A desire to explore the world
Get to know Julianna - Marine Navigation Technology student
Name: Julianna Lucic
Program: Marine Navigation Technology, class of 2026
Campus: Strait Area Campus, Nautical Institute
What does a marine navigation technician do?
Simply put, a marine navigation technician is part of a team that controls a ship. Once they work their way up the ladder, they can become a captain, the person who is in charge of a ship.
How did you become interested in the program?
My grandfather worked with Marine Atlantic his entire life and sent my mom a link to the Marine Navigation Technology program at NSCC suggesting that I check it out. It sounded like what I was looking for and I applied that very same day. The main deciding factor for me is the work-life balance that this career will provide.
Ocean Dream Award - Funding for Indigenous People and Women
"I receive funding through the Ocean Dream Award - an award that is available for all women and Indigenous Peoples who enroll in a marine program. I receive $5,000 a year which covers the cost of my tuition and supplies."
What types of things do you learn in the program and which classes do you find most interesting?
I absolutely loved meteorology. A huge factor in navigating a ship safely is the weather. As a student in marine navigation, we learn how the weather affects the tides, the currents and the ocean. For example, we learn how to spot and safely navigate through or away from cyclones and hurricanes. We learn how the clouds can indicate what kind of weather to expect. Even though we now have technology to predict these things, the knowledge we gain as a student is invaluable and important when you’re on lookout duty.
I also enjoy chart work and bridge watch class. We do math, physics, and navigation safety classes where we learn about the different rules of the ocean ‘roads’ and exceptions to these rules in certain circumstances. All our classes are ship and marine orientated, with what we learn in math and physics being directly applicable to chart work class.
How is hands-on learning applied in the program?
We have a 270-degree simulator where it feels like you’re on the bridge of a ship. There are screens that span out around you like windows and if you use your imagination, it can really feel like you're on a ship.
There is also a wave pool on campus where we will practice safety drills and learn how to use life rafts and lifeboats, as well as the fire school for, you guessed it, fire safety training.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in a marine career but worried about getting seasick?
I would say don’t worry about seasickness. That seems to be the biggest concern for a lot of people. Don't let that be the reason why you don't consider a career in the marine industry, especially if you're interested. Every job has cons and if that’s the only con, I’d suggest giving it a try.
Upon completion of the Marine Navigation Technology program, are you then qualified to work on a ship?
No. Upon completion of the Marine Navigation Technology program, students are also required to have 360 days of sea time before they qualify to take an exam through Transport Canada. Once they pass the exam, they receive their certificate of competency.
I like the idea that when I’m at sea, I'll also be traveling. Even if I don't get to get off the ship and explore all the places I go, the idea of travelling the ocean is really appealing. This kind of job offers great pay and a life of adventure. A career in the marine industry coincides with the kind of life that I want to build for myself.
What advice would you give to a student who is just starting out in the program?
Pay attention in class and take notes. Keep up with the material as best you can, as it’s very easy to get lost in all the new information. Show up to class every single day, and don’t give up. Never be afraid to ask questions! There is support and tutoring available for anyone who needs extra help.
What are some of the skills that one should have to be successful in the Marine Navigation program.
It would be good to have at least a basic understanding of math. But math and physics were the two classes that I was most nervous about because I had never taken a physics course in high school, and I only just passed math in grade 12. I was nervous about those two classes but so far, they’re two of my best courses.
You just need to be able to motivate yourself to learn it. It's not insanely hard material, but there is a lot of it, so if you truly want to be there and you want to succeed, you'll figure it out and you will be able to do it. I think the only skill you need is determination.