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In-person Course details
Industrial, Marine & Logistics
Marine Deckhand Skills
Coastal BC runs on boats. Learn ropework, mooring, deck safety, sea survival principles and the watchkeeping habits expected of a deckhand on small commercial vessels.
- Duration
- 12 weeks (3 months)
- Delivery
- In-person training
- Format
- Training and workshop style
- Study load
- 20 hours per week
- Class size
- 14 learners maximum
- Award
- CTC Certificate of Completion
- Visa route
- Visitor Visa
- Campus
- Nanaimo, British Columbia
What you will be able to do
By the end of the twelve weeks you will have demonstrated each of these practically, under supervision, in our workshops.
- Tie and use the core working knots and secure a vessel alongside
- Carry out deck safety routines and emergency drills
- Support anchoring, mooring and cargo operations
- Communicate using standard marine terminology
Course structure
Twelve weeks, running Monday to Friday at 20 hours per week. Roughly seventy percent of contact time is practical work.
- 1Week 1–2 — Vessel types, terminology and shipboard organisation
- 2Week 3–4 — Ropework, knots, splicing, mooring and towing lines
- 3Week 5–6 — Deck equipment, winches, anchoring and cargo handling
- 4Week 7–8 — Safety at sea: lifejackets, life rafts, fire response and man overboard
- 5Week 9–10 — Navigation awareness, buoyage, weather and communications
- 6Week 11–12 — Watchkeeping, passenger care and on-water practical sessions
Where it can lead
This is entry-level vocational training. It is designed to make you employable in supporting and assistant roles, and to give you a credible starting point for an apprenticeship or further certification.
DeckhandMarine terminal assistantWater taxi crewMarina operations assistant
Entry requirements
- Minimum age 18 at the start of the intake
- Secondary school certificate or equivalent work experience
- Conversational English (CLB 4 / IELTS 4.5 equivalent) — no test certificate required
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intake end date
- Able to swim and comfortable working on water
No documents are required to apply. We may ask to see your passport and qualification certificates during enrolment, after your place is confirmed.
How to apply
The full process takes around ten weeks from application to arrival. Here are the first four steps.
- 1
Submit application
YouComplete the online application form with your personal details, qualification, and the subject area and course you would like to study. No documents need to be uploaded.
15 minutes
- 2
Application review
CTCThe CTC admissions team reviews your application against the entry requirements for your chosen course and confirms seat availability for your intended intake.
3–5 working days
- 3
Receive invitation letter
CTCSuccessful applicants receive an official invitation letter by email, confirming the course, intake dates, delivery mode and fees. This letter supports your visitor visa application.
Within 2 working days of a decision
- 4
Pay CAD 150 admission fee
YouPay the one-off admission fee to confirm your place. Your seat is held for the intake named on your invitation letter.
Within 14 days of the invitation letter
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Ready to start Marine Deckhand Skills?
Twelve weeks, in person, on the tools. Submit your application in about fifteen minutes — no documents to upload.
12 weeks · In-person training · Study permit not required — attend on a visitor visa