Marine Communications and Traffic Services training program

Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) officers help keep Canada’s waterways safe. As members of the Canadian Coast Guard, they regulate marine traffic and communicate with vessels in distress.

Officers oversee the safety of Canada’s waterways by:

listening for distress and safety calls and helping with rescue efforts
monitoring and communicating with marine traffic to prevent accidents
ensuring that vessels comply with Canadian laws
broadcasting maritime safety information, such as weather and navigational warnings

They provide services that help to:

protect human lives at sea
conserve the marine environment
ensure that vessels move safely and efficiently, aiding the Canadian economy

Training

The MCTS training program is taught at the Canadian Coast Guard Academy in Sydney, Nova Scotia. We offer the training in either English or French.

Phase I of the training program is a 26-28 week program where you’ll learn the basics of MCTS officer duties. You’ll live at the Academy during your training and attend classes from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Your classes will consist of:

theory
simulator exercises
practical applications

During Phase I of training, we’ll provide you with accommodations at the Academy, including meals prepared at the Academy’s galley. In this stage, you are considered an MCTS officer trainee. Students are not considered federal public service employees until they begin Phase II of the program.

After successfully completing Phase I, you’ll begin on-the-job training at one of the following centres:

Arctic Region:
- MCTS Iqaluit
Atlantic Region:
- MCTS Halifax
- MCTS Sydney
- MCTS Labrador
- MCTS Placentia
- MCTS Port aux Basques
Central Region:
- MCTS Sarnia
- MCTS Quebec
- MCTS Prescott
- MCTS Les Escoumins
Western Region:
- MCTS Victoria
- MCTS Prince Rupert

During Phase II you’ll learn local geography and regional procedures, while applying the national standards covered in Phase I. Phase II on-the-job training may take from 3 to 12 months, after which you’ll become a fully-certified MCTS officer.

Careers and benefits

MCTS officers receive a competitive salary and benefits package that is outlined on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s website under the Radio Operations (RO) classification. They are based on experience and time worked.

MCTS officers have opportunities for career growth, including the following positions:

within MCTS
- centre shift supervisor
- centre officer-in-charge
- regional and national management teams
instructor at the Canadian Coast Guard Academy
various positions within the federal public service

This career is perfect if you:

can work variable shifts, including:
- evenings
- weekends
- holidays
are capable of multi-tasking
want fast-paced, exciting work
work well in a team environment
show good initiative and judgement
have good oral communication skills
have a calm, clear and focused mind

Contact us

For more information contact:

Recruitment and admissions
1-888-582-9090

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2026-01-16

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Marine Communications and Traffic Services training program

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