Ship's bridge with person at controls

Flagship Program

Bridge Watch Rating (BWR)

Program Tuition: $6,995

The Bridge Watch Rating (BWR) program is WAMTC’s flagship training program, preparing students for entry-level careers aboard commercial vessels operating across Canada.

Quick Facts

Duration:
15 weeks
Location:
Hay River, NWT (with some community offerings)
Schedule:
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Intakes:
Fall & Winter

Program Overview

Program Snapshot

The Bridge Watch Rating (BWR) program is a 15-week maritime training program designed to prepare students for entry-level deckhand and bridge watch positions aboard marine vessels.

Training is delivered to Transport Canada certification standards, ensuring graduates are prepared to work on commercial vessels operating across Canada’s inland and coastal waters. Funding support may be available for eligible students.

Flagship Program
Transport Canada Aligned
15-Week Intensive
Funding Available*
Hands-on Training

Career Opportunities

  • Deckhand / Ordinary Seaman on cargo vessels, tugboats, and passenger ships
  • Bridge Watch Rating crew on Canadian Coast Guard operations
  • Deck crew on tug and barge, marine construction, and offshore support vessels
  • Entry-level positions with shipping companies, fisheries, and government fleets

Certifications You’ll Earn

Marine Basic First Aid

Emergency medical response for shipboard environments.

Marine Emergency Duties

Personal survival techniques, fire prevention, and onboard emergency response.

ROC-M Radio Certificate

Certification to operate marine VHF radios on Canadian vessels.

Small Vessel Operator (SVOP)

Foundational knowledge to operate small commercial vessels.

Ready to start your maritime career?

Seats are limited to 12 per intake. Apply early to secure your spot in our next cohort.

Admissions

Requirements

To apply for the Bridge Watch Rating program, applicants must meet the following requirements. If you’re missing prerequisites, alternate pathways are available.

Be 18 years of age or older
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Grade 11 English with a minimum grade of 50% (or equivalent)
Grade 11 Math with a minimum grade of 50% (or equivalent)
Government-issued photo identification
Clear criminal record check
Transport Canada Marine Medical Examination (MME)

Detailed Requirements

Questions? Contact admissions or call 867-874-2358

Training Details

Program Logistics

Location

Hay River, NWT

Most classes at WAMTC's Hay River campus, with community offerings possible

Duration

15 Weeks

Full-time intensive program

Schedule

Mon–Fri

Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 3:30, excluding statutory holidays and winter break

Class Size

12 Students

Small cohort for hands-on learning

Intakes

Fall & Winter

Two cohorts per year

Investment

Costs & Funding

WAMTC works with federal, territorial, and industry partners to reduce financial barriers. Multiple funding pathways may be available.

Program Tuition

$6,995

What May Be Covered Through Funding

Program tuition
Course materials and training supplies
Required books and manuals
Transport Canada medical examination costs
Student housing during training (for out-of-town students)
Meal per diems during the program
Daily lunch on in-class training days
Local transportation support during training
Living allowance (where applicable through funding partners)

Personal Expenses Not Covered

Mortgage or rent at home
Mobile phone or home phone plans
Home internet services
Extended health and dental coverage
Personal vehicle payments, insurance, repairs, fuel, parking, etc.
Financial support for child care, elder care, or pet care

Funding Options

What You’ll Learn

Curriculum

Training aligns with Transport Canada standards and international STCW competencies. After 15 weeks, graduates receive a Bridge Watch Rating Certificate of Proficiency and are prepared to begin their cadetship at sea.

Core Training Modules

Chartwork & Navigation

Read nautical charts, measure courses and distances, and assist with navigation.

Collision Regulations

International rules governing vessel traffic and safe navigation.

Bridge Equipment & Nav Aids

GPS, radar, electronic navigation systems, and visual aids.

Seamanship & Deck Ops

Line handling, knot tying, deck maintenance, and shipboard operations.

Bridge Watchkeeping

Lookout duties, monitoring vessel traffic, and supporting bridge officers.

Emergency Response

Fire prevention, survival procedures, and onboard emergency response.

Marine Communications

Marine radio communication and distress procedures.

Safety & Regulations

Canadian marine safety regulations and seafarer responsibilities.

Certifications Earned

1
Marine Basic First Aid
2
Marine Emergency Duties (PSC & STCW BS)
3
Restricted Operator Certificate - Maritime (ROC-M)
4
Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP)

Graduates must complete 10 hours at the helm and 60 days of sea time before Transport Canada may issue a full Certificate of Competency (CoC).

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Started

Ready to begin your maritime career?

Apply for the Bridge Watch Rating program or contact us with any questions about admissions, funding, and next steps.