A study of Canada's merchant marine post-secondary education and training regulatory requirements for merchant marine crew
This study examined merchant marine engineering education and training in Canada, its regulatory requirements related to Transport Canada Marine Safety (TC) and Canadian merchant marine training colleges' role in satisfying the employment demands for workers in the Canadian maritime industry. Using a geographical cluster method, Canada was sectioned into four geographical sectors, Atlantic Seaboard, Great Lakes, Pacific coast and Arctic. Specific Canadian marine engineer certification requirements were utilized as a base for (n=20) surveys distributed using three mail-out questionnaires. These were supplemented by telephone and personal interviews. -- TC Examiners (n=4), one in each of the four geographic sectors identified highest priority regulatory requirements for certification as a marine engineer officer. Canadian owned marine crew companies (n=8) distributed among differing maritime industry sectors identified specific desired marine engineer crew skill sets. TC trainers (n = 8) from marine engineer colleges identified mission, goals, curriculum and course design. All who participated in this study were provided with the opportunity to comment on marine engineer education and training-related issues. -- There were no significant differences found among the views of TC Examiner Offices nation-wide. Differences were identified amongst the views of employers of TC engineers for the Atlantic offshore industry, Great Lakes bulk cargo and Pacific coast passenger ferry/cruise ship industries. The study also identified the nature of practical training most appropriate to the needs of sea-going engineer officers in general. Employers across Canada provided many views regarding specific marine engineer staffing needs. Canadian marine college goals, mission statements, curriculum and course design varied according to the sector of the marine industry they served. -- This study concluded with the following recommendations regarding the nature of training and recruiting of trainees: -- • Increase trainer familiarity with the Canada Shipping Act 2001 and the International Convention for Training and Certification of Watch-keepers (ISTCW). -- • Increase recruiting of marine engineer learners. -- • Increase Canadian employer investment in comprehensive marine engineer training. -- • Increase emphasis on quality practical sea training. -- Increased cooperation between colleges, employers and government to meet should contribute to benefit learners and maintain and build Canada's maritime industries.