Bridge Watch Rating North (BWR-N)
Program Tuition: $6,995
The Western Arctic Marine Training Centre (WAMTC) is proud to offer BWR-N twice a year, running in fall and winter. Applications are accepted year round.
The 15-week BWR-N program is FULLY FUNDED for eligible students through the Oceans Protection Plan.
Fully subsidized and supported students include Northern Residents, Canadian Indigenous persons, and women.
Most of the training is done at WAMTC’s Hay River, NWT campus. Some training may be offered in community when possible.
The Bridge Watch Rating (BWR) course is an essential stepping stone for anyone looking to start a career as a deckhand on a vessel. This course provides the fundamental skills for watchkeeping, including navigation, seamanship, and ship operations. You’ll learn how to assist with the safe navigation of the vessel, monitor safety and security on board, and carry out essential shipboard tasks
under the guidance of an officer. The BWR course is the ideal starting point for building a successful career in the maritime industry.
Bridge Watch Rating North (BWR-N)
Program Tuition: $6,995
The Western Arctic Marine Training Centre (WAMTC) is proud to offer BWR-N twice a year, running in fall and winter. Applications are accepted year round.
The 15-week BWR-N program is FULLY FUNDED for eligible students through the Oceans Protection Plan.
Fully subsidized and supported students include Northern Residents, Canadian Indigenous persons, and women.
Most of the training is done at WAMTC’s Hay River, NWT campus. Some training may be offered in community when possible.
The Bridge Watch Rating (BWR) course is an essential stepping stone for anyone looking to start a career as a deckhand on a vessel. This course provides the fundamental skills for watchkeeping, including navigation, seamanship, and ship operations. You’ll learn how to assist with the safe navigation of the vessel, monitor safety and security on board, and carry out essential shipboard tasks
under the guidance of an officer. The BWR course is the ideal starting point for building a successful career in the maritime industry.
Program Entrance Requirements
Applicants are chosen from northern residents who are over the age of 17 and are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
NOTE: All info listed above must be forwarded to info@wamtc.ca upon receipt
- Grades of 50% or Higher in English Grade 11
AND - Grades of 50% or Higher in one of Math 20-1, Math 20-2, Math 20-3, Pure Math 20, Applied Math 20, Math 20, Math 23
- To receive a NWT Validation Statement (also called “unofficial transcript” of your grades), contact ECE’s Student Records department by email at student_records@gov.nt.ca or by phone at (867) 767-9353 extension 71271. You will receive your information by email.
NOTE: If the validation statement/unofficial transcript is not available, or if you do not meet the minimum academic requirements, you are eligible for free assessment testing and/or upgrading to meet the academic prerequisites.
- To receive a NWT Validation Statement (also called “unofficial transcript” of your grades), contact ECE’s Student Records department by email at student_records@gov.nt.ca or by phone at (867) 767-9353 extension 71271. You will receive your information by email.
- Government-issued Photo ID (e.g. driver’s license, passport, status card, etc.)
- Criminal Records Check
- Visit your local RCMP or police detachment and ask for a Criminal Records Check. You will need to provide two pieces of ID, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID that includes your name, date of birth, and signature (e.g. driver’s license, passport, status card, etc.).
- Transport Canada Candidate Document Number (CDN)
- Download the fillable CDN Application Form found here, collect specified documents (see note below) and email the collection to pnrmarine-administration-maritimepnr@tc.gc.ca. You will receive your CDN by email within a few days.
NOTE: If you are missing the required pieces, please contact info@wamtcdev.wpenginepowered.com for identification notarization.
- Download the fillable CDN Application Form found here, collect specified documents (see note below) and email the collection to pnrmarine-administration-maritimepnr@tc.gc.ca. You will receive your CDN by email within a few days.
- Medical Certificate from a Transport Canada-approved medical examiner, indicating fitness for deck duty and lookout duties
- Medical exams will be arranged for the first week of classes, to be completed in Hay River.
Program Logistics
- Most classes will be offered at WAMTC’s Hay River campus, with offerings in community when possible
- WAMTC offers two intakes per year, one in fall and one in winter; there are 12 seats available in each class
- Classes at WAMTC are in session from Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 3:30, excluding stat holidays and winter break
Program Logistics
- Most classes will be offered at WAMTC’s Hay River campus, with offerings in community when possible
- WAMTC offers two intakes per year, one in fall and one in winter; there are 12 seats available in each class
- Classes at WAMTC are in session from Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 3:30, excluding stat holidays and winter break
On your mobile device or a computer, click “Apply Now” and fill out the form with as many details as possible; fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
Alternatively, contact info@wamtc.ca OR call the office at 867-874-2358
and ask for an application form to be sent to you.
Submit all supporting documentation on prerequisites (listed above) to info@wamtc.ca upon receipt.
What Costs are Covered?
- Tuition
- Course Materials & Supplies
- Living Allowance
- Students who attend any part of training from out of town will be provided with accommodations and meal Per Diems
- Books & Manuals
- Medical Exam Cost
- Lunch Each In-Class Day
- Transit Pass in BC
What Costs are NOT Covered?
- Mortgage or Rent at Home
- Mobile or Home Phone
- Home Internet
- Extended Health and Dental
- Vehicle Payments, Insurance, Repairs, Gas, Parking, Speeding/Parking Tickets
- Financial Support For Child, Elder, or Pet Care
WAMTC’s Flagship Program: Bridge Watch Rating - Northern Component
This full-time multi-week training program lays the groundwork for your career as a mariner aboard commercial cargo ships, tankers, tugboats, fishing boats and more. As a Bridge Watch student some of the hands-on skills you will learn include:
- Keeping a Lookout
- Anchoring and Mooring
- Steering the Vessel
- Assisting with Cargo Operations
- Operating Communications Systems
- Responding to Emergencies
- Handling Ropes and Chains
- Navigation
- Basic Environmental Protection Procedures
The curriculum covers important topics such as chartwork, collision regulations, and using navigational aids. Through practical training, you’ll gain hands-on experience that prepares you for the realities of working on a ship. Courses and certificates included in the Bridge Watch Program include: