Canadian Rules & Regulations for foreign Deck Officers – Online Course –
A 45-Hours Online Course with Certificate of Completion
This course is available in both English and French
Registration for this course will open on January 29, 2026
Possibly one of the most informative fully online courses available for foreign deck officers, this programme provides a comprehensive overview of Canadian maritime rules and regulations and is accessible from anywhere in the world. The course covers all key subject areas relevant to foreign deck officers operating in Canadian waters and is designed to ensure participants clearly understand their duties, responsibilities, and compliance obligations. Upon successful completion of the 45-hour course, participants will receive a certificate of completion.
| Feature | Virtual Maritime Academy | Other Institutions |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode | ✅ 100% Online, Self-Paced | ❌ Fixed Schedule, In-Person |
| Access Period | ✅ 3 Months Access | ❌ Limited or fixed access |
| Support | ✅ 24/7 Learner Support | ❌ Office hours only |
| Cost Savings | ✅ No Travel • No Hotel • No Time Off Work | ❌ Extra costs for travel, hotel, meals, and downtime |
| Total Investment | ✅ Single transparent fee | ❌ Higher overall cost |
Course Information
This course is for:
Foreign and Canadian deck officers who require structured education on Canadian maritime rules and regulations to support a clear understanding of their duties, responsibilities, and regulatory compliance requirements when operating in Canadian waters.
Prerequisite:
No Pre-Requisites
It is assumed that persons attending this course are foreign deck officers or Canadian deck officers who wish to update and refresh their knowledge of Canadian rules and regulations. Participants may be currently operating, or intending to operate, on vessels trading to Canadian ports. Course participants are expected to have a basic understanding of shipboard operations and maritime practices in order to effectively understand and apply Canadian regulatory requirements relevant to their duties.
Why Enroll in This Course?
Develop a strong understanding of Canadian maritime rules and regulations, strengthen professional competence, and support career development through practical, standards-aligned training designed for deck officers operating in Canadian waters.
Certificate of Completion
Receive a certificate of completion upon successfully finishing the course, confirming participation and completion of the training programme.
100% Online & Self-Paced
Learn anytime, anywhere with 12 months access to all materials.
Industry-Leading Expertise
Benefit from training designed by seasoned maritime compliance professionals.
24/7 Learner Support
Get help whenever you need it from our maritime training team.
Regulations, Code, Convention Addressed:
Applicable Canadian maritime legislation, regulations, and guidance relevant to deck officers operating in Canadian waters.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of Canadian maritime legislation, regulations, and regulatory authorities applicable to deck officers operating on Canadian-flagged vessels
- Apply Canadian navigation, safety, pollution prevention, and operational regulations to real-world shipboard scenarios in compliance with national and international requirements
- Understand deck officer responsibilities related to certification, manning, watchkeeping, labour standards, and crew welfare under Canadian law
- Interpret and implement Canadian requirements for vessel safety equipment, emergency preparedness, cargo operations, and dangerous goods carriage
- Demonstrate knowledge of incident, casualty, and pollution reporting obligations, including interaction with Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Transportation Safety Board
- Recognise the enhanced regulatory framework governing Arctic operations and northern waters, including pollution prevention and vessel traffic reporting requirements
- Strengthen professional judgement and compliance leadership through integrated case studies reflecting the legal duties of Masters and Mates under Canadian maritime law
Course Structure:
This course is fully online and consists of:
- 11 chapters and the final assessment & course feedback.
- Confirmation questions after each chapter.
- Course Summary Note.
- A Final Course Assessment.
Assessment:
There are multi-choice questions to complete at the end of each chapter and a final assessment. The passing mark is 70%. The Final Assessment is fully online and no need to attend any classroom. A Proctor will be assigned to you to monitor you during your Final Assessment.
Length:
Approximately 45 hours.
You can enter and exit this course as often as you require. This course is a do it at your own pace.
Delivery:
The course is 100% online and no requirement to attend a test in a classroom.
Student Verification Requirements:
As required by, DNV, and the CPD Group, students must complete a simple online verification form accessible from within the course. This includes submitting a scanned copy of an official government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Training Certification:
This fully online course is designed to support foreign and Canadian deck officers in developing a practical understanding of Canadian maritime laws and regulations. The course draws upon applicable Canadian legislation and regulatory frameworks that incorporate relevant international conventions and standards as implemented under Canadian law, ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge required to operate compliantly within Canadian waters.
Certificate:
Participants will receive a digital copy, and a hardcopy will be dispatched by regular mail free of charge.
Online Course Subjects:
A course meeting with all the requirements.
- Canadian maritime law framework
- Deck officer certification and manning
- Navigation safety and COLREGs
- Pilotage and vessel traffic services
- Vessel safety and emergency preparedness
- Cargo operations and dangerous goods
- Pollution prevention and environmental compliance
- Incident and casualty reporting
- Maritime labour and crew welfare
- Arctic operations and northern waters
- Master’s compliance responsibilities
- And the list can continue……..
Revision: 1, 2026
F.A.Q.
You get 3 months of unlimited access to all course materials, quizzes, and resources.
No formal prerequisites. This course is ideal for seafarers, shore-based staff, and safety managers.
Yes. The course is 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to fit learning into your schedule.
Absolutely. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be issued a certificate of completion.
Yes. As long as you have an internet connection, you can complete this training from anywhere in the world.
