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Frequently asked questions

Question 1

I obtained a marine certificate in another country and I want to work in Canada. How do I go about getting my certificate recognized in Canada?

Question 2

Who do I contact to obtain information on available training courses (costs, schedules ...)?

Question 3

How to find work for the first time aboard a ship?

Question 4

Do I get funding for courses?

Question 5

Are there courses for beginners who want to learn to sail?

Question 6

Is it possible to obtain funding for the MED?

Question 7

How do I get a job on a cruise ship?

Question 8

Is there any way to help with obtaining certificates required by Transport Canada ? Example astro, thermo, maps...?


Question 1 • I obtained a marine certificate in another country and I want to work in Canada. How do I go about getting my certificate recognized in Canada?

This must be analyzed by Transport Canada Marine Safety examinators.  To initiate your certificate recognition process you must first meet the following three conditions:

  1. Be an immigrant or permanent resident
  2. Your certificate must be certified STCW 95
  3. You must provide evidence of your qualifications and your time at sea in one of the two official languages ​​of Canada (English or French )

Contact information for Transport Canada service centers :

Montreal

Quebec city

Transport Canada
Marine safety

800, Boul. René-Lévesque Ouest
Bureau 620
Montreal (Quebec)
H3B 1X9
Transport Canada
Marine safety

401-1550, av. D’Estimauville
Quebec City (Quebec)
J4K 5G4
Telephone :
(514) 283-5722

Fax :
(514) 283-8234
Telephone :
(418) 648-4166
(418) 648-3234 Inspections
(418) 648-3238 Exams/Appointements
or : examensmaritimes-tcque-marineexams@tc.gc.ca

Fax :   (418) 648-3790

Other regional offices : http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/regions.htm

Also consult the section for Immigration and citizenship on the Transport Canada internet site : http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/mpsp-training-examination-certification-faq-1052.htm


Question 2 • Who do I contact to obtain information on available training courses (costs, schedules ...)?

If you would like information on continuing education and safety courses ( MED ) you must contact the Marine emergency training center: 418-835-1621

For information on college programs, contact the Maritime Institute of Québec in Rimouski : 418-724-2822


Question 3 • How to find work for the first time aboard a ship?

There are three ways to work aboard a ship:

  1. Get an officer’s college degree (DEC) in navigation or marine mechanical engineering
  2. Be hired (e) by a company (with or without officer's degree)
  3. Join a recognized maritime union.

If you do not have an officer’s degree, contact the International Union of Canadian sailors. If you have an officer’s degree, contact the Canadian Merchant Service Guild.

If you decide to go through a company or the Union, you must meet certain requirements. For example, the minimum requirements of the Union for your application to be considered are:

  1. Get a negativity certificate of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Those with a criminal record must request an admission to a US embassy (waiver)
  2. Have successfully completed a training in marine emergency measures (MED). If the course is not available, you will need to provide proof that you are enrolled

    Note: The MED training is included in the Officer’s degree program
  3. Obtain a medical certificate for seafarers from a doctor approved by Transport Canada.
  4. Provide proof of passport.

Once all these conditions are met, your application will be considered without any commitment on the part of the Union. Note that some companies have different requirements.


Question 4 • Do I get funding for courses?

Some courses are eligible for funding, but individuals who want to access must meet all the criteria. In addition, the number of funded places are limited. Some courses may be financed at 100% by Emploi Québec (regulated training such as training to emergency measures at sea, Resource Management to the gateway, etc.).

The envelope for financial assistance from the Department of Transport (MTQ) is dedicated to the development of marine and is managed by the Sectoral Committee in collaboration with the Maritime Institute of Québec (IMQ).

For eligible applicants, this funding pays 50% of the cost of training that leads to an Officer’s certificate, including restricted certificates(not STCW) recognized by Transport Canada. Certificate holders issued in another country, which are in conversion process to obtain a Canadian certificate, may also avail of this financial assistance.

For questions on funding and eligibility criteria, contact the

Continuing Education Department at (418) 835-1621


Question 5 • Are there courses for beginners who want to learn to sail?

Some of these courses are available but do not take place, since the number of candidates is often insufficient. However, some courses are under development. Therefore regularly monitor the websites of the IMQ and maritime CSMO to remain on the lookout for something new!


Question 6 • Is it possible to obtain funding for the MED?

Yes, subsidized places in the MED are available. To qualify, you must register at the Centre for Continuing Education of the Maritime Institute of Québec. Certain criterias apply.


Question 7 • How do I get a job on a cruise ship?

There are recruitment agencies and specialized investment for cruise ships. You can also search for availabilities on cruise lines sites. However, you must make sure you meet the minimum requirements for safety training (Training Marine Emergency measures). You can refer to the directory Maritime Employers on our website for the information of available jobs in the local cruise lines http://www.csmoim.qc.ca/en/future-industry-workers/job-search/directory-of-employers


Question 8 • Is there any way to help with obtaining certificates required by Transport Canada ? Example astro, thermo, maps...?

The Maritime Institute of Québec offers some advanced courses conditional to a minimum number of participants is registered. For information on courses please visit the Maritime Institute of Québec’s internet site:

http://www.imq.qc.ca/formation-continue/calendrier.php