyl@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Mail: Send your application and documents to:

Canadian Coast Guard College
Office of the Registrar
P. O. Box 4500
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 6L1

Where do I start? It is imperative that you visit the College website to learn more about our programs. This step is important because it provides more information on what you can expect as a future Officer Cadet, your learning environment and your future as a Ship’s Officer upon graduation. Candidates that qualify for interviews in the selection process will need this knowledge.

For your application to be considered, you must provide the following documents:

Note: If you attended an intermediate school (Grades 6, 7 or 8) and started your high school education at the same school (Grades 9, 10 or higher) OR graduated from there OR attended more than one high school or post-secondary institute, all transcripts showing successful completion of the pre-requisite courses are required for academic screening.

What else? The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to having a skilled, diversified workforce reflective of Canadian society.

Clearly indicate your CITIZENSHIP. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens. Proof of Canadian citizenship (Birth certificate or Passport) or Landed Immigrant status is required. If your education was obtained outside Canada, an equivalency assessment is required for foreign credentials. You may obtain. This equivalency assessment must be requested from the Canadian Information Center for International Credentials (CICIC) at:

http://www.cicic.ca/postsec/voll.overview.en.stm

Although these evaluations are not binding for admissions or employment purposes, they may provide a useful comparison with Canadian credentials.

If you are currently employed with the Federal Government, please include your Federal Government Personal Record Identifier (PRI) number on your application form.

All candidates must describe in detail, in their Résumé and/or documents, when and how they gained the education and experience requested. Failure to provide the requested documentation or meet the deadline(s) will result in their application being rejected. As final marks/transcripts must be received by July 31, of the year of entry (at the latest, for graduating students), marks for summer courses cannot be accepted.

Candidates who meet the above criteria will also be assessed against the Statement of Merit Criteria for this position. All candidates will be informed of the status of their application via E-mail (make sure your E-mail address is valid).

Statement of Merit Criteria

Classification: SO-MAO-00

Position Title: Canadian Coast Guard Officer Cadet

Department: Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Canadian Coast Guard (CG) / Coast Guard Officer Training Plan (CCGOTP)

Programs: Marine Engineering – English  Navigation – English Marine Engineering – French Navigation – French

Specify your first and second choices for both PROGRAM and LANGUAGE.

Education:

Successful completion by June 30 of year of entry, of high school and/or post-secondary program, whose curriculum permits preparation/entrance and/or acceptance into the following university programs of study such as: engineering, physics, math, science or other similar technologies.

First year of CEGEP is a requirement for all Québec students.

Your previous/current program of study must have included the following pre-requisites:

NOTE: The second language requirement can also be met by providing proof of an acceptable pass mark from a Test de français international (TIF) - ( The candidate is responsible to undertake this testing on his/her own, and provide the results to the Registrar’s Office at the Canadian Coast Guard College

Language Requirements: English or French

Security Clearance: Secret – This factor is conditional to employment.

Experience:

Knowledge:

Abilities/Skills:

Personal Suitability:

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment medical including visual acuity, colour vision and hearing examinations. This factor is conditional to employment. The nature of the job requires a high degree of mobility. Upon successful completion of either program, graduates assume Ships’ Officers positions and are assigned to CG Ships in one of five CG Regions across Canada based upon operational requirements from HQ.

Candidates must also successfully pass a Secret Level security clearance. This factor is also conditional to employment.

Organisational needs

Membership in one of the designated employment equity groups

Operational requirements

To serve as navigation or engineering officer onboard Canadian Coast Guard Ships for a period of 4 years after graduating from the program

Screening Mechanisms:

Test Elements:

The Aptitude Test assesses your ability and comprehension and may include any or all of the following elements:

Set your sights high! Become an Officer on board a Canadian Coast Guard Ship!

Navigation Officer

Do you want to be a Navigation Officer?

Would you like to understand the effects of wind, current, and tidal influences from the command and operation centre of a Canadian Coast Guard ship? Do you have an aptitude for math? Are you a keen visual observer and a good listener? Then we may have a career for you!

What is a Navigation Officer?

Under the supervision of the Chief Officer, Navigation Officers are competent in all aspects of ship handling. This is reflected in the expertise demonstrated by Canadian Coast Guard Officers when navigating and handling all sizes of Coast Guard ships: in proximity to land, within narrow channels and harbours or at sea, when delivering icebreaking (Arctic sovereignty), fisheries enforcement, scientific research, search and rescue, aids to navigation and environmental response services.

Since navigation is all about vectors, a good grasp of mathematical concepts is essential. Other important qualities include Leadership, the ability to work as a team, to understand directions, to react quickly and to cope with unfamiliar situations. Effective navigators can judge an approach correctly, anticipate accurately and react effectively. Navigators have keen surveillance skills, understand directions, pay attention to details and must be proficient communicators because radio and telephone communications are part of the daily bridge watch.

The Navigation Officer has daily contact with the Commanding Officer and is required to act on the Commanding Officer’s behalf while navigating the vessel and communicating with other vessels and shore.

How do YOU become a Navigation Officer?

It’s been said that a Navigation Officer is a Captain in training. To apply to become a Navigation Officer (Navigation program), please refer to the Application Process pages.

Set your sights high! Become an Officer on board a Canadian Coast Guard Ship!

Marine Engineering Officer

Do you want to be a Marine Engineering Officer?

Would you like to understand the relationship between the marine propulsion systems and the auxiliary systems used on board Canadian Coast Guard ships? Are you mechanically inclined? Are you curious about how things work and are kept running aboard ships? Are your strengths in Physics and Math? Are you physically dexterous and do you enjoy working with machines and numbers? Then we may have a career for you!

What is a Marine Engineer?

Under the supervision of the Chief Engineer, Marine Engineers operate, monitor and maintain the correct operation of a Coast Guard ship’s main engines and associated machinery (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, pump, piping and fuel, refrigeration, air conditioning, auxiliary and deck machinery and hotel equipment). They are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of all equipment on board.

Using the latest of technology, Marine Engineers maintain the onboard systems that enable a Coast Guard ship to deliver its programs – icebreaking (and Arctic sovereignty), fisheries enforcement, scientific research, search and rescue, aids to navigation and environmental response. The mechanical systems for which they are responsible are diverse and complex; the technical aspect of this job is challenging. They are responsible to inspect, test, install, operate, maintain, modify and repair anything and everything in an engine room to keep it running as well as most other systems on the ship.

Since engineering is all about understanding the force and motion of moving structures, a good grasp of mathematical concepts is essential. Other important qualities include Leadership, the ability to work as a team, to understand directions, to react quickly and to cope with unfamiliar situations. Initiative, dependability, attention to detail and effective communication skills are necessary attributes as is the ability to work well under pressure.

How do YOU become a Marine Engineer?

If you enjoy getting the job done, often in challenging conditions while at sea, then consider applying for the Marine Engineering program. To apply to become a Marine Engineer (Marine Engineering program), please refer to the Application Process pages.

Candidates Guide

Introduction

This guide will provide you with details on the CCGOTP application process. It will assist you in determining whether or not you meet the program entrance requirements. Please note that this process will be used on an annual basis to select the candidates for the CCGOTP.

Please note that your application must reach us on or before January 31st of the year of entry.

Eligibility Requirements

See Statement of Merit Criteria for specific details.

The Canadian Coast Guard College does not accept credits from other post-secondary institutions for similar/same courses, regardless of the institution or program.

If you are currently enrolled in high school (Cégep 1 in Québec) your transcript must show your high school results up to the date of issue.

In order to be evaluated by end of January, students must ensure that either the first term results or confirmation of enrolment for any pre-requisite course(s) are sent as soon as possible.

If you are in your final year of high school (Cégep 1 in Québec), any offer of acceptance into the program will require graduation and having met all entrance requirements (i.e., Math, English, Physics, Chemistry, French, etc).

Final transcripts must be mailed before July 31st of the entry year.

Pre-employment Medical

Selected candidates must pass a pre-employment medical that includes hearing, eyesight and colour vision examinations. Eyesight requirements are as follows: corrected vision 6/9 in the better eye, 6/15 in the other eye, uncorrected vision at least 6/60 in each eye. Candidates for our program cannot be colour blind as per Transport Canada Seagoing Medical TP # 11343. These standards must be maintained for continued employment.

Application Process

These instructions explain how to complete your CCGOTP application. As the number of openings is limited, you will be evaluated on the documentation you submit. Deadlines are very important. Any letter of offer to a program will be based upon merit and operational requirements.

The following are specific instructions relating to the items listed below. Please refer to the correct form when reading each instruction.

MATERIAL(S) YOU MUST COMPLETE AND SUBMIT BY MAIL

  1. Complete “Application for Employment” form also known as Public Service Canada – Application for Employment form. (PSC-CFP 3000 form)
  2. Personal History Essay - Your essay will help the Selection Board evaluate your application.
    • This essay should explain clearly and precisely how you meet the criteria in the experience and personal suitability sections of the statement of merit criteria. This essay should be a maximum of 1,000 words in length. Although typewritten documents are preferred, hand-written essays will be accepted.
  3. Proof of Canadian Citizenship (Birth Certificate or Passport) or Landed Immigrant status.
    • You are required to provide proof of Canadian citizenship (Birth Certificate or Passport). Please do not mail original documents. Photocopies or scanned documents are accepted. If you are a Landed Immigrant you may also apply; however offers of appointment are made to Canadian citizens first.
  4. Résumé - Your résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV) will assist the Selection Board in acquiring a better understanding of your skills.
  5. Two reference letters mailed directly to the Registrar’s Office at the College with contact telephone numbers (work/home/cell -and best time to contact) – also relationship of reference. These references should be from the academic community and one from an employer (not a relative).
  6. Request(s) for Academic Transcripts The College requires official academic transcript(s) from all high school(s) (Cégep I in Québec) and/or any post-secondary institutions you have attended to be mailed directly to:

MAIL TO:

Canadian Coast Guard College
Office of the Registrar
P. O. Box 4500
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 6L1

Statement of Duties - Officer Cadet

Introduction

Officer Cadets are employees of the Federal Public Service and the Director General, Fleet, Canadian Coast Guard. They are in Ships' Officer Positions under the classification SO-MAO-00 and wear Canadian Coast Guard uniforms. Officer Cadets are on probation for the entire training program and may be released at any time from the Public Service for not meeting the standards of the program.

At the College, Officer Cadets are directly responsible to the Liaison Officer and, according to function, instructors and Cadet Officers.

Training occurs at the Canadian Coast Guard College in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and at sea, normally aboard Canadian Coast Guard ships.

College Phase

The Officer Cadet shall:

  1. diligently and to the best of his/her ability apply himself/herself to the course of study, tasks and assignments as required by those administering the Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program;
  2. attend all classes;
  3. complete assignments and projects as required;
  4. maintain successful progress as defined in the Course of Studies and the Officer Cadet Standing Orders;
  5. undergo special courses or programs at the College or exterior to the College, as assigned, such as Marine Emergency Duties training;
  6. conform and comply with all rules and orders applicable to the Officer Cadet including the Officer Cadet Standing Orders;
  7. assist at special functions, such as graduation, civic events, etc. as assigned by the Liaison Officer.

Practical (On-The-Job or Sea Training) Phase

The Officer Cadet shall:

  1. undertake tasks and assignments aboard Canadian Coast Guard Vessels as required by those administering the Sea Training phases of the CCGOTP;
  2. complete the duties, tasks, research and requirements as stated in the Sea Training Manual;
  3. attend special events or undertake practical assignments during and outside normal hours as determined to be required for training purposes by the Commanding Officer/Chief Officer or Chief Engineer/Senior Engineer.

General

The Officer Cadet shall:

  1. conform and comply with all rules and orders applicable to the Officer Cadets including the Coast Guard Fleet Orders and the Officer Cadet Standing Orders;
  2. stand duty watches at the College as assigned at Porte Dauphine (Boatshed, Machine Shop and Gymnasium as required);
  3. perform the duties of Class Leader or Officer Cadet Leader as assigned;
  4. maintain a high standard of fitness;
  5. maintain a high standard of ethics and conduct;
  6. maintain a high standard of orderliness and respect for others;
  7. maintain a high standard of dress;
  8. at all times be conscious that training is intended to develop men and women to become competent Officers in the Canadian Coast Guard with a high sense of devotion to duty, loyalty, obedience, trustworthiness, leadership, self-respect and independence of character.

Training Completed

The nature of the job requires a high degree of mobility. Upon successful completion of the training program, the candidate will be assigned and/or re-assigned on a full-time or seasonal basis at the SO-MAO-02 level to any location in Canada, based on operational requirements.

Carrying out the CG mandate involves a broad range of activities. When you complete your training, you may be assigned to a unit charged with one of the following:

The skills learned at the College are transferable to various CG and private industry operations. Ships’ Officers are eligible for shore appointments in regional offices and operation centers, rescue co-ordination centers and headquarters.

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

Regional Offices

Upon graduation from the Coast Guard College, an Officer will work several years on Coast Guard ships performing specific yet challenging duties. There are multiple opportunities for advancement on board ships and later on, if interested, in key shore positions working within the different Coast Guard sectors.

The Coast Guard is present throughout Canada by way of five regional offices. Coast Guard programs are delivered from various strategic sites within each region.

Pacific Region – The CG carries out its responsibilities over 27,000 km of coastline, throughout the Yukon Territory and British Columbia. The fleet ranges in size from 83 metres to small fast response craft. This region responds to over 2,000 emergency incidents annually.

Central and Arctic Region – Of the five regions, Central and Arctic is the largest geographically. The region covers 64% of Canada, is bounded by 71% of Canada’s coastline and encompasses about 65% of Canada’s marine waters and 67% of the country’s fresh waters. The Great Lakes are a key commercial and recreational waterway.

Quebec Region – Regional activities are closely tied to the 1,600 km St. Lawrence Seaway, which crosses the entire Quebec Region and contains 225 km of dredged channels, dotted with many natural obstacles and subject to tide and sometimes unpredictable currents. Although covered in ice from December to April, the St. Lawrence remains open 12 months of the year. This region receives 1,300 calls for help every year.

Maritimes Region – This region manages an extensive coastline of 8,600 km and adjacent marine areas. Its headquarters is located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and there are CG bases in Saint John, New Brunswick and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Newfoundland Region – This region manages 28,956 km of coastline including Labrador and 2,500,000 square kilometres of the continental shelf. The Coast Guard responds to an average of 500 Search and Rescue incidents per year. Icebreakers are dedicated to the ice program during the winter season to assist commercial shipping and fishing vessels as required.

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Updated: 2007-11-07

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