Overview
The Chief Mate program consists of modular based courses, that are offered throughout the year, to prepare students towards the Chief Mate Certificate of Competency.
The holder of this certificate may act as Chief Mate on board any vessel on unlimited voyage, or as Master on vessels of less than 500 gross tonnage on near coastal voyage class 1 and class 2, or as Master on any vessel on sheltered waters voyage.
The program
The Chief Mate position is second in the line of command of the vessel after the Captain. The Chief Mate is responsible to the Captain for the security and safety of the vessel. Specific responsibilities include:
- ensuring the safety of personnel on board
- training in safety, firefighting and search and rescue
- managing the deck department and crew
- ensuring the safety of the ship’s cargo and ship’s maintenance.
This program is spread out over three terms as outlined below:
| Term | Months | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | January – March | Starts mid-October |
| Spring/Summer | April – August | Starts mid-February |
| Fall | September – December | Starts early June |
The course schedule is planned out on a yearly basis. Some of the courses in the program are offered only once per year based on student demand. Students can only register for applicable courses during the registration period as outlined above.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
This program is open to declarations beginning:
- February 1st* for the January intake
- May 1st* for the April intake
- October 1st* for the September intake
Entrance requirements
- Watchkeeping Mate Certificate of Competency
- Transport Canada Candidate Document Number (CDN)
Recommended for success
- English 11 or English language proficiency
- Math 11
- Physics 11
Check for acceptable equivalents or upgrading courses taught at BCIT.
Apply to program
To apply to this program, please submit the Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) Program Declaration form [PDF].
Please allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Please contact the BCIT Marine Campus Registration Office at 604-453-4111 for information on tuition fees, payments and refunds.
Books & supplies
$950 (general estimated cost, subject to change)
For information on textbooks, please contact the BCIT Bookstore at 604-432-8379 or 877-333-8379 (toll-free within Canada).
Courses
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ENAV 2070 | Simulated Electronic Navigation - Managerial (SEN-M)* | 8.0 | |
| NAUT 1826 | Astro Navigation 2 | 20.0 | |
| NAUT 1832 | Navigation Systems and Instruments | 8.0 | |
| NAUT 1835 | Deviascope | 4.0 | |
| NAUT 1845 | Navigation Safety 2 | 4.0 | |
| NAUT 1855 | Meteorology 2 | 8.0 | |
| NAUT 1857 | Ship Management 3 | 8.0 | |
| NAUT 1869 | Engineering Knowledge 1 | 6.0 | |
| NAUT 1878 | Cargo 3 | 10.0 | |
| NAUT 1885 | General Seamanship Chief Mate | 4.0 | |
*Students must have successfully completed the following training course and examinations prior to registering for the SEN-M training course:
|
|||
| Total Credits: | 80.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
There are 10 courses that make up the 40-week program. These courses are offered on a course-by-course basis and are not offered as a full-time program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
These modular based courses are available on a course-by-course basis and are not offered as a full-time program. Courses are offered in a daytime delivery format.
Course availability varies and courses may be offered in one or more of the three terms: Fall (September - December), Winter (January - March), and Spring/Summer (April - August).
Please contact the BCIT Marine Campus Registration Office at 604-453-4111 for further information on the individual courses.
Check available Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) courses
Continue your education
A Chief Mate certification from Transport Canada requires the following additional courses:
- Standards Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Basic Safety (BST)
- Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC)
- Marine Advanced First Aid (MAFA)
- Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
- Global Maritime Distress Safety System Restricted Operator Certification Maritime Commercial (ROC MC)
Basic Safety, Proficiency in Survival Craft and the Marine Advanced First Aid courses must be completed prior to registering in the Advanced Fire Fighting course.
For more information about specific progressive occupational licensing, please contact the Chief Instructor.
For information regarding training requirements for marine certification, please contact Transport Canada at 604-666-0834 (Vancouver Ship Safety Branch).
Sea service requirements
According to the Marine Personnel Regulations SOR/2007-115, sea service requirements are not a prerequisite for being accepted into the program. However, sea service will be required for the General Seamanship oral examination with Transport Canada. For sea service details, please refer to Section 134 of the Marine Personnel Regulations, inquire at your nearest Transport Canada Marine Safety office, or visit the Transport Canada website.
Graduating & Jobs
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.