Become a Marine Communications and Traffic Services officer

Learn about our program, including training and professional development, career opportunities and essential qualifications.

On this page

• About our officers
• Training and development
• Career opportunities
• Essential qualities and interests
• Annual income

About our officers

Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) officers are the eyes and ears of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). They work from one of twelve MCTS centres across Canada.

MCTS officers contribute to the:

• safety of life at sea
• protection of the marine environment
• safe and efficient navigation of vessels in Canadian waterways

Their responsibilities include:

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

It’s their duty to provide services to clients and stakeholders, such as:

• vessel operators, including:
  • fishers
  • navigators
  • recreational boaters
• the marine industry
• provincial and federal governments
• international government agencies

Training and development

To enter the training program, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent.

The Canadian Coast Guard Academy in Sydney, Nova Scotia, is the only institution offering MCTS officer training. The 26-28 week program is offered in either English or French. It  consists of theoretical courses and simulator classes.

Students who complete the program at the Academy move on to the on-the-job training at an MCTS centre. This part of the training may take from 3 to 12 months. This training is free and remunerated.

Learn more about MCTS training at the Canadian Coast Guard Academy.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities as an MCTS officer include:

• within MCTS:
  • MCTS centre shift supervisor or officer-in-charge
  • regional training officer
  • regional and national management team
• Canadian Coast Guard Academy MCTS instructor
• various positions within the federal public service

Essential qualities and interests

You’re an ideal candidate for the MCTS officer training program if you:

• enjoy team work
• have an interest in the marine field
• possess good oral expression abilities
• are interested in using highly advanced equipment
• are bilingual (some positions are English essential)
• take initiative, express judgment and can tolerate stress
• are able to work variable shifts, including:
  • evenings
  • weekends
  • holidays

Annual income

The annual income for MCTS officers is outlined on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s website under the Radio Operations (RO) classification.

The salary increases as you reach higher levels of positions.