Marine Engineering

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers provides standards regarding emergency, occupational safety, and survival. The course provides these standards to meet minimum requirements for familiarization, basic safety, fire fighting, and survival in emergency situations, and the syllabus is in compliance with TP 4957, December 2016.
Prerequisite(s):

• (1) A valid Seafarers Medical or completed Medical Clearance form. JIBC medicals are valid for a maximum of 6 months after date of exam. TC medicals are valid for a maximum of 2 years after the date of exam. https://www.bcit.ca/files/transportation/pdf/marine/form_medical_clearance.pdf (2) Minimum age of 18 years. (3) Completion of CCOHS Fatigue Management at Sea course. This course is offered free for all Canadian seafarers with a valid CDN: https://www.ccohs.ca/distributors/transport-canada. Required as per Ship Security Bulletin 15-2025.: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/mandatory-fatigue-management-training-ssb-no-15-2025.

Students will learn about orderly abandonment of a vessel in an emergency situation. They will learn the procedures to clear the vessel; proper and effective use of equipment; and how to coordinate survival activities during rescue operations. This course meets the requirements of Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Convention Specification, which specifies the minimum standard of competence in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats.
Prerequisite(s):

• (1) Minimum of 16 years of age and must hold a valid MED A1, MED A2, or STCW Basic Safety training certificate. (2) Completion of CCOHS Fatigue Management at Sea course. This course is offered free for all Canadian seafarers with a valid CDN: https://www.ccohs.ca/distributors/transport-canada. Required as per Ship Security Bulletin 15-2025: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/mandatory-fatigue-management-training-ssb-no-15-2025

Students are to become familiar with BMC policy, procedures, and the roles of key figures. They will be able to effectively understand Co-op employment procedures, and be prepared to apply for a Co-op job by having the ability to write cover letters and a resume. Students will also be given the skills to conduct an effective job interview.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to the Program.

Students will get a comprehensive understanding of the wide range and types of communications existing in the maritime world. Strong emphasis is placed on developing the students’ abilities to produce written work that is accurate, brief, and clear. Barriers to proper communications will be identified. Students will do progressive in-class writing assignments and give an oral presentation to the class. They will also prepare for and attend a business meeting. Communications covered by regulatory and legal authorities will be reviewed and structure of CSA-2001, TC Publications, basic ISM programs, and required shipboard certificates will be taught to the students.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to the Program.

This course will give students a strong foundation of basic math skills, concepts, vocabulary, and problem-solving strategies. Topics covered would be positive negative integers, ratio, rate, proportion, percent equivalents, indices, support topics from algebra, analytical geometry, trigonometry, logarithms, exponential functions, graphing, mensuration of common geometric shapes, and introductory calculus.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to the Program.

The Ship Construction 1 course covers the following topics: General arrangement of the main commercial ship types showing major structures: holds, tanks, bulkheads, cargo, and engine spaces; Definition and illustration of terminology related to ship structures and ship dimensioning; Bending stresses imposed on a ship in a seaway and the effect of stresses on ship structures; Stresses on ship structures caused by liquid in tanks; Localized loading on ship structures in a seaway and in dry-dock; Calculation of hydrostatic pressure on tank structures due to a head of liquid; Entering of input data in stress calculation software and use of output data obtained; Torsion stresses on container ships; Construction of BM and SF diagrams and extraction of relevant data from these diagrams; Ship structural corrosion and methods to minimize corrosion; Ship structure identification from drawings, materials used, standard structural sections, framing systems, double bottoms, duct keels, holds and hold drainage, ship’s side plating, stress concentration at hatch openings, deck freeing arrangements, connections of superstructures to hull at ship’s side, plane bulkhead structures, corrugated bulkheads, and their hull connections and bilge keels.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to the Program.

The course is divided into two sections: (i) Interpretation of Machinery Drawing and Handbooks/Marine Engineering Drawing and Design and (ii) Technical Communication for Design. In Section (i) the student is introduced to the various types of drawings: general arrangement, assembly, component and pictorial drawings, linework, and projections including isometric and oblique projections. Interpretation of dimensioning and geometric tolerance symbols, based on ISO standards is also covered, and the students will use the reference tables to calculate standard limits and fits. The student would make various engineering drawings employing the conventions and engineering drawing practice. Interpretation of piping, hydraulic, and pneumatic diagrams would also be covered. In Section (ii) the student would learn the basics of the AutoCAD software to be able to make drawings in 2D, orthographic projection in 1st and/or 3rd angle to produce working drawings of assemblies and components of marine machinery. Interpretation of block, logic systems, flow diagrams, and general arrangement, machinery, and equipment drawings applicable to marine systems would also be covered.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to the Program.

The course will ensure that students learn the safe use and care of all common hand tools, power tools, and fasteners found on board ships. This will be accomplished through the completion of bench and machine fitting projects. Also, the basic process and techniques of welding, cutting, and brazing would be covered so that students can use these acquired skills to carry out maintenance and repair work required on the ship. Prerequisite: Admission to the Program.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to the Program.

​This introductory course in Electrical Technology focuses on direct current circuit analysis and safety procedures to be followed while working near electrical equipment on board vessels. It combines circuit theory with practical laboratory experiments to reinforce theory and develop an analytical approach to problem solving. Students will build circuits in the lab, use test instruments to measure voltage, current, and power. Students will read and interpret a ship's one-line electrical schematic drawing showing the sequence of events, which occur during a blackout, to understand how the emergency generator and transitional batteries are connected to the emergency switchboard. They will also learn the care and maintenance of lead acid and alkaline batteries, while observing safe working practices when working on or near batteries on board a ship. The course will also cover hybrid propulsion systems using lithium ion batteries to supply peak and emergency power in conjunction with diesel generators, as well as the safety and risks associated with lithium ion batteries on ships. During the course, students will be introduced to the types of lamps used on ships for general lighting, rough service, discharge lamps, tungsten-halogen, and LED.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to the Program

In this course, students will learn the foundational principles of chemistry, and will be introduced to the procedures and protocols in place for entering confined spaces, firefighting, watchkeeping, and pollution control. Students will also be introduced to Marine Engineering and learn about all the ship's auxiliaries including pumps, pumping systems, boilers, air compressors, oil purification equipment, water makers, refrigeration, and steering gear. Emphasis will be given to the basic principles and safe operation of ship's auxiliary machinery.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to the Program

The course will provide an overview of the extraction of major metals from their ores, manufacturing of iron and steel, and identifying and selecting metals for shipboard applications, followed by describing the basic principles and theory of operation, operating difficulties and safe practices of ship's boilers, hydraulics, steering gear, and deck machinery. An overview of marine diesel engine cycles, timing diagrams, heat balance, performance measuring characteristics, structural differences between medium and slow speed marine diesel propulsion engines, with emphasis on, and safe operation of, the main propulsion engine/s will be also be provided.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to the Program

This course uses the Propulsion Plant simulator to provide students with the necessary knowledge and practical operational skills to understand the general machinery layout, and read machinery system schematics to independently line up the following systems in preparation for startup: Sea Water Cooling, Compressed Air, Fresh Water, Bilge and Ballast, Lubrication Oil, Fuel, Potable Water and Engine Room Fresh Water Service, Sewage, Fuel and Lubrication Oil Filling and Transfer. The students will demonstrate starting all the ship's machinery in preparation for sailing.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to the Program

Students will learn the techniques and skills required to address the qualifications and duties of a ship (vessel) security officer, which include: (a) the security of a ship, (b) implementing and maintaining a ship security plan, and (c) liaising with a company security officer (CSO) and a port (marine) facility officer (PFSO/MFSO). Students will learn about terrorist threats and methods of operation, how to obtain current intelligence and assess threats, and the importance of training and vigilance. The course references the pertinent acts, regulations, codes, international resolutions, administrative guides, and industry standards to be in compliance with the ISPS Code and Transport Canada Marine Security's requirements. The course content is based upon the IMO Model Course, ISPS Code, the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, Transport Canada's Marine Security requirements, and guidelines for a ship security officer.
Prerequisite(s):

• Students must be 18 years of age or older and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Must provide at least one piece of ID as per Transport Canada's requirements.

Students will learn the basics of first aid, rescue equipment, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within the context of marine environments. Topics include responding to emergencies; dealing with shock, unconsciousness, and choking; treating wounds and fractures; performing artificial respiration; and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to respond to sudden cardiac arrest.
Prerequisite(s):

• 16 years of age

This certification course has been developed to meet Transport Canada requirements for Marine Advanced First Aid. Every seafarer who is designated to apply immediate advanced first aid in the event of an accident or illness on board must demonstrate competence to undertake the tasks, duties, and responsibilities as described: immediate action; first aid kits; body structure and function; toxicological hazards aboard ship; examination of the patient; spinal injuries; burns, scalds, and effects of heat and cold; fractures, dislocations, and muscular injuries; medical care of rescued persons, including distress, hypothermia, and cold exposure; radio medical advice; pharmacology; sterilization; cardiac arrest, drowning, and asphyxia; psychological and psychiatric problems; and patient assessment.
Prerequisite(s):

• MSSM 1025 Marine Basic First Aid. Students must be 16 years of age and older. Pre-reading and picture ID required.

​Cooperative Education (Co-op) integrates relevant work experience (Sea Phases) within the academic program of the Marine Engineering Diploma program. Cadets alternate between periods of academic study and Sea Phases to enhance the educational experience, all the while meeting the requirements of Transport Canada. Sea Phases are conducted with reputable companies. The Co-op Coordinator considers tonnage and propulsion plant size when placing cadets. Cadets must attend an orientation to the program and a briefing just prior to commencing the sea phase. During the sea phase, Cadets are monitored by the Cadet office. Working days during the Sea Phases are 8hrs/day (40hrs/week).
Prerequisite(s):

• MEDI 1510 and MEDI 1810 and MSEC 1010 and MSSM 1200

​This course fosters an understanding of the basic principles of engineering science that later will be taught separately about: thermodynamics, mechanical science, and electrotechnology. The course will introduce a student to the SI units and explain: mass, volume, density, kinematics, dynamics, friction, energy, work, power, fluids, and heat.​​
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1207

This course will ensure that the students follow procedures and safe practices while starting, operating, shutting down, and overhauling all auxiliary machinery on ships. There are three components to the course, first is classroom instruction, second is the computer simulation of auxiliary machinery and systems, and third is the actual operation and maintenance of auxiliary machinery in the workshop. The students will acquire practical knowledge overhauling various types of pumps, centrifugal purifiers, air compressors, fresh water generators, and marine gears by adhering to the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1211

This course introduces the student to basic control engineering, instrumentation systems, and the measurement of process values including temperature, pressure, level, flow, and other general measurement processes. It also includes an introduction to the transmission of signals as it applies to marine controls.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1207 and MEOC 1302

This course will introduce the student to engine construction and rebuilding techniques and procedures. The students will be assigned an operational engine which they will disassemble and diagnose all components, produce a parts requisition, and report on component and engine condition. The students would then reassemble the engine using proper procedures and techniques.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1211 and MEOC 1304

Students will learn the effect of hydrostatics related to flotation and ship stability, hull coefficients, and centre of pressure. They will also study the effect of a change in the ship’s displacement on its centre of gravity, load diagram and centre of pressure, Archimedes’ principle and laws of flotation, coefficient of form, calculation of area and volume for ship structure using Simpson’s rules.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1207

This course is an introduction to applied thermodynamics. Topics include a review of units used to describe the state of a thermodynamic system: pressure, temperature, volume, and energy; differentiating between absolute and specific quantities and intensive and extensive values. Following this is a description of various thermodynamic energy states such as internal energy, enthalpy, potential energy, kinetic energy, and the associated heat and work transfers. This is followed by calculations of heat transfer by conduction, convection, radiation, and combined modes; linear and volumetric thermal expansion, and the stress effects of restricted thermal expansion. The next two topics concern the properties of vapours (of water substance) and ideal gases. Next, the concept of thermodynamic systems is introduced, and the energy changes in non-flow systems. Having completed the above introductory topics in applied thermodynamics, the student will then proceed to solve problems requiring the calculation of changes of pressure, volume, temperature, and energy in non-flow thermodynamic processes.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1207

​This course is a continuation of Electrical Technology 1. It begins with the study of electrical instruments, magnetism, electromagnetism, electrostatics, electromagnetic induction, single-phase alternating voltage, and single-phase transformers. Emphasis will be on application of principles to determine torque and forces on conductors in magnetic fields, and the generation of alternating current sine waves as conductor or magnetic field moves. The course will also cover capacitors connected in series and parallel, calculating charge on capacitor, the relationship between capacitance and dimensions of capacitor, and types of dielectric. Students will study charging and discharging capacitors and time constant τ, and electric field between capacitor plates. A small section of the course will cover electrical cable installations through bulkheads, and types of marine cables approved by classification societies for use on vessels and offshore installations. Throughout the course, there are labs on capacitors and magnetism to reinforce theory.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1207 and MEOC 1302

In this second level of the Marine Engineering Knowledge General course, students will continue their studies in chemistry and materials. An introduction will be given to the design of pumping systems and the use of pump curves. Studies will continue into the construction and operation of water makers, purifiers, and air compressors. The environmental protection equipment commonly used on ships will be reviewed. Students will learn about steam systems including auxiliary boilers, and the construction, operation, maintenance, and defects of steam installations. Steam turbine, gas turbine, and diesel engine connecting gearboxes, clutches, and couplings will be covered. Lectures will be given on hydraulic systems, including steering gear, and various deck machinery. The course will include a hydraulics lab.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1210 and MEOC 1303

In this second level of the Marine Engineering Knowledge Motor course, students will continue their studies in medium and high-speed diesels. Principles of the operation of 2 and 4-stroke engines, analysis of combustion, and power and efficiency calculations will be performed. Emphasis will be placed on the materials, construction, and structural components of the diesel engine, as well as fluid systems. Scavenging and turbo-charging will be reviewed. The whole propulsion train from the engine to the propeller will be reviewed, including shafts, couplings, stern tube seals, etc.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1304

This is the first of the two courses in the program, which when combined with the second course, will cover all the topics required for Transport Canada Propulsion Level I Certificate. This course introduces students to the engine simulator and gives them hands on practice on operating all the machinery in the engine room. The course includes familiarization of a ship's engine room main and auxiliary systems both in full mission and on the workstation.
Prerequisite(s):

• MERS 1025
• Successful completion of Term 1 courses.

​Cooperative Education (Co-op) integrates relevant work experience (Sea Phases) within the academic program of the Marine Engineering Diploma program. Cadets alternate between periods of academic study and Sea Phases to enhance the educational experience, all the while meeting the requirements of Transport Canada. Sea Phases are conducted with reputable companies. The Co-op Coordinator considers tonnage and propulsion plant size when placing cadets. Cadets must attend an orientation to the program and a briefing just prior to commencing the sea phase. During the sea phase, Cadets are monitored by the Cadet office. Working days during the Sea Phases are 8hrs/day (40hrs/week).
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1205 and MEOC 1992

​This course is intended to provide the student with the knowledge, skill and understanding of leadership and teamwork at the operational level on board a ship. The course is designed to meet STCW requirements for the application of leadership and team working skills, in accordance with the 2010 Manila Amendments of STCW, specifically as stated in tables A-II/1, A-III/1, and A-III/6 (operational level) of Annex A of the STCW Code.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Through classroom-based presentation and practical skills training, participants will gain valuable knowledge and skills in regards to fire safety, as well as how to manage and control fire situations aboard ships. This Marine Emergency Duties, Advanced Fire Fighting course is based on the requirements of Transport Canada TP 4957, Chapter 16, and is in direct compliance with STCW 95 Convention, Regulation A-VI/3.
Prerequisite(s):

• (1) Minimum 18 years of age, (2) MED - Basic Safety Training, (3) a valid seafarer’s medical, (4) Completion of CCOHS Fatigue Management at Sea course. This course is offered free for all Canadian seafarers with a valid CDN: https://www.ccohs.ca/distributors/transport-canada. Required as per Ship Security Bulletin 15-2025: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/mandatory-fatigue-management-training-ssb-no-15-2025.

​This course consists of lectures and practical work directed at solving applied engineering problems in statics, dynamics, power and energy, strength of materials, hydrostatics, and fluid flow.​
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1200 and MEOC 1207

This course will provide students with a broad overview of International and Canadian legislation covering marine safety, pollution prevention, certification, inspections, maintenance, and emergency response enabling students to understand, interpret, and apply applicable marine laws.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1201

​This course will cover the principles of a typical refrigeration cycle, and develop student skills and knowledge to safely operate and maintain a shipboard Refrigeration and Air Conditioning plant. Troubleshooting, fault analysis, and safe handling, identification, and storage of refrigerant to comply with environmental and regulatory requirements will be emphasized. Students will also apply the necessary skills to repair and maintain a variety of refrigeration plants and associated equipment, similar to those used on ships. Students will use refrigeration tools and test equipment to troubleshoot a working refrigeration system, draw vacuum, and recharge refrigerant using different methods. Safe handling, identification, and recovery of refrigerant to comply with environmental and regulatory requirements will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1213 and MEOC 1216

The Ship Construction 2 course covers the following topics: General arrangement, showing the layout of cargo spaces, tanks, machinery and accommodation of general cargo ships, tankers, bulk carriers, combination carriers, container vessels, ro-ro, and passenger vessels; Effect of loading and ballasting on ship structures; The use of loading instruments on board to calculate ship stresses, description of ship structures in areas of stress concentration such as sheer strake/deck stringer, hatch openings, bulkheads; Description of the bow and stern structures; Description of various fittings such as mechanical hatch covers, mooring devices such as fairleads and bitts, anchor handling equipment, masts and Samson posts, derricks, deck cranes; Description of the piping systems for hold bilge, fire, and ballast systems; Description of rudders and propellers, load lines, and draft marks.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1209

In this course, emphasis is on modern marine control systems and equipment. This includes the fundamentals of automatic control, on/off controls, sequential controls, PID controls, and their various types. Also included will be sensors, transmitters, controlling elements, and manipulator elements: pneumatic, electrical, and hydraulic. Finally, the features of automatic control equipment and safety devices for engines and boilers will be studied.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1213

Students will learn how to use ship’s stability data to calculate transverse statical stability; Effects of flooding; Free surface; Dynamic stability; Area and volume of a ship’s structure; First and second moments of area of tank surface; List and trim.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1215

This course builds on the fundamentals of thermodynamics covered in Term 3, and begins with a review of the gas laws, properties of ideal gases, and the three states (solid, liquid, and steam) of matter, and the energy required to change these states. New topics covered would include enthalpy in a thermodynamic flow system; potential and kinetic energy; solving problems based on the First Law of Thermodynamics as applied to flow systems; steam tables; properties of saturated, wet, and superheated vapours; enthalpies and specific entropies of mixture of steam and water; Rankine cycle to solve problems for steam-operated heat engines; and reversed Rankine cycle to solve problems of refrigeration.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1216

This course introduces students to both passive and active electronic components – op amps, 555 timer, TTL, CMOS digital circuits, and rectifiers. Basic analog and digital circuits, as well as theory of operation, are covered with emphasis on marine applications. Students will study and solve problems in single-phase and three-phase alternating current systems and circuits; these circuits contain resistors, inductors, and capacitors. Students will also solve circuit calculations to determine: Power Factor and the concept of Reactive or Wattless Power, Real Power, and Apparent Power in single and three-phase circuits. Single and three-phase transformer connections, instrument transformers, current and potential transformers, and Wattmeter connections are also covered. A section of this course will cover the characteristics, applications, and maintenance of DC motors and generators. Students will study switchboard protective devices, fuses, circuit breakers, reverse power and overcurrent trips, IR monitoring, high voltage safety, permits to work, and high voltage IR testing motors, generators, and cables. Diesel electric propulsion and battery hybrid propulsion has become increasingly important in recent years, and these topics will also be covered. The labs in this course are designed to enable students to master, safely connect and test various electrical machines, both AC and DC. Students will use test instruments, build electronic circuits, and troubleshoot. These labs reinforce circuit and theory concepts with a hands on approach, allowing students to gain significant experience working with electrical equipment and instrumentation.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 2302

This course furthers students' knowledge about steam plant components description and steam plant operation, including Main propulsion plant. Students will study marine boiler fundamentals, marine water tube boiler construction, maintenance, operation, and steam distribution. Particular attention will be given to fuel atomization and combustion. Marine steam turbine basic construction and operation principles will also be covered. Feed water system components and boiler feed water treatment will be studied in detail. In addition, preparation to start up, operation, fault detection, and necessary measures to prevent damage of the Steam Propulsion Plant will be studied, with the help of Steam Propulsion Plant Simulator exercises. Safety and emergency procedures for operation of the propulsion plant machinery will be included in most of the study topics. Marine gas turbine principles and basic construction will also be discussed. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 2303

​In this third level of the Marine Engineering Knowledge Motor course, students will study the construction, operation, and maintenance of large-bore, low speed marine propulsion diesel engines in detail. Particular attention will be given to the combustion and lubrication processes, including chemical properties of fuel (Liquefied Natural Gas - LNG) and lubricants. Gas exchange process, combustion air supply, and turbocharger performance will be investigated. Students will deepen their learning about the preparation of main machinery to start up, operation, fault detection, and necessary measures to prevent machinery damage, with the help of Propulsion Plant Simulator exercises. Safety and emergency procedures for the operation of propulsion plant machinery will be included in most of the study topics. Students will also be introduced to ship's vibration.
Prerequisite(s):

• MEOC 1214 and MEOC 2304

This is the second of the two courses in the program, which when combined with the first one, will cover all the material for the Transport Canada Propulsion Plant Level I Certification Assessment. This course reviews lining up and starting the MC-90 Plant, and then moves onto developing further the competency of students on optimizing the plant on full away, analyze plant parameters, detect faults, and troubleshoot all systems. The students would also be trained to effectively deal with all machinery malfunctions and emergencies.
Prerequisite(s):

• MERS 1050