Canadian Rules & Regulations
for Deck Officers
Operational Level
Online Course
Possibly one of the most informative fully online courses available for foreign deck officers at the operational level — a comprehensive overview of Canadian maritime rules and regulations, accessible from anywhere in the world.
Know what Canada requires before you enter Canadian waters
This programme provides a comprehensive overview of Canadian maritime rules and regulations for deck officers at the operational level, covering all key subject areas relevant to officers operating in Canadian waters.
It is designed to ensure participants have a clear, practical understanding of their operational duties, responsibilities and compliance requirements, drawing on applicable Canadian legislation and the regulatory frameworks that implement relevant international conventions under Canadian law.
The course is available in both English and French. Upon successful completion of the 30-hour programme, participants receive a certificate of completion.
Developed by experienced maritime professionals
Our courses are developed by experienced maritime professionals and are designed to provide practical knowledge and competency-based learning for today's maritime industry. On successful completion, participants receive a certificate issued by the Virtual Maritime Academy, recognized worldwide as evidence of professional development and competency.
A digital certificate is delivered by email and a hardcopy is dispatched by regular mail free of charge.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
These are the learning objectives established in the course syllabus, Revision 1, 2026.
- ✓Understand and apply Canadian maritime rules and regulations relevant to the operational duties of deck officers.
- ✓Identify your statutory responsibilities when operating vessels in Canadian waters.
- ✓Develop practical knowledge of compliance requirements affecting navigation, safety and shipboard operations under Canadian regulations.
- ✓Interpret and implement Canadian regulatory requirements in day-to-day vessel operations.
- ✓Support safe and compliant operational decision-making when trading to Canadian ports.
- ✓Demonstrate regulatory awareness and compliance during inspections, audits and routine operations.
Seven chapters and a final assessment
Each chapter concludes with a short multiple-choice quiz to reinforce key learning objectives. Select a chapter to read what it covers.
—VMA Introduction
01Overview of Canadian Maritime Law
02The Canada Shipping Act
03Marine Personnel Regulations
04Collision Regulations and Safe Navigation Practices
05Pollution Prevention
06Operations in the Canadian Arctic
07Emergency Drills and Preparedness
FAFinal Assessment
Revision 1, 2026.
This course is designed for professionals involved in the day-to-day operation of vessels trading to Canadian ports.
Globally recognized & industry approved
Our courses are developed by experienced maritime professionals and designed to provide practical, competency-based learning that meets internationally recognized standards for training excellence.
CPD Approved Provider #783378A final assessment with a minimum score of 70%
Each chapter concludes with confirmation questions, followed by a final assessment with a required passing score of 70%. The final assessment is fully online with no classroom attendance — a proctor is assigned to monitor you during the assessment.
As required by the CPD Group, students complete a simple online verification form from within the course, submitting a scanned copy of an official government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver’s licence.
Grounded in Canadian legislation and the conventions it implements
This course draws on applicable Canadian maritime legislation, regulations and guidance relevant to deck officers operating in Canadian waters, including the frameworks that incorporate international conventions as implemented under Canadian law.
Regulation as it applies on watch
At operational level the question is what the regulation requires of you today — on the bridge, during cargo work, at a Port State Control inspection. The course works through the Canada Shipping Act, Marine Personnel Regulations, collision regulations, pollution prevention and Arctic operations as they apply to daily duties.
This course builds that competence — completed entirely online, in approximately 30 hours, at your own pace.
Revision 1, 2026. Digital certificate by email; hardcopy dispatched by regular mail free of charge.