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Career opportunities

A career in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will help you grow, achieve your goals, and give you marketable skills.

Whether you are preparing to leave high school, have been in the workforce, or you’re just curious about a life in the Navy, the RCN has a variety of sea trades and programs that will cater to your needs.

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Experience Navy life before committing to enrolling

Experience the Navy

Naval Experience Program

A one year, full-time enrollment option that provides you with exposure to life in the RCN to see if it is right for you before making a long term commitment.

The Raven Program

A program designed to build bridges with Indigenous communities by offering a chance to experience the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) before enrolling. 

Sea Cadets

The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Program teaches knowledge and skills about seamanship, sailing, and traditions of the Royal Canadian Navy.

The different ways you can enroll in the RCN

Join the RCN as either a Non-Commissioned Member, or an Officer.

Non-Commissioned Member

Non-Commissioned Members (NCM) are the skilled workforce of the CAF. Employment begins with the development of technical and/or administrative skill sets that enable them to support daily business or complex military operations within Canada and internationally.

Through training, experience, and professional development, NCMs may have opportunities to be promoted and progress to instructional, leadership, and advisory roles.

To learn more about NCM trades, click here.

Officer

Officers in the CAF lead personnel, manage resources, make decisions, and are responsible for the well-being of their team. Officers often serve as advisors, responsible for planning and analyzing the challenges faced in daily business or on complex military operations within Canada and internationally.

As experience, education, and professional development is gained, the employment of an Officer in the CAF progresses from small team leadership to increasingly complex command and executive leadership responsibilities.

To learn more about Officer trades, click here.

Experience the Navy

Paid Education

Work and study at the same time. The CAF will pay 100% of your school fees, all while you earn an annual salary with benefits. Programs are available to new recruits joining as non-commissioned officers or officers.

Regular Force (Full-Time)

Serve full time protecting Canada and defending our sovereignty. Ready to respond at a moment’s notice to threats, natural disasters or humanitarian crises at home and around the world.

Reserves (Part-Time/Full-Time)

Serve part-time or full-time at home and abroad, depending on what works for you. A reservist working part-time typically serves one or more evenings a week at a Naval Reserve Division close to their home.

Skilled re-enrollment

Consider re-enlisting with the CAF. The RCN is actively seeking to re-enroll former sailors who were fully trained in an occupation.

Benefits of joining the Navy

Joining the Navy offers more than a career. Explore the full range of benefits available to Canadian Armed Forces members.

Competitive pay

Receive a competitive salary, paid vacation, and opportunities for salary increases as your training, experience and responsibilities grow.

Maternity and parental leave and benefits

Learn the leaves and benefits available for new parents in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Medical and dental benefits

Access health, dental and vision coverage, metal health resources, and wellness programs that support your career.

Pension & Financial Security

As a member of the CAF, you accumulate both pensionable service and Canadian Forces service. Combined, they determine your benefit eligibility under either of the CAF pension plans.

Education & Career Development

Continue learning through paid education opportunities, leadership training, and career advancement.

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2026-09-04