Two Marine Engineering Technology students analyzing the engine room through computer screens

Prepare for a career as an engineering officer in the marine industry

Marine Engineering Technology Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Co-op program

Internationally recognized. Outstanding simulation facilities. Grads are in high demand. Work in Canada or anywhere in the world!

Program code MTCY
Duration 3 Years
Credential Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Co-op
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program 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 two years of the program. Upon completion of semesters five and six, they may be exempted from written examinations for 2nd and Chief Engineer Officer.

NOTE: This is a TCMSS approved program.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2025 Owen Sound

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

What are the admission requirements for the Marine Engineering Technology program?

Marine Engineering Technology admission requirements

OSSD or equivalent with

  • 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 the 3rd year (Semester 5 and 6) of the program, the following additional requirements apply:

  • Graduates of a Marine Engineering Cadet Training Program in Canada, (Georgian MTCY or METC graduates meet this requirement), 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 a Georgian College 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.

What career paths can I take in marine engineering technology?

Your Marine Engineering Technology diploma gives you many 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.

Accreditation

Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada)

This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada), formerly Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE),

This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-operative education programs in Canada, and recognizes Georgian’s commitment to quality in co-op education.

CEWIL Canada Accredited Program

Why study Marine Engineering Technology at Georgian?

Life aboard ship is like no other! If the sea is calling you, an education at the Georgian’s Centre for Marine Training and Research can be the start of an exciting and rewarding career.

Our grads get great jobs

Marine industry employers like what they see in our graduates. A shortage of qualified engineering and navigation officers in Canada and abroad means our graduates are in demand. Our graduates find rewarding jobs with rapid advancement, working on the great lakes and on ships at sea worldwide. Starting salaries range from $58,000 to $70,000.

State-of-the-art facilities

The Centre for Marine Training and Research is Canada’s most advanced marine simulation and research centre. Located in beautiful Owen Sound, Ontario, the facility recently underwent an extensive $8-million renovation to enhance hands-on training for students.

Industry support

This program was developed in co-operation with Transport Canada and national shipping companies and relationships with those partner organizations remain strong. Marine companies support this program by providing a variety of inland and coastal placements for cadet work terms, which can lead to employment upon graduation.

Hands-on experience

Students learn through a progressive mix of skills training, shipboard training and academic studies, including navigation training in our marine simulators. The program involves four academic semesters accompanied by two mandatory co-op terms. Engineering cadets (students) get a total of 210 days of sea time over those two work terms.

What courses are included in the Marine Engineering Technology diploma program?

Course overview

40 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
2 Co-op Work Terms

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Marine Engineering Technology program outline.

  • CHEM 1006 – Fuel Combustion Chemistry
  • ENGN 1001 – Basic Engineering Science
  • MARE 1040 – Marine Engine Plants
  • MARE 1043 – Marine Systems and Components Blueprint
  • MARE 1044 – Marine Plant Energy Distribution
  • MARE 1050 – Marine Auxiliary Systems
  • MATH 1039 – Introduction to Marine Engineering Technology Mathematics
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

A group of Electrical Techniques students wearing hard hats and using a multimeter tool to check the voltage on a control panel

Electrical Techniques

Learn from professionals. Great facilities. Hands-on training to help launch your career or prepare for your apprenticeship.

Marine Technology - Navigation student using a marine simulator at Georgian College's Centre for Marine Training and Research

Marine Technology – Navigation

Become a leader in the marine industry! Internationally recognized. Outstanding facilities. Work in Canada or anywhere in the world.

A Marine Engine Mechanic wearing gloves and using a ratcheting socket wrench to repair the motor attachment on a boat

Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine Mechanic

Turn your love of boats into a great career! Lots of hands-on time. Latest equipment. Excellent career prospects.

Two power engineering professionals wearing work jumpsuits and hard hats working on a piece of equipment

Power Engineering Technology

Be an operating engineer in only 24 months! TSSA-approved training. Co-op gives you the work experience today’s employers are looking for.

Do you have questions about Marine Engineering Technology? Contact us!

Thinking about applying to Georgian?

Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.

Already applied to Georgian?

Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.

Are you an international student?

Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian. 

Ways to connect

Open House

Visit us in person at Open House on Saturday, Nov. 16 at all campuses.
Learn more and RSVP

Campus tours

Take a guided, in-person tour
of our campuses.
Book a campus tour.

One-on-one appointments

Book a phone appointment
with a recruitment specialist.
Connect with a recruiter.

Join our mailing list

Join our email list for event updates, contest information and more.
Sign up for Georgian updates.