Ship's Cook

Overview

Ship's cooks are in demand, so there's no better time to get the specialized training you need to be a cook in the marine industry.
Add to your skillset by taking this Transport Canada-approved certification that prepares you for a culinary career at sea.

You learn:

• Galley management
• Marine first aid and safety
• Emergency duties on a ship
  

This program is designed for graduates of NSCC's Culinary Skills or Culinary Management.

To help meet the marine industry demand and diversify the workforce, the federal government is providing $2.5 million in bursaries for women and Indigenous peoples.

• Apply for funding if you've been accepted into, or completed, the Culinary Skills or Culinary Management program and are continuing on to Ship's Cook.
  • Women and Indigenous peoples may qualify for a $5,000 bursary.
  • Indigenous students are automatically considered for additional funds (up to $10,500) to cover living expenses.

Sea time

• This program includes mandatory sea time that provides you with the opportunity to put into practice the skills and knowledge you acquire during the program.
  • Opportunities may or may not be paid and last a minimum of 5 weeks.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work placements are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• If you are accepted to the program and are a woman or Indigenous person you may be eligible for a $3000 bursary for tuition. Indigenous students who receive this award are also automatically considered for additional funds to assist with living expenses. Read more about the Ocean Dream Award for Women and Indigenous People.
• For more detailed information specific to the marine industry, visit Careers at Sea.

Other info

• Students must take the Marine Advanced First Aid, MEDSTCW Basic Safety, Vessel Personnel with Security Responsibilities and Shipboard Galley courses to satisfy Transport Canada's requirements to work as a ship's cook.
• International students may not be eligible for a Transport Canada certificate of competency unless granted citizenship or permanent resident status. You are strongly encouraged to verify currency of training with your government prior to registering. View additional Transport Canada details

April 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Strait Area Campus Port Hawkesbury	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• Successful completion of all courses in the NSCC Culinary Skills Certificate or Culinary Management Diploma programs, with the exception of the work experience course
  • Work experience will be completed in tandem with the Ship's Cook Seagoing Service course.

Program requirements

• You must provide a valid Transport Canada Marine Medical certificate indicating you are fit for service. You may be assessed by a variety of criteria including physical fitness, visual acuity, peripheral and colour vision, depth perception, and hearing sensitivity. Medical assessments can only be completed by a medical examiner recognized by Transport Canada. Visit Transport Canada for a list of authorized physicians, by location. Further details are provided with your acceptance notification.
• Additional program requirements include a valid Canadian Passport with Canadian document number and a clear criminal record check.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Ship's Cook

Career options

• The marine industry, including the offshore industry, is significantly understaffed in this area. Cooks who are trained and certified in both culinary skills and marine duties are in high demand.
• Upon successful completion of all requirements toward this Transport Canada-approved program, you're eligible to write the Transport Canada exam for the Ship's Cook certifications. 
• Certification is required to work as a Ship's Cook.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

COOK 2999 - Seagoing Service
The seagoing service component provides the learner with the opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for positions within their occupation.

COOK 3050 - Shipboard Galley
This course builds upon the skills acquired in the Culinary Arts program by preparing learners to understand the complex dynamics of cooking at sea.

MARI 1086 - Vessel Personnel with Security Responsibilities
This course is intended to provide the knowledge required for seafarers with designated security duties in connection with a Ship Security Plan (SSP) to perform their duties in accordance with the requirements of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS 74 as amended, the ISPS Code and Section A-VI/6 and Table A-VI/6-2 of the STCW Code, as amended.

MEDC 1811 - Marine Basic First Aid
This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize an emergency, provide appropriate first aid at the scene, notify emergency medical services and promote a safety oriented life style for the prevention of accidents. This course meets the requirements for first aid training as set out by Transport Canada and Workplace Occupational Health and Safety.

MEDC 1821 - STCW Basic Safety
This course provides basic understanding of the hazards associated with the Marine Environment and their own vessel; the prevention of shipboard incidents, including fire and procedures for abandonment. It provides the knowledge necessary to raise and react to alarms and to deal with emergencies. The course will ensure that all Seafarers are able to provide assistance in fire and abandonment in emergency situations. It will provide Seafarers with the knowledge and skills which will enable them to assist in their own survival and rescue. The course content meets Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping Seafarers, MED with respect to STCW Basic Safety (MED BST). This course also aligns with Transport Publication 5562 of the Transport Canada certification standard for officer cadets.

MEDC 2812 - Marine Advanced First Aid
This course provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize an emergency and apply immediate advanced first aid in the event of an accident or illness on board. This course meets the requirements of first aid training as set out by Transport Canada and Workplace Occupational Health and Safety.