Bridge watch rating course
Bridge Watch Rating & Marine Safety Certification
Part of the route toMarine Deckhand·Safety ticket
A four to six week maritime safety and seamanship program preparing deckhands for commercial vessel bridge watchkeeping.
How long
4 to 6 Weeks
Cost
$6,929–$11,755
Schools
2 in BC
🏫Where you can take this: 2 schools
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
1Grade 11 Preparation
2Grade 12 Graduation
3Admissions & Prerequisites
4Application Process
5Program Curriculum
6Where to Take It
7Licensing & Certification
8Career Destination
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
1
Step 1 of 6
What you need to get in
- At least 18 years of age
- Valid Marine Medical certificate (Form TC-261) issued by a Transport Canada designated physician
- Valid Marine Basic First Aid or Standard First Aid certificate
- Transport Canada Candidate Document Number (CDN)
- Transport Canada recognized marine training institution (TP 10936 compliant)
2
Step 2 of 6
How to apply
- Obtain a Candidate Document Number (CDN) from Transport Canada Marine Safety
- Complete a Transport Canada approved Marine Medical Examination
- Register directly through the BCIT Marine Campus in North Vancouver (or designated marine training centre)
- Tuition: $6,929 at BCIT
3
Step 3 of 6
Bridge watch rating course
⏱ 4 to 6 Weeks- 4 to 6 weeks of intensive full-time classroom, marine simulator, and wharfside training
- Bridge watchkeeping principles, helm orders, compass steering, and look-out duties
- Marine Emergency Duties (MED STCW): fire fighting, personal survival craft, and emergency response
- Nautical knot tying, line handling, vessel maintenance, and deck cargo securing
4
Step 4 of 6
Where to take it
⏱ 2 schools in BC- British Columbia Institute of Technology — 12 weeks ($6,929)
- Western Maritime Institute — 12 weeks ($11,755)
5
Step 5 of 6
Exams and registration after
- Transport Canada Bridge Watch Rating oral and practical examination after 6 months of qualifying sea service
6
Step 6 of 6
Leads to: Marine Deckhand
- Explore Marine Deckhand wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(2 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
🔬
Duration12 weeks
Tuition$6,929
DeliveryIn-Person
“Transport Canada recognized maritime program at the Marine Campus covering navigational watchkeeping, steering, seamanship, and survival craft.”
⚓
Duration12 weeks
Tuition$11,755
DeliveryIn-Person
“Transport Canada approved marine training program in Ladysmith providing steering certification, marine safety duties, and 6 months sea time remission.”