Overview
The BCIT Diploma in Marine Engineering is a Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security accredited program with a co-operative education component. BCIT Marine Engineering students (cadets) are trained in the efficient operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and structural systems found in all oceangoing ships.
About the program
The Marine Engineering diploma program is a three-year cadet co-operative program. BCIT Marine Engineering students (Cadets) are trained in all mechanical, electrical, and structural aspects of ships; from main engines to auxiliary systems found in all ocean-going vessels ranging from supertankers to cruise ships, cargo ships, and more.
This program is designed to provide hands-on, theoretical, and technical knowledge in the following areas:
- Propulsion plant operation and maintenance
- Electronics and electrical technology
- Ship construction
- Fuel systems
- Engineering science and knowledge
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Naval architecture
- Thermodynamics
Who it’s for
Do you see yourself working on the largest engines in the world crossing the seas as a Chief Engineer of a cruise ship or oil tanker? This program is your first step towards a career as a Chief Engineer in the commercial marine industry.
Marine Engineers are trained in the efficient operation and maintenance of the propulsion plant and other mechanical systems found in all oceangoing ships. The main responsibilities include:
- Maintaining and repairing propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems
- Equipment diagnostics and problem-solving
- Conducting daily watchkeeping duties
This Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) accredited program provides graduates with a solid background in the principles of construction, operation, and maintenance of diesel propulsion plants on a variety of ships.
What grads can do
The Canadian marine industry is experiencing a shortage of qualified Marine Engineering officers, making Marine Engineering one of the most in-demand professions in Canada. With over 95% of BCIT Marine Engineering graduates employed, there are plenty of employment opportunities available.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to write the Transport Canada examination for the Fourth Class Marine Engineering Certificate of Competency. This certification will allow you to work as a qualified Marine Engineering Officer on any commercial vessel of any size worldwide.
Learn more about Transport Canada exemptions in the Marine Engineering program.
For more information
Discover the answers to your burning questions by watching the video below, where a recent information session has been recorded:
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Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications accepted October 1st* to March 31st.*
*or next business day
Applications are considered for a specific intake; this program does not carry a wait-list from year to year.
We recommend that you apply early. This will allow you time to upgrade if needed.
Entrance requirements
Competitive Entry: Two-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Academic grades above the minimum
- Related or transferable experience
- Teamwork & leadership
- Knowledge of the marine industry
- Communication skills
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (60%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (60%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
- Medical certificate from a Transport Canada-approved physician indicating you are fit for Engine service
- Complete the following forms for submission with your online application:
- Cadet Programs Terms and Conditions [PDF]*
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]: This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for the program.
*This program has a mandatory uniform policy in which Cadets are required to wear a uniform while in class and at external industry functions.
Individuals who have completed a diesel mechanic program may be eligible for credit toward a portion of the first year of the ME Cadet program. Please contact the Associate Dean or Department Head, Marine Engineering Cadet program, for more information.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Requirements for selected applicants
All applications will be reviewed by the program area at the application deadline. All applicants will be contacted for the following:
- Multiple Mini Interview Process (MMI). Interviews will be conducted in the month of April and selections made in May.
Admission is competitive and will be offered to the most qualified applicants.
Note: Acceptance into the program does not constitute a guarantee by BCIT that a shipping company will provide a berth for the co-op terms. BCIT will assist Cadets with the coordination of co-op terms.
Recommended for success
- Chemistry 11
- Physics 11
- Automotive mechanic course(s)
- Electronics course(s)
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through either re-admission or direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
You can apply for direct entry if you:
- are a new applicant to this program but already completed an equivalent part of it at BCIT or elsewhere and
- want to apply to an advanced level.
Contact BCIT Marine Campus Admissions at 604-453-4100 for more information.
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Costs & Supplies
Check out the required and optional textbooks for each year of the program:
- Required and optional textbooks (3-year program) [PDF]
- Required and optional textbooks (4-year program) [PDF]
Textbooks can be purchased through the BCIT Bookstore or by calling 604-432-8379 or 877-333-8379 (toll-free within Canada).
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition fees, visit Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees.
Books & supplies
Year | Required Book Estimates: | Optional Book Estimates: |
---|---|---|
First Year: | $750-$950 | $400-$500 |
Second Year: | $300-$400 | $600-$700 |
Third Year: | $500-$600 | $100-$200 |
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
For more information on textbooks, please contact the BCIT Bookstore at 604-432-8379 or 877-333-8379 (toll-free within Canada).
Supplies: Cadets must acquire drawing instruments, a scientific calculator and stationary supplies as required. Coveralls, sight and hearing protection and safety boots, worn during the training exercises, are the responsibility of the Cadets.
Uniforms: Cadets are required to purchase uniforms from an approved supplier to be worn while in class. Depending on quantity and size, the total cost for uniforms during the first year is between $250 and $350.
Documentation: Throughout the duration of the program, students are required to maintain official documentation such as Transport Canada Medicals, passports, and other company specific requests for the co-operative sea phase terms, that are subject to additional fees.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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Courses
Class hours
0830–1545, Monday to Friday.
Evening classes may be required.
Program matrix
First Year - Term 1 (36 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
MEDI 1510 | STCW Basic Safety | 3.0 | |
MEDI 1810 | STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft | 2.0 | |
MEOC 0001 | Orientation to Marine Engineering | ||
MEOC 1201 | Communication/Maritime English | 2.0 | |
MEOC 1207 | Mathematics | 7.0 | |
MEOC 1209 | Ship Construction 1 | 2.0 | |
MEOC 1210 | Technical Drawing | 6.0 | |
MEOC 1211 | Skills Training | 19.0 | |
MEOC 1302 | Electrical Technology 1 | 6.0 | |
MEOC 1303 | Engineering Knowledge 1 General | 7.0 | |
MEOC 1304 | Engineering Knowledge 1 Motor | 6.0 | |
MERS 1025 | Introduction to Ship's Machinery Systems | 2.0 | |
MSEC 1010 | Ship Security Officer | 1.5 | |
MSSM 1025 | Marine Basic First Aid | 1.0 | |
MSSM 1200 | Marine Advanced First Aid Revised | 2.0 | |
First Year Co-op - Term 2 (19 weeks) | Credits | ||
MEOC 1992 | Co-operative Training 1 | 16.0 | |
Second Year - Term 3 (28 weeks) | Credits | ||
MEOC 1200 | Basic Engineering Sciences | 4.0 | |
MEOC 1205 | Maintenance and Repair of Auxiliary Machinery | 8.0 | |
MEOC 1213 | Automation and Controls 1 | 3.0 | |
MEOC 1214 | Maintenance and Repair of Diesel Engines | 8.0 | |
MEOC 1215 | Naval Architecture 1 | 4.0 | |
MEOC 1216 | Thermodynamics 1 | 6.0 | |
MEOC 2302 | Electrical Technology 2 | 6.0 | |
MEOC 2303 | Engineering Knowledge 2 Gen | 7.0 | |
MEOC 2304 | Engineering Knowledge 2 Motor | 6.0 | |
MERS 1050 | Propulsion Plant Simulator | 2.0 | |
Second Year Co-op - Term 4 (19 weeks) | Credits | ||
MEOC 2992 | Co-operative Training 2 | 16.0 | |
Third Year - Term 5 (32 weeks) | Credits | ||
ENAV 2450 | Leadership and Teamwork | 2.0 | |
MEDI 2510 | Advanced Fire Fighting | 2.0 | |
MEOC 1212 | Applied Mechanics 1 | 5.0 | |
MEOC 1217 | Marine Law and Ships Business 1 | 4.0 | |
MEOC 1320 | Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | 4.0 | |
MEOC 2209 | Ship Construction 2 | 3.0 | |
MEOC 2213 | Automation and Controls 2 | 5.0 | |
MEOC 2215 | Naval Architecture 2 | 4.0 | |
MEOC 2216 | Thermodynamics 2 | 3.0 | |
MEOC 3302 | Electrical Technology 3 | 10.0 | |
MEOC 3303 | Engineering Knowledge 3 General - Steam | 6.0 | |
MEOC 3304 | Engineering Knowledge 3 Motor | 8.0 | |
MERS 1075 | Propulsion Plant Simulator Cadet Level 1 | 4.0 | |
Total Credits: | 212.5 |
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.
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Program Details
Program length
Three years, full-time
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Marine Campus
265 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC
The majority of classes take place at the BCIT Marine Campus; however, some courses may be taken offsite at locations such as the Justice Institute Fire and Safety Training Centre in Maple Ridge, BC.
Program structure
The three-year diploma program consists of three terms of classroom instruction interspersed with two co-op terms:
School | Co-op Terms | |
---|---|---|
First Year | Term 1 (Sept-May) |
Term 2 (Jun-Oct) |
Second Year | Term 3 (Oct-May) |
Term 4 (Jun-Oct) |
Third Year | Term 5 (Oct-Jun) |
A Transport Canada Training Certificate will be issued for the Operational level to students who successfully complete the program.
Learn more about Transport Canada exemptions in the Marine Engineering Program.
Additional program requirements
- Students must successfully complete all courses in the program within seven years from the start of the program to be eligible for a diploma.
- Transport Canada requires that Engineering Cadets on their sea phase be supervised by a qualified Marine Engineer aboard their ship.
- PER TP 8911 sections 2.4.3.7, students will complete sea service onboard vessels of 750kW or more propulsion power.
- TCMSS examination fees, where applicable, are not part of the program/course fees. They are payable to TCMSS directly and are due two weeks in advance of the examination.
- Standard BCIT policies concerning examination re-writes apply to this program.
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Graduating & Jobs
Continue your education
Graduates of this program may continue their studies to complete the BCIT Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Technology Management. The BTech program provides you with the flexibility to start your new career and complete your degree part-time within 3 to 5 years.
Career overview
A Marine Engineer is responsible for all mechanical, electrical, and structural aspects of the ship, from main engines to auxiliary systems. Cadets are trained in the operation and maintenance of the propulsion plant and other mechanical systems found in all ocean-going ships ranging from super tankers to cruise ships, bulk carriers, cargo ships and support vessels. These skills could be readily applied during sea phases in Canada, Asia, Western Europe, Australia, South America, and more.
Lifestyle & nature of work
The marine industry requires its Cadets and Officers to be at sea operating in nearly every ocean, aboard a variety of vessels. Depending on the schedule of the shipping company, a Marine Engineering Officer or Cadet can be away from home for months at a time. The work conditions can be demanding, however, there are opportunities to meet crew members and travel around the world.
Job opportunities
Graduates of the program can work internationally as the program is recognized by the International Maritime Organization through Transport Canada. Co-op placements in the Marine Engineering program typically end up becoming permanent positions as many of the Co-op employers seek lifetime employees. We work with employers such as Algoma Central Corporation, BC Ferries, Canada Steamship Lines, Canship Ugland, McKeil Marine, Princess Cruises, Rigel Shipping, Seaspan, Teekay Shipping, Transport Desgagnes, and more.
Upon successful completion of the Marine Engineering program and obtaining your Fourth Class Marine Engineering Certificate of Competency, a licensed Marine Engineer Officer can expect to earn between $5,000 and $10,000 per month.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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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Transport Canada Exemptions
Note: The Marine Engineering Program has undergone a program review. The new Marine Engineering Program is a three-year diploma program that includes two co-op terms starting in September 2021. Upon successful completion of the three-year diploma program, students will be eligible to write the Transport Canada (TC) examinations for the Fourth-Class Marine Engineering Certificate of Competency (CoC).
The three-year diploma program graduates holding the Fourth-Class Marine Engineering CoC are eligible to continue onto an Advanced Diploma program whose graduates receive TC exemptions for the First-Class Motor CoC examinations. If successful, candidates obtain the First-Class Motor CoC which is recognized internationally.
Marine Engineering Diploma Program
4th Class Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency
After successful completion of program, and after obtaining six months of TCMSS approved sea time through co-op, students will be issued a letter indicating that they have successfully completed the three-year program. Students will be eligible to challenge the TCMSS oral examination for a Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), at the Operational Level, 4th Class Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (CoC).
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Contact Us
Agnelo Pereira
Department Head
Email: Agnelo_Pereira@BCIT.ca
Tel: 604-453-4117
Jeff Otto
Co-op Education Coordinator
Email: Jeff_Otto@bcit.ca
Tel: 604-453-4124
Questions or comments?
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