Overview
Note: The Marine Engineering Program has undergone a program review. Resulting from this review there is a very strong possibility that the four-year diploma program, that includes three co-op terms, as presently advertised may be reduced to a three year diploma program that includes two co-op terms, starting September 2021. For updates on this potential program change, please contact the Department Head of Marine Engineering or the Associate Dean.
All mid-term and final examinations are required to be held at the Marine campus.
Delivery Mode: BLENDED
- This program will be delivered during COVID-19 as a combination of online and on-campus learning.
- Faculty will notify students of when their attendance on campus will be required.
- We are putting measures in place for your safety and well-being, ensuring that all safety protocols are addressed. Please see BCIT COVID-19 Return to Operations for details on the mandatory procedures that have been implemented.
- Your education is our priority and we will continue to deliver the applied instruction, collaborative experience, and industry connections that you expect from BCIT.
Note: Due COVID-19 the ability to obtain a Transport Canada (TC) medical may be difficult. BCIT will accept application without a TC Seafarers medical and if found competitive for the program you may be made a conditional offer. Once a TC Medical is obtained (fit-Engine Service) after application and you have been made a conditional offer for acceptance you will receive full acceptance.
Do you see yourself working on the largest engines in the world crossing the seas as a Chief Engineer of a cruise ship or oil tanker? This program is your first step towards a career as a Chief Engineer in the commercial marine industry.
Marine Engineers are trained in the efficient operation and maintenance of the propulsion plant and other mechanical systems found in all oceangoing ships. The main responsibilities include:
- Maintaining and repairing propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems
- Equipment diagnostics and problem-solving
- Conducting daily watchkeeping duties
This Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) accredited program provides graduates with a solid background in the principles of construction, operation, and maintenance of diesel propulsion plants on a variety of ships.
The Canadian marine industry is experiencing a shortage of qualified Marine Engineering officers; and thus, making Marine Engineering one of the most in-demand professions in Canada. With over 95% of BCIT Marine Engineering graduates employed, there are plenty of employment opportunities available.
The program
The Marine Engineering diploma program is a four-year cadet co-operative program. BCIT Marine Engineering students (Cadets) are trained in all mechanical, electrical, and structural aspects of ships; from main engines to auxiliary systems found in all ocean-going vessels ranging from supertankers to cruise ships, cargo ships, and more.
This program is designed to provide hands-on, theoretical, and technical knowledge in the following areas:
- Propulsion plant operation and maintenance
- Electronics and electrical technology
- Ship construction
- Fuel systems
- Engineering science and knowledge
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Naval architecture
- Thermodynamics
Upon successful completion of the third year, you will be eligible to write the Transport Canada examination for the Fourth Class Marine Engineering Certificate of Competency. This certification will allow you to work as a qualified Marine Engineering Officer on any commercial vessel of any size worldwide. Upon successful completion of your fourth year, you will receive exemptions towards higher Certificates of Competency on your path towards becoming a Chief Engineer.
Learn more about Transport Canada exemptions in the Marine Engineering program.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
COVID-19 Notice to Applicants
Application processing
Applications accepted October 1st* to March 31st.*
*or next business day
Applications are considered for a specific intake; this program does not carry a wait-list from year to year.
Apply early; don’t wait for the deadline. This will allow you time to upgrade if needed.
Entrance requirements
Competitive Entry: Two-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Academic grades above the minimum
- Related or transferable experience
- Teamwork & leadership
- Knowledge of the marine industry
- Communication skills
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (50%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (50%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (50%) from a recognized institution or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment (for applicants who have two years of education in an English-speaking country only)
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (60%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (60%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
- Medical certificate from a Transport Canada-approved physician indicating you are fit for Engine service
- Complete the following forms for submission with your online application:
- Cadet Programs Terms and Conditions [PDF]*
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]: This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for the program.
*This program has a mandatory uniform policy in which Cadets are required to wear a uniform while in class and at external industry functions.
Individuals who have completed a diesel mechanic program may be eligible for credit toward a portion of the first year of the ME Cadet program. Please contact the Associate Dean or Chief Instructor, Marine Engineering Cadet program for more information.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Requirements for selected applicants
All applications will be reviewed by the program area at the application deadline. All applicants will be contacted for the following:
- Multiple Mini Interview Process (MMI). Interviews will be conducted in the month of April and selections made in May.
Admission is competitive and will be offered to the most qualified applicants.
Note: Acceptance into the program does not constitute a guarantee by BCIT that a shipping company will provide a berth for the co-op terms. BCIT will assist Cadets with the coordination of co-op terms.
Recommended for success
- Chemistry 11
- Physics 11
- Automotive mechanic course(s)
- Electronics course(s)
International applicants
This program does not accept applications from international students. View programs that doApply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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- Next up Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through either re-admission or direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
If you have previously completed part of this program at BCIT and wish to re-enter the program at an advanced level, you can apply for re-admission.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
If you are new to the program but have completed an equivalent part of it at BCIT or elsewhere and want to apply to an advanced level, you can apply for direct entry.
Contact BCIT Marine Campus Admissions at 604-453-4100 for more information.
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- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
Check out the required and optional textbooks [PDF] for each year of the program.
Textbooks can be purchased through the BCIT Bookstore or by calling 604-432-8379 or 877-333-8379 (toll-free within Canada).
Tuition fees
Please see the Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees page for full-time tuition fees.
Books & supplies
Required Book Estimates: | Optional Book Estimates: | ||
First Year: | $750-$950 | $400-$500 | |
Second Year: | $300-$400 | $600-$700 | |
Third Year: | $500-$600 | $100-$200 | |
Fourth Year: | $500-$600 | $0-$100 |
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
For more information on textbooks, please contact the BCIT Bookstore at 604-432-8379 or 877-333-8379 (toll-free within Canada).
Supplies: Cadets must acquire drawing instruments, a scientific calculator and stationary supplies as required. Coveralls, sight and hearing protection and safety boots, worn during the training exercises, are the responsibility of the Cadets.
Uniforms: Cadets are required to purchase uniforms from an approved supplier to be worn while in class. Depending on quantity and size, the total cost for uniforms during the first year is between $250 and $350.
Documentation: Throughout the duration of the program, students are required to maintain official documentation such as Transport Canada Medicals, passports, and other company specific requests for the co-operative sea phase terms, that are subject to additional fees.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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- Next up Courses
Courses
Class hours
0830–1545, Monday to Friday.
Evening classes may be required.
Program matrix
First Year - Term 1 (48 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
MEDI 1510 | STCW Basic Safety | 3.0 | |
MEDI 1810 | STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft | 2.0 | |
MEOC 0001 | Orientation to Marine Engineering | ||
MEOC 1200 | Basic Engineering Sciences | 4.0 | |
MEOC 1201 | Communication/Maritime English | 2.0 | |
MEOC 1202 | Electrical Technology 1 | 7.0 | |
MEOC 1203 | Engineering Knowledge 1 | 11.0 | |
MEOC 1204 | Industrial Chemistry | 3.0 | |
MEOC 1205 | Maintenance and Repair of Auxiliary Machinery | 8.0 | |
MEOC 1206 | Introduction to Logic Circuits | 3.0 | |
MEOC 1207 | Mathematics | 7.0 | |
MEOC 1208 | Materials | 3.0 | |
MEOC 1209 | Ship Construction | 2.0 | |
MEOC 1210 | Technical Drawing | 6.0 | |
MEOC 1211 | Skills Training | 19.0 | |
MERS 1025 | Introduction to Ship's Machinery Systems | 2.0 | |
MSEC 1010 | Ship Security Officer Revised | 1.5 | |
MSSM 1025 | Marine Basic First Aid | 1.0 | |
MSSM 1200 | Marine Advanced First Aid Revised | 2.0 | |
MSSM 1600 | Oil and Chemical Tanker Familiarization Training | 4.0 | |
First Year Co-op - Term 2 (26 weeks) | Credits | ||
MEOC 1991 | Co-operative Training 1 | 35.0 | |
Second Year - Term 3 (25 weeks) | Credits | ||
MEOC 1212 | Applied Mechanics 1 | 5.0 | |
MEOC 1213 | Automation and Controls 1 | 3.0 | |
MEOC 1214 | Maintenance and Repair of Diesel Engines | 8.0 | |
MEOC 1215 | Naval Architecture 1 | 4.0 | |
MEOC 1216 | Thermodynamics 1 | 6.0 | |
MEOC 2202 | Electrical Technology 2 | 6.0 | |
MEOC 2203 | Engineering Knowledge 2 | 13.0 | |
MERS 1050 | Propulsion Plant Simulator | 2.0 | |
Second Year Co-op - Term 4 (27 weeks) | Credits | ||
MEOC 2991 | Co-operative Training 2 | 36.0 | |
Third Year - Term 5 (24 weeks) | Credits | ||
ENAV 2450 | Leadership and Teamwork | 2.0 | |
MEDI 2510 | Advanced Fire Fighting | 2.0 | |
MEOC 1217 | Marine Law and Ships Business 1 | 4.0 | |
MEOC 1220 | Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | 2.0 | |
MEOC 2209 | Ship Construction 2 | 3.0 | |
MEOC 2213 | Automation and Controls 2 | 5.0 | |
MEOC 2215 | Naval Architecture 2 | 4.0 | |
MEOC 2216 | Thermodynamics 2 | 3.0 | |
MEOC 3202 | Electrical Technology 3 | 6.0 | |
MEOC 3203 | Engineering Knowledge 3 | 10.0 | |
MERS 1075 | Propulsion Plant Simulator Cadet Level 1 | 4.0 | |
Third Year Co-op - Term 6 (27 weeks) | Credits | ||
MEOC 3991 | Co-operative Training 3 | 36.0 | |
Fourth Year - Term 7 (26 weeks) | Credits | ||
MEOC 1224 | Dry Docking and Corrosion Control | 3.0 | |
MEOC 2212 | Applied Mechanics 2 | 6.0 | |
MEOC 2217 | Marine Law and Ships Business 2 | 4.0 | |
MEOC 2220 | Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 2 | 2.0 | |
MEOC 3209 | Ship Construction 3 | 4.0 | |
MEOC 3213 | Automation and Controls 3 | 8.0 | |
MEOC 3216 | Thermodynamics 3 | 6.0 | |
MEOC 3217 | Naval Architecture 3 | 4.0 | |
MEOC 4204 | Electrical Technology 4 | 8.0 | |
MEOC 4205 | Engineering Knowledge 4 | 5.0 | |
Total Credits: | 339.5 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
- Go back Costs & Supplies
- Next up Program Details
Program Details
Program length
Four years, full-time
Program location
Marine Campus
265 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC
The majority of classes take place at the BCIT Marine Campus; however, some courses may be taken offsite at locations such as the Justice Institute Fire and Safety Training Centre in Maple Ridge, BC.
Program structure
The four-year diploma program consists of four terms of classroom instruction interspersed with three co-op terms:
School | Co-op Terms | |
---|---|---|
First Year | Term 1 (Sept-Aug) |
Term 2 (Aug-Feb) |
Second Year | Term 3 (Feb-Jul) |
Term 4 (Aug-Feb) |
Third Year | Term 5 (Feb-Jul) |
Term 6 (Jul-Jan) |
Fourth Year | Term 7 (Jan-Jul) |
- A three-year training certificate will be issued to students successfully completing Terms 1 through 5 of the program. This letter is required to book for an oral examination on Marine Engineering at Transport Canada. If successful in passing this examination, the student will obtain a Fourth Class Marine Engineering Certificate of Competency from TCMSS.
- A four-year training certificate and a BCIT Diploma, upon application, will be issued to students successfully completing Terms 1 through 7 of the program. This certificate will provide exemptions towards higher Certificates of Competency on your path towards becoming a Chief Engineer. A Diploma may provide credits towards a Bachelor's Degree. In addition, Term 7 provides students with exemptions towards their First Class Certificate of Competency.
Learn more about Transport Canada exemptions in the Marine Engineering Program.
Additional program requirements
- Students must successfully complete all courses in the program within 7 years from the start of the program.
- PER TP 8911 sections 2.4.3.7, students will complete sea service onboard vessels of 750kW or more propulsion power.
- TCMSS examination fees, where applicable, are not part of the program/course fees. They are payable to TCMSS directly and are due two weeks in advance of the examination.
- Standard BCIT policies concerning examination re-writes apply to this program.
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- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
Career overview
A Marine Engineer is responsible for all mechanical, electrical, and structural aspects of the ship, from main engines to auxiliary systems. Cadets are trained in the operation and maintenance of the propulsion plant and other mechanical systems found in all ocean-going ships ranging from super tankers to cruise ships, bulk carriers, cargo ships and support vessels. These skills could be readily applied during sea phases in Canada, Asia, Western Europe, Australia, South America, and more.
Lifestyle & nature of work
The marine industry requires its Cadets and Officers to be at sea operating in nearly every ocean, aboard a variety of vessels. Depending on the schedule of the shipping company, a Marine Engineering Officer or Cadet can be away from home for months at a time. The work conditions can be demanding, however, there are opportunities to meet crew members and travel around the world.
Job opportunities
Graduates of the program can work internationally as the program is recognized by the International Maritime Organization through Transport Canada. Co-op placements in the Marine Engineering program typically end up becoming permanent positions as many of the Co-op employers seek lifetime employees. We work with employers such as Algoma Central Corporation, BC Ferries, Canada Steamship Lines, Canship Ugland, McKeil Marine, Princess Cruises, Rigel Shipping, Seaspan, Teekay Shipping, Transport Desgagnes, and more.
Upon successful completion of the Marine Engineering program and obtaining your Fourth Class Marine Engineering Certificate of Competency, a licensed Marine Engineer Officer can expect to earn between $5,000 and $10,000 per month.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2018-2020 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2017-2019 graduates and for Degree 2015-2017 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements and eighteen months of sea time, including six months as a watchkeeper, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
- Go back Program Details
- Next up Transport Canada Exemptions
Transport Canada Exemptions
Note: The Marine Engineering Program has undergone a program review. Resulting from this review there is a very strong possibility that the four-year diploma program, that includes three co-op terms, as presently advertised may be reduced to a three year diploma program that includes two co-op terms, starting September 2021. For updates on this potential program change, please contact the Department Head of Marine Engineering or the Associate Dean.
In accordance with Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS), full time students enrolled in the Marine Engineering program are granted some exemptions towards Transport Canada Certificates of Competency. Refer to the information below for exemptions that may be applicable to you.
Marine Engineering Diploma Program
4th Class Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency
After successful completion of term 5 of the program, and after obtaining six months of TCMSS approved sea time through co-op, students will be issued a three-year letter indicating that they have successfully completed the third year of the program. Students will be eligible to challenge the TCMSS oral examination for a Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), at the Operational Level, 4th Class Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (CoC).
STCW, at the Managerial Level and 1st Class Engineering Certificate of Competency
After successful completion of the program, a four-year training certificate and a diploma will be issued to students indicating that they have successfully completed terms 1 through 7. This certificate indicates that the student has completed Applied Mechanics, Marine Law and Ships Business, Thermodynamics, Naval Architecture, Electrical Technology, and Engineering Knowledge and provides exemptions for STCW, at the Managerial Level, 1st Class CoC examinations.
- Go back Graduating & Jobs
- Next up Contact Us
Contact Us
BCIT Marine Campus Registration Office
Tel: 604-453-4111
Serhat Beyenir
Department Head
Email: Serhat_Beyenir@bcit.ca
Tel: 604-453-4115
Jeff Otto
Co-op Education Coordinator
Email: Jeff_Otto@bcit.ca
Tel: 604-453-4124
Sheena Clarkson
Program Assistant
Email: SClarkson5@bcit.ca
Tel: 604-453-4108
Questions or comments?
- Go back Transport Canada Exemptions
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