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Description

This program has been planned in co-operation with Transport Canada and Canada's shipping companies. It offers a complete education for those seeking employment as a ship's Navigation Officer. The specialized competencies and work experience also provide the graduate with opportunities for employment in government and in other marine-related industries.

NOTE: This is a Transport Canada approved program.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will find a rewarding career as a ship's officer on board commercial vessels throughout Canada and the world. This 3 year co-operative cadet training program may lead to career advancement to senior ranks on board ship and to positions of leadership in the marine industry. Graduates are eligible to write examinations for the Transport Canada Watchkeeping Mate Certificate of Competency and can gain employment in domestic and international shipping industries.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• The graduate will reliably demonstrate the ability to:
• show a professional attitude and use ethical practices to monitor and control compliance with legislation to ensure the safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment;
• work with others to safely and effectively function as a member of a large dynamic team whose goal is to transport cargo in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner;
• communicate and manage information in a variety of forms;
• plan and conduct a sea passage, determine and monitor the vessels position at all times;
• maintain a safe navigational watch using modern and traditional navigation skills;
• forecast weather and oceanographic conditions;
• respond to emergencies and distress signals at sea, prevent and control fires and operate lifesaving appliances;
• apply medical first aid on board ship;
• communicate effectively between ship to ship and ship to shore;
• maneuver the ship safety and efficiently;
• inspect the ship for defects and damage;
• load, transport and discharge cargo to the orders of the ship owner, cargo owner and government requirements and maintain the seaworthiness of the ship;
• apply "hands on" seamanship skills;
• use modern technology in the performance of shipboard duties and be able to adapt to changes in technology;
• monitor and control compliance with legislation to ensure the safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment;
• practice and develop effective basic management skills with respect to human and physical resources.

Practical Experience

Co-operative education is a mandatory component of all Co-op programs at Georgian College; Co-op has been designed as a process by which students integrate their academic education with paid work experience related to their program of study. This Co-op experience develops the critical employability skills desired in the workplace. Professionalism, communication, and problem solving skills, responsibility, adaptability, safe working habits and ability to work with others are all competencies required by a ships officer and are developed while on Co-op.

Students are requested to register, attend and participate in their scheduled co-operative education classes. These classes are scheduled for all first year students and are expected to be completed in order to proceed successfully to their first co-op work experience. To ensure students are eligible to proceed onto any co-op work experience students should refer to Promotional Status and Eligibility for Co-op as outlined in the College Calendar.

Georgian College follows the Co-operative Education guidelines set out by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE) and Education at Work Ontario (EWO) by supporting the learning outcomes designed for the program specific graduate profile and curriculum as set out by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

This is a fully integrated co-operative education program, wherein the cadet will participate in semesters of academic study at the Owen Sound Campus interspersed with work term placements on board ships. Hence, undergraduates are involved in work activities directly related to their educational objectives. As well, the college provides Pre-Sea Safety and Marine Emergency Duty training which are required before a cadet may proceed to the shipboard work placement.

Every effort is made to arrange work term placements, however, cadets must qualify for such and no guarantee of placement can be made.

Program Progression

Sem 1 - Fall 2011

Sem 2 - Winter 2012

Work Term 1 - Summer 2012

Sem 3 - Fall 2012

Sem 4 - Winter 2013

Work Term 2 - Summer 2013

Sem 5 - Fall 2013

Sem 6 - Winter 2014

Work Term 3 - Summer 2014

Articulation Agreements

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/articulations/.

Admission Requirements

Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits), or equivalent.

OSS applicants require Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U) and Grade 12 College Mathematics (MAP4C or MCT4C), or any Grade 12 University Mathematics, or equivalent. Recommended subjects include: Physics: Grade 12 College or University (SPH 4C, SPH 4U), OR Chemistry: Grade 12 Chemistry College or Grade 11 or 12 University (SCH 4C, SCH 4U, SCH 3U).

Applicants must provide a valid Transport Canada Marine Medical stating "fit for sea service" or "fit for sea service with limitations". In the case of an applicant with a certificate "fit for sea service with limitations", the application will be reviewed for admission.

Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic admission qualifications, may be considered for entrance as mature students. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counseling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if requested, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence.

Co-operative Work Term Requirements

While every assistance will be provided in finding Co-op placements, positions are not guaranteed. Canadian flagged ships only accept Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents for employment. International students are encouraged to investigate Co-op opportunities prior to commencing studies. Cadets may be subjected to adverse environmental conditions while on board ship (noise, dirt, dust, confined quarters and heavy lifting). Anyone with known allergies should consult with the Co-op department.

Eligibility to enter the U.S.

Although not an admission requirement, all shipping companies, whether Canadian or foreign, which have vessels trading in U.S. ports require that all their shipboard personnel be eligible to legally enter the U.S.

Graduation Requirements

45 Mandatory Courses

2 Communications Courses

3 Co-op Work Terms

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.

Mandatory

DRFT1012 Drafting and Basic Blueprint Reading

ELEC2017 Marine Electricity Fundamentals

MARE1007 Basic Engineering Knowledge

MARE1014 Practical Seamanship

MARE1016 Astronomy for Navigation

MARE1017 Radar Navigation

MARE1018 Navigational Safety 1

MARE1019 Introduction to Shipmaster's Business

MARE1021 Ship Construction

MARE1023 Electronic Navigation Aids

MARE1024 GMDSS Part 1

MARE1025 Marine Basic First Aid

MARE1026 Seamanship

MARE1027 STCW Basic Safety Training

MARE1030 Coastal Navigation 1

MARE2005 Transverse Stability

MARE2012 Industrial and Environmental Safety

MARE2013 Signals and Communications

MARE2014 Simulated Navigation

MARE2022 Ocean Navigation 1

MARE2023 Proficiency in Survival Craft

MARE2026 Ocean Navigation 2

MARE2028 Navigational Safety 2

MARE2029 Cargo Work 1

MARE2030 Coastal Navigation 2

MARE2031 Magnetic Compass Adjustment

MARE3015 Shipmaster's Business

MARE3022 Advanced Fire Fighting

MARE3023 Marine Advanced First Aid

MARE3024 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)

MARE3025 Longitudinal Stability

MARE3029 Advanced Seamanship and Bridge Resource Management

MARE3030 Advanced Navigational Safety

MARE3031 Navigational Systems and Instruments

MARE3032 Leadership and Managerial Skills

MARE3033 Cargo Work 2

MARE3034 Naval Architecture

MARE3035 Advanced Engineering Knowledge for Navigation

MATH1018 Intro to Technical Math

MATH1019 Technical Math

MATH2007 Spherical Mathematics

MENG1017 Applied Mechanics

METE2002 Meteorology 1

METE2003 Meteorology 2

PHYS3000 Physics

The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.

Communications

COMM1001 Communications at Work

Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list

(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)

Co-op

COOP1033 Marine Navigation Work Term 1

COOP2031 Marine Navigation Work Term 2

COOP3012 Marine Navigation Work Term 3

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours

In the workplace, employers require high standards of communication skills. Students develop their communication skills for the workplace as they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and reports. Using technology, they individually and collaboratively design and deliver professional presentations and meetings. This course focuses on communication tasks specific to students' program areas and their future careers.

COOP1033 Marine Navigation Work Term 1 840.0 Hours

This is the first of three Co-op sea terms designed to provide the cadet with practical work experience to develop the competencies required of a ship's officer. For most, this first Co-op placement onboard ship represents the beginning of a seagoing career. As such, a cadet is expected to be involved in learning about the vessel's operations, the command structure and safety procedures. In this course the student is to commence work on a cadet training manual or logbook. Upon return to school from the first Co-op work term the College will evaluate your logbook and assign a mark. The focus for this phase is shipboard and personal safety.

COOP2031 Marine Navigation Work Term 2 1680.0 Hours

This is the second of three Co-op sea terms and is a continuation of the practical work experience on board a merchant ship thus enabling the cadet to develop the competencies required of a ship's officer. During this sea term the student is required to complete the logbook that was commenced during the first Co-op work term. Upon return to school from the second Co-op work term the College will evaluate your logbook and assign a final mark. The fully completed training record book is required by Transport Canada. The focus for this phase is shipboard operations.

COOP3012 Marine Navigation Work Term 3 400.0 Hours

This is the third Co-op sea term and is a continuation of the practical work experience on board a merchant ship thus enabling the cadet to develop the competencies required of a ship's officer. Any sea time required to graduate is completed in this Co-op work term.

DRFT1012 Drafting and Basic Blueprint Reading 32.0 hours

Students will learn basic drafting and blueprint reading skills that will allow them to read and understand ships structural plans and to draft simple plans and specifications that will effectively communicate corrective measures and creative solutions.

ELEC2017 Marine Electricity Fundamentals 64.0 Hours

This course provides the nautical student with a working knowledge of the theory and operation of marine electrical power plants and other electrical equipment. This includes electrical safety, electrical units and measurements, the generation of DC and AC current, capacitance, magnetism and electromagnetism, electrical machines, power distribution, and circuit protection.

MARE1007 Basic Engineering Knowledge 48.0 Hours

This course is a basic study of common systems, machinery, pipeline components, and fittings on board steam and diesel powered ships. This knowledge prepares a student for the co-op work terms and offers familiarization for some of the systems present on board ships.

MARE1014 Practical Seamanship 48.0 Hours

This is a practical course in the safe use, construction and strength of ropes and wire ropes. The theory of rope and wire rope construction and knowing the safe working limits of rope is the centre of this course. Practical proficiency in knot tying, whipping and splicing of rope and wire rope will prepare students for their co-op work terms.

MARE1016 Astronomy for Navigation 48.0 Hours

Use of the astronomical bodies for navigation is a centuries old skill. With the advent of modern electronic aids, this skill is still important because the sky never fails. Learning the terminology and particular astronomical relationships/phenomena is the main focus of this course. Also, included is using the astronomical bodies to determine compass error.

MARE1017 Radar Navigation 64.0 Hours

Radar as a navigational tool has proved itself countless times over. Yet the incorrect use of this tool has lead to many disasters. Understanding how radar works, its limitations, and how to use this instrument properly forms the heart of the course. Practical aspects include being able to interpret information from radar and plotting radar echoes to determine risk of collision.

MARE1018 Navigational Safety 1 48.0 Hours

Students will learn the contents of the Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. This will include being able to identify ship types by the navigational lights displayed, knowing the sound signals used by various vessels and the navigational responsibilities when ships meet at sea. With this knowledge, the student will be able to act as part of a navigational team on their first Co-op placement.

MARE1019 Introduction to Shipmaster's Business 48.0 Hours

You are entering a highly regulated industry. In this course you will he introduced to some of the regulations that affect everyday life for a seafarer. This includes knowledge

about ship registration, levels of Certificates of Competency, seaworthiness and the rights

of the crew, the Articles of Agreement and types of safety and inspection certificates.

With this knowledge, a student can feel confident that they are stepping into a safe

environment.

MARE1021 Ship Construction 64.0 Hours

Many types of ships sail the waters of the world. The basic principles of ship construction are the same for all. Students will study the principles of ship structures, the materials used in ship construction and the processes of building a ship. This helps in the understanding of the stresses which a ship must withstand due to inclement weather and the loading of a ship.

MARE1023 Electronic Navigation Aids 64.0 Hours

This course introduces other electronic navigation aids which are used in marine navigation. Electronic Navigation aids, available worldwide, will be discussed in depth so that that student will know the use, limitations and practical operation of each aid used in the safe navigation of the vessel.

MARE1024 GMDSS part 1 24.0 Hours

Students will learn to communicate between ships and between ship and shore using marine radios to the standards prescribed in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System GMDSS. The material in this course covers the scope of the requirements for examination for a Restricted Radio Operators Certificate - Maritime Commercial. ROC-MC. This course forms part 1 of the two courses comprising the GMDSS General Operators Certificate examination requirements.

MARE1025 Marine Basic First Aid 16.0 hours

This course will enable every Seafarer who is designated to apply immediate basic first aid in the event of an accident or illness on board the skill necessary to perform those duties.

MARE1026 Seamanship 48.0 Hours

This is an introduction into the marine environment and it's terminology. The working routine and roles of shipboard personnel are explained and described to prepare individuals for their first co-op work periods. The course also describes the various types of equipment found on board ship and how to safely work with them.

MARE1027 STCW Basic Safety Training - 43.0 Hours

This course prepares students to respond to marine emergencies in preparation for co-op work terms on board ship. This course meets the international training requirements of the STCW (Safety, Training and Certification of Watchkeepers) convention for all seafarers before going to sea. There is an introduction to the types of hazards and emergencies that can occur in the marine environment. Firefighting theory and fire control onboard ship is supported by using firefighting equipment to extinguish small fires in a controlled environment

MARE1030 Coastal Navigation 1 96.0 Hours

This course introduces the student to the nautical chart and chartwork, associated terminology and calculations, nautical publications, and to tide and current calculations.

MARE2005 Transverse Stability 48.0 Hours

In this course, the student will be introduced to basic, stability theory and definitions. The student will be able to recognize the factors that keep a ship floating upright. The course will consist of many calculations about the effects of loading a weight on a ship's centre of gravity, hydrostatics, and co-efficients of form, Simpson's rules for determining areas, and volumes, and moments of inertia.

MARE2012 Industrial and Environmental Safety 64.0 Hours

The shipping industry is an international business. This course introduces students to the various relationships and functions of international and national authorities. With this knowledge the course continues into the various regulations that provide working conditions for industrial and environmental safety.

MARE2013 Signals and Communications 32.0 Hours

Signals are an integral part of seamanship and the cadet must be conversant with the techniques of communication between ships, and ship to shore. The Morse Code, radio-telephone and the International code of signals have traditionally been the method by which communication has been effected.

MARE2014 Simulated Navigation 96.0 Hours

A modern Simulator allows the student to obtain experience in realistic shipboard navigation. Students will practice team management as it applies to navigation. Decision making and critical thinking is an integral part of this course. This course will provide the student with a thorough knowledge of the application of the Collision Regulations and principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch. Electronic aids are used to plot the ship's position and progress. The student will be required to take necessary action to avoid collision without putting the vessel at risk. Each exercise is monitored by audio and visual observation of the students. Post-exercise evaluations and play back capabilities support effective debriefing of the students.

MARE2022 Ocean Navigation 1 64.0 Hours

Building on the theory of astronomy, this course provides a practical method of using astronomy to fix the ships position. Involved with fixing the ships position is the ability to use nautical instruments and calculating a ships position following a known course and distance traveled. Concluding this course will be practice problems which demonstrate the traditional practice of fixing a ships position while at sea.

MARE2023 Proficiency in Survival Craft- 28.0 Hours

This course is another requirement for seafarers under the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification of Watchkeepers) convention of the International Maritime Organization. In the event that an emergency at sea requires a seafarer to abandon ship, this course prepares a student for the proficient use of lifeboats and life rafts. Further topics included in this course will discuss rescue by helicopter and the use of signaling apparatus.

MARE2026 Ocean Navigation 2 64.0Hours

The course covers more advanced study in ocean and offshore navigation. Students will review previous navigational astronomy and celestial phenomena.

MARE2028 Navigational Safety 2 32.0 Hours

Students will gain an extended knowledge of the contents of the Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The principals of keeping a safe navigational watch at sea, at anchor and in port will be examined and studied in detail.

MARE2029 Cargo Work 1 48 Hours

This course will introduce the student to principles of cargo stowage, including care and precautions during loading, transit and discharge. The requirements under the Canada Shipping Act for the care and carriage of cargo and maintenance of the cargo handling equipment are also studied.

MARE2030 Coastal Navigation 2 80.0 Hours

This course involves a continued study into the planning and execution phases of a voyage. Additional practical chart work problems incorporate a variety of traditional position fixing techniques. Reliability placed on a fix, finding the most probable position of a ship and action when in doubt are all discussed. Students will practice tide and current calculations utilizing foreign tide tables and study proper record keeping requirements and practices.

MARE2031 Magnetic Compass Adjustment 32 hours

Students will study the interrelationship between the Magnetic Compass and the earths and ships magnetic fields. The students will then determine errors and magnetic coefficients using a deviascope. These errors will then be corrected using magnets and soft iron.

MARE3015 Shipmaster's Business 48.0 Hours

Students will soon appreciate the complicated world of marine insurance. Efficiency and concern for the ship owner's investment is covered as it applies to port operations. With the international scope of this industry, students will study international maritime conventions and Custom House procedures and documentation.

MARE3022 Advanced Fire Fighting - 37.0 Hours

The STCW Convention requires individuals to complete this course in Advanced Fire Fighting before becoming and officer. In depth understanding of the fire process and coordinating fire fighting activities in an effective manner is part of the development of leadership skills for students. A fire fighting plan of attack will be discussed as well as the coordination of fire fighting activities with the assistance of shore based fire fighters. Final discussion will introduce students to the concepts of managing crowds and arranging the care of injured persons.

MARE3023 Marine Advanced First Aid 31.0 Hours

This course will enable every seafarer who is designated to apply immediate advanced first aid in the event of an accident or illness on board the skill necessary to perform those duties.

MARE3024 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) 32.0 Hours

This course provides the mariner with the knowledge and practical experience required to safely operate an ECDIS system to its full potential and to recognize the limitations of the system.

MARE3025 Longitudinal Stability 64.0 Hours

Knowledge of dynamical stability and the longitudinal stability are the focus of this

course. The effect of bilging, grounding and dry-docking are examined. The rolling of the

ship and how to resist are studied.

MARE3029 Advanced Seamanship and Bridge Resource Management 64.0 Hours

The student's understanding of seamanship is elevated to a standard equivalent to that required by a Master of a ship. The course includes principles of ship handling in confined waterways and in open waters, heavy weather sailing, ice navigation, beaching and stranding, towing, working with tugboats, collision, dry-docking and anchoring. The student is also introduced to the principles of Bridge Resource Management, and its role in the promotion of safe navigation and effective bridge team communications.

MARE3030 Advanced Navigational Safety 32.0 Hours

This course will focus on applying the knowledge and experience gained from Navigational Safety 1 and 2 and from the cadets experiences at sea. Students will analyze case studies and examples of navigational mistakes and blunders and combine this with their own experiences to develop conclusions.

MARE3031 Navigational Systems and Instruments 80.0 Hours

This course provides and advanced level of education around the theory and use of modern electronic aids to navigation and the integration of these electronics into intelligent, integrated marine navigation systems. Students will also study navigation in high latitudes and radio signal manipulation, radio communication equipment and systems.

MARE3032 Leadership and Managerial Skills 32.0 Hours

This course is designed to provide the student with a practical understanding of shipboard personnel management techniques and leadership traits and practices. Workload and resource management, situation and risk assessment and development and implementation of directives and standard operational practices will be studied and practiced..

MARE3033 Cargo Work 2 48 Hours

Students will gain an in depth appreciation concerning aspects of Transport Canada Technical Publication documents and those of the International Maritime Organization concerning safe and environmentally sound cargo handling and transportation practices and procedures. Cargo plans will be created in accordance with the regulations learned.

MARE3034 Naval Architecture 48 Hours

Stability of the vessel is of the utmost importance. A vessel is loaded and then leaves port and enters the sailing portion of the trip. During the voyage, fuel is consumed and other variables such as weather can adversely affect the safety of the vessel. On arrival the cargo is discharged. This course attempts to address several factors that will ensure safe, efficient loading, transit and discharge of a vessel. The officer must understand the purpose and intent of the stability books and regulations governing this subject. The student will demonstrate competence to carry out loading discharging calculations and to fully complete a grain stability calculation.

MARE3035 Advanced Engineering Knowledge for Navigators 32.0 Hours

This course is a study of shipboard machinery and systems including some operational aspects not covered in Basic Engineering Knowledge.

MATH1018 Introduction to Technical Mathematics 42.0 hours

This course provides a foundation in mathematics in technology programs. Students develop skill in mathematical thinking and problem solving, and appropriately apply technology in the solution of problems using algebra, geometry, right-angle trigonometry, trigonometric functions of any angle, systems of linear equations, and the graphs of the primary trigonometric functions. Additional time to strengthen and reinforce mathematics competency is available to those students who require it.

MATH1019 Technical Mathematics 42.0 hours

This course extends the mathematics ideas taught in Introduction to Technical Mathematics through advanced mathematics problems needed for engineering programs. Mathematical reasoning and problem solving will be reinforced through problems in an engineering context. Mathematics concepts reinforced and extended are algebra, systems of linear equations, vectors and oblique triangles, graphs of trigonometric functions, complex numbers, and exponential and logarithmic functions.

MATH2007 Spherical Mathematics 48.0 Hours

This course both supplements and prepares students for the study of celestial navigation and associated calculations. Great circle sailing and celestial navigation all rely on the utilization of spherical trigonometry.

MENG1017 Applied Mechanics 48.0 Hours

This course provides a sound working knowledge of the fundamentals of Applied Engineering Mechanics including kinematics, dynamics, statics, and elementary strength of materials.

METE2002 Meteorology 1 48.0 Hours

This course introduces the student the student into the science of meteorology. Understanding the basics of weather systems to being able to prepare rudimentary forecasts are important skills for the navigation officer.

METE2003 Meteorology 2 64.0 Hours

This course advances the study of meteorology to cover global weather phenomena, ocean currents and weather routing of ships safely and efficiently around and through extreme weather systems and phenomenon.

PHYS3000 Physics 48.0 Hours

This course provides the student with a knowledge of and understanding of the practical application of physics to Transport Canada standards which includes heat and thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, light, sound and modern physics.

How To Apply

Last Update: March 08, 2012.