Marine Engineering Technology

Description

Students are immersed in an internationally recognized co-operative marine engineering cadet program designed in co-operation with Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) and Canada’s shipping companies. Students focus on developing competencies required to function as part of a shipboard marine engineering team. Content includes, and is based upon, the TCMSS Engineering Officer Education Training (EOET) program requirements.

The final two semesters are open to anyone holding an STCW Reg. III/1 Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency. These students can apply for advanced standing exempting them from the first five semesters of the program. Upon completion of semesters six and seven, they may be exempted from written examinations for 2nd and Chief Engineer Officer.

NOTE: This is a TCMSS approved program.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are educated and trained to become marine engineer officers of the watch. They may find a rewarding career as a ship’s engineering officer on board commercial vessels such as bulk carriers, tugs, ferries, tankers, cruise ships, coast guard and fishing vessels throughout Canada and the world. This program may also lead to positions of leadership in the marine industry. Graduates may earn academic exemptions and credentials to advance to Chief Engineer pending further shipboard experience and higher level short training courses.  

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. use principles of leadership, team management and conflict resolution expectant of a marine engineering officer at the operational and management levels;
2. lead and manage effective operational teams whose goal is to transport cargo in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner;
3. perform all work in accordance with legislation, regulation, policies and practices related to health and safety, accessibility, human rights and environmental management;
4. evaluate the power plant performance and efficiencies through charting and trending and participate in the installation and maintenance of marine equipment and systems;
5. operate and maintain equipment safely using handbooks, catalogues, manufacture’s specifications, checklists, and legislative codes;
6. interpret installation drawings, assembly drawings and detail drawings and compile technical specifications;
7. integrate electro-technology, electronics and electrical equipment in the operation of alternators, generators, AC and DC motors;
8. use senior engineering management principles during normal and abnormal operations of marine vessels;
9. apply computer skills to conduct daily power plant operations at the operational and management level.

Practical Experience

All co-operative education programs at Georgian contain mandatory work term experiences aligned with program learning outcomes.  Co-op work terms are designed to integrate academic learning with work experience, supporting the development of industry specific competencies and employability skills.

Georgian College holds membership with, and endeavours to follow, the co-operative education guidelines set out by the Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and Experiential and Work-Integrated Ontario (EWO) as supported by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities Research Excellence and Security.

Co-op is facilitated as a supported, competitive job search process. Students are required to complete a Co-op and Career Preparation course scheduled prior to their first co-op work term. Students engage in an active co-op job search that includes applying to positions on the internal job posting site and external job posting sites, accessing their personal network, researching companies of interest, preparing targeted and customized resumes and cover letters, participating in interviews, and using professional communication strategies with employers.

Programs may have additional requirements such as a valid driver’s license, strong communication skills, industry specific certifications, and ability to travel. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be unable to complete the program progression as shown below. Please refer to Georgian College Academic Regulations for details.   

International co-op work terms are supported and encouraged, when aligned with program requirements.

Further information on co-op services can be found at www.GeorgianCollege.ca/co-op

External Recognition

TCMSS has recognized this program as an approved cadet training program meeting the requirements of TP8991 Marine Engineering Cadet training program.

This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada).

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake

• Sem 1: Fall 2026
• Sem 2: Winter 2027
• Sem 3: Summer 2027
• Work Term 1: Fall 2027
• Sem 4: Winter 2028
• Work Term 2: Summer 2028
• Sem 5: Fall 2028
• Sem 6: Winter 2029
• Sem 7: Summer 2029

Articulation

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 https://www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Any* Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M, or U)

*A minimum grade of 70% in Grade 12 MAP4C, Foundations for College Mathematics, is required.

Note: Applicants must provide a valid Transport Canada Marine Medical stating "fit for sea service" or "fit for sea service with limitations" prior to program start. In the case of an applicant with a certificate "fit for sea service with limitations", the application will be reviewed. Failure to provide the certificate by the deadline may result in an offer of admission being revoked and withdrawal from courses.

You can find more information on how to obtain a Marine Medical Certificate here. Please note: once you have applied to the program, admissions will follow up with instructions on how to submit your Marine Medical documentation.

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

For advanced standing entry into semester 6 and 7 of the program, the following additional requirements apply:

• Graduates of a Marine Engineering Cadet Training Program in Canada, or
• holders of at least a 4th Class Certificate of Competency as a Marine Engineer issued under the STCW Convention, or
• equivalent level of knowledge demonstrated through an interview and portfolio of qualification and experience with written approval from Transport Canada.

Additional Information

Co-operative Work Term Requirements 

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 coop work terms onboard ships. Hence, undergraduates are involved in work activities directly related to their educational objectives.

The Co-op Education and Career Success department at Georgian College facilitates co-op work terms for cadets. It is the Cadets responsibility to participate in the job search process which includes attending co-op classes, shipping company presentations, and interviews. Cadets must participate in resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews, and maintain a good academic record to qualify for a co-op placement.

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.

International applicants must sign a letter to acknowledge that Transport Canada does not issue Marine Certificates of Competency (Marine License) to non-Canadians.

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.

TCMSS Certification

Students interested in obtaining the TCMSS engineering certificates must comply with their legal requirements as described in the Canada Shipping Act Marine Personnel Regulations. These include proof of Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent resident status and a valid marine medical certificate.

Marine Emergency Duties, Propulsion Plant Simulator, and Maritime Security courses are also requirements for certification by TCMSS. These courses are provided at Georgian College at an extra fee.

Graduation Requirements

40 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
2 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 unless otherwise stated on the course outline.

Program Tracking

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses
CHEM 1017	Fuel Combustion Chemistry	38
ENGN 1004	Basic Engineering Science	66
MARE 1064	Marine Plant Energy Distribution	115
MARE 1065	Marine Systems and Components Blueprint	38
MARE 1066	Marine Engine Plants	66
MARE 1067	Marine Auxiliary Systems	87
MATH 1051	Introduction to Marine Engineering Technology Mathematics	59
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.		42
	Hours	511
Semester 2
Program Courses
CHEM 1018	Industrial Chemistry	38
ELEC 1014	Basic Electrical Engineering	66
ENGN 1005	Basic Control Engineering	101
MARE 1068	Marine Auxiliary Steam Plants	101
MARE 1069	Hydraulics and Pneumatics	52
MATH 1052	Marine Engineering Technology Mathematics	52
MCHN 2003	Machining	52
MENG 1025	Basic Applied Mechanics	66
	Hours	528
Semester 3
Program Courses
MARE 1070	Ship Construction for Engineers	52
MARE 2053	Advanced Marine Power Plants	150
MARE 2054	Marine Power Plant Watchkeeping	38
MARE 2055	Shipboard Materials	66
WETC 2001	Welding	66
	Hours	372
Semester 4
Program Courses
ELEC 2030	Thermodynamics	66
ELEC 2031	Advanced Electrical Engineering	101
HRAC 2008	Heating, Refrigeration and Ventilation, and Air Conditioning	66
MARE 2056	Stability	52
MARE 2057	Computer Application and Networks	52
MARE 3055	Leadership and Teamwork	24
MARE 3066	Ships Master’s Business for Engineers	66
	Hours	427
Semester 5
Program Courses
ELEC 2032	Shipboard Electrical Knowledge and Skills	98
MARE 2058	Shipboard Power Plant Studies	63
MARE 2059	Shipboard Control Strategies	49
Communications Course
COMM 2020	Technical Communication	42
	Hours	252
Semester 6
Program Courses
MARE 3067	Power Plant Auxiliaries Management	150
MARE 3068	Advanced Thermodynamics	87
MARE 3069	Advanced Applied Mechanics	66
MARE 3070	Automation and Controls 1	87
MARE 3071	Electrical Machines Management 1	87
	Hours	477
Semester 7
Program Courses
MARE 3072	Motor Plant Management	129
MARE 3073	Ship's Business and Maritime Law	52
MARE 3074	Electrical Machines Management 2	66
MARE 3075	Automation and Controls 2	66
MARE 3076	Naval Architecture	129
	Hours	442
	Total Hours	3009

Plan of Study Grid

Co-op Work Term 1		Hours
COOP 1032	Marine Engineering Work Term 1 (occurs after Semester 3)	840
	Hours	840
Co-op Work Term 2
COOP 2030	Marine Engineering Work Term 2 (occurs after Semester 4)	840
	Hours	840
	Total Hours	1680

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of three years (as stated above) may take a maximum of six years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission. 

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.