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?

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

Be an immigrant or permanent resident
Your certificate must be certified STCW 95
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 : [email protected] 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:

Get an officer’s college degree (DEC) in navigation or marine mechanical engineering
Be hired (e) by a company (with or without officer's degree)
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:

Get a negativity certificate of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Those with a criminal record must request an admission to a US embassy (waiver)
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
Obtain a medical certificate for seafarers from a doctor approved by Transport Canada.
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

Frequently asked questions

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Question 8