Continuing education in the marine industry

This section presents the training programs in which the CSMO is involved. Identifying maritime training needs is one of the Sectorial Committee's most important mandates. Many of the actions taken to adjust training offerings to these needs are based on an annual survey conducted among companies in the maritime sector.

Many of these actions are carried out in close collaboration with the Institut maritime du Québec (IMQ) and its Centre de formation aux mesures d'urgence (CFMU), which offer most of the training sought by seafarers. Some trainings are also provided by other schools.

With regard to sea-going personnel, there are two main categories of adult training: regulated training and advanced training.

Regulated training

Regulated training stems from the application of a regulation that a worker must have completed in order to be eligible for the job for which this training is required. In most cases, employers require workers to have already completed the course before hiring them.

Advanced training

This type of training is offered to maritime workers and allows them to obtain a certificate of competency, such as Transportation of Petroleum Products (TPP), or an advanced officer's certificate, such as Master Mariner.

In addition to offering programs in Navigation, Marine Mechanical Engineering Techniques, Naval Architecture Technology, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and two ACS' in Professional Diving, the IMQ also offers numerous advanced training courses dedicated to maritime personnel. Almost all adult education (continuing education) courses are offered at the CFMU located in St-Romuald (Lévis).

Through its Business Services department and thanks to its unique facilities, the CFMU is able to safely reproduce real-life situations involving fire, sea rescue, gas leaks, and hazardous material spills. The CFMU's Business Services department assists organizations in identifying, planning, and implementing training programs that are perfectly tailored to their needs.

Financial assistance

For both types of continuing education (regulated and advanced training), those enrolled may be eligible for financial assistance programs if they meet certain criteria. The CSMOIM is responsible for managing these programs in conjunction with the government departments and schools concerned.

For more information, click here. 

Other trainings

Maritime training is not limited to seafarers. Training needs are also very important for shore-based personnel, whether they are administrative staff working for companies (e.g. shipowners, ports, stevedoring companies, etc.) or workers assigned to handling and operations. For example, in recent years, new security requirements (protection against acts of terrorism or crime) have led to new training needs that particularly affect non-seafaring personnel.

On-the-job training and skills development

The maritime industry in general must deal with ever-increasing demands in terms of regulations, quality standards, and technological changes. To be able to meet these challenges and stand out from the competition, companies must rely on qualified and competent personnel, both on ships and in administrative offices and ports. In the current context of a shortage of skilled labor, companies must find effective solutions to help renew their human resources. On-the-job training is undoubtedly a solution to be favoured.

Developed by the CSMOIM, the On-the-job training and skills development – A guide for maritime companies document is intended as a checklist to guide companies through the skills development process. It contains information on the importance and relevance of on-the-job training, on support organizations, and on assistance programs for maritime companies and their employees.

Career advancement

The career advancement document (bridge and engine room) contains general information on the subject.

Career advancement document – Bridge (French only)

Career advancement document – Engine room (French only)

For more information, please contact Susan Falkner at [email protected].