This 41-week program prepares students for a career as a Marine Cook, working on a seafaring vessel. Students are required to complete all aspects of the program curriculum as well as the Marine Emergency Duties (MED) certification, and a 28-day sea service that involves working in the galley on an offshore vessel.
Upon completion of the training, students are required to pass two final examinations, the theory (written) portion and the practical application component, that are a requirement of Transport Canada’s Marine Safety Branch. Graduates can then apply to Transport Canada for Ship’s Cook certification.
In addition to a Certificate in Marine Cooking, graduates earn certificates in Marine Advanced First Aid, Security Awareness Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties, and BS-STCW95.
OBJECTIVES
As a graduate of the Marine Cook program, graduates will have the knowledge and skills that will allow them to:
- Plan menus ensuring nutritional needs are met.
- Order food and kitchen supplies for crew, with plan for duration of voyage.
- Make optimum use of food supplies and manage inventory, reducing waste while offering high quality, and nutritious meal plans.
- Prepare high quality foods ensuring meal service in a timely manner.
- Offer a variety of foods to administer to food preferences, cultural desires, allergies, and other dietary needs.
- Maintain the quality and safety of food in preparation, service, and storage.
- Know that a well-fed crew is a productive crew.
- Maintain galley equipment and tools in a safe and hygienic manner.
- Participate in vessel related duties according to the requirements of ship.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission requires the applicant to meet one of the following academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation
2. Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a Degree and Technical Profile (or Business Related College Profile), including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. Mathematics: 1102A, 1102B, 1102C, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B and 3102C
ii. Science 3101, 3102, 3103
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses, including those outlined above, have been completed.
3. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Trades
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Trades) Certificate
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
5. International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.
ADDITIONAL ENTRANCE REQUIREMENT:
A medical, by a Transport Canada-approved Marine Medical Examiner is required for admission into the program.
ACCREDITATION
The Marine Cook program has been accredited with Transport Canada since January 2008.
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the formal semester courses listed in the program of students, students in the Marine Cook program are required to obtain certifications in the following areas:
- BS - STCW95
- Marine Advanced First Aid
- Security Awareness Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties
Note: Students should be aware that additional fees and expenses apply for these certifications.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates may find employment opportunities on government regulated vessels and private vessels. Examples of areas with a need for Marine Cooks include the marine industry, tourism, and the military.