How to become a marine deckhand in BC
Marine Deckhand / Bridge Watch Rating · British Columbia
Work on the deck of a boat: lines, lookout and safety. You need a marine medical, short safety courses and bridge watch training.
THE ROUTE
The route at a glance
Transport Canada Marine Medical Examination
Obtain an official Transport Canada Marine Medical Certificate
Marine Emergency Duties (MED) & First Aid
Complete essential marine safety tickets and emergency response training
Bridge Watch Rating Training Program
Graduate from an approved Bridge Watch Rating training course
Documented Sea Service & Steering Testimonial
Complete qualifying sea time and secure an official master steering testimonial
Transport Canada Bridge Watch Rating Certificate
Receive official Transport Canada Bridge Watch Rating credentials and sail as qualified deck crew
Transport Canada Marine Medical Examination
Obtain an official Transport Canada Marine Medical Certificate
Marine Emergency Duties (MED) & First Aid
Complete essential marine safety tickets and emergency response training
Bridge Watch Rating Training Program
Graduate from an approved Bridge Watch Rating training course
Documented Sea Service & Steering Testimonial
Complete qualifying sea time and secure an official master steering testimonial
Transport Canada Bridge Watch Rating Certificate
Receive official Transport Canada Bridge Watch Rating credentials and sail as qualified deck crew
This is the overview. For the courses to take, the entry rules, the exams and the schools, open the full route.
See the full route, step by step →THE JOB
What the job is like
Pay and outlook from WorkBC.
Work takes place in commercial coastal tugboats, passenger ferries, crew transport vessels, and freight barges, as well as shift rotations including 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off, or 12-hour continuous coastal watches.
Be mindful of cold-water marine immersion hazards requiring immersion suits and lifejackets at all times and follow all required safety procedures.
Earn advanced STCW Able Seafarer credentials with 12 to 18 months sea time for enhanced pay and lead watchkeeper duties.
Complete navigation oral exams and seatime to qualify as bridge watch officer or ship master on small commercial vessels.
JOBS
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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