Bridge Watchman

A Bridge Watchman is part of a team involved in the following activities:

  • Keeping a lookout
  • Steering the vessel
  • Operating communication systems
  • Handling ropes and chains
  • Anchoring and mooring
  • Responding to emergencies
  • Assisting in cargo operations

This 12-week full-time entry-level program at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is based on modular courses and provides the following training certificates:

  • BCIT Recognition of Training in Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Industry Canada Radio Operator’s Certificate - Maritime Commercial (ROC - MC)
  • Marine Basic First Aid Certificate (MBFA)

Successful completion also grants eligibility for four months of sea time remission.

Recommendations

Medical certificate from a Transport Canada-approved physician, Math 11, plus two years of education in English with one of the following:

1. English 12;
2. Communications 12;
3. three credits of post-secondary English, Humanities or Social Sciences.

 

This Transport Canada accredited program requires 90% attendance and an aggregated 70% passing grade. To achieve full Transport Canada certification, trainees must complete an additional two months of sea time, as well as two further courses at BCIT:

1. STCW Basic Safety Training (MEDI 1510) and,
2. STCW Survival Craft training (MEDI 1810).

PROGRAM TYPES

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BMC - BCIT Marine Campus - North Vancouver

Mar 17 2025Jun 11 2025

Bridge Watch Rating

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BMC - BCIT Marine Campus - North Vancouver

Sep 02 2025Nov 27 2025

Bridge Watch Rating

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BMC - BCIT Marine Campus - North Vancouver

Dec 01 2025Mar 06 2026

Bridge Watch Rating

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BMC - BCIT Marine Campus - North Vancouver

Mar 16 2026Jun 10 2026

Bridge Watch Rating