Bridge watch rating course
Bridge Watch Rating & Marine Safety Certification
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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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.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
WorkBC training funding
Up to $7,500 tuitionIf you are out of work or underemployed, a WorkBC case manager can approve and pay for this training. Get approval before you pay.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
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)
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STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
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)
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
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
Step 4 of 6
Where to take it
⏱ 2 schools in BC- British Columbia Institute of Technology — 12 weeks (About $6,900 for the whole program)
- Western Maritime Institute — 12 weeks (About $11,800 for the whole program)
Step 5 of 6
Exams and registration after
- Transport Canada Bridge Watch Rating oral and practical examination after 6 months of qualifying sea service
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.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 7 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 7 September 2026.