New Course Offerings

Approval to Offer Training Programs and Training Courses

VOPB: Basic Training for Personnel Operating on Ships in Polar Waters Training Course

After July 1, 2020, Transitional Provision, Basic Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)

  • Masters, chief mates and officers in charge of a navigational watch on board ships operating in polar waters must hold a CoP for personnel on ships operating in Polar Waters, as required by the Polar Code.

To obtain a Basic CoP for personnel on ships operating in Polar Waters, a candidate must complete a basic polar waters training course for personnel on ships operating in polar waters.


SVOP: Small Vessel Operator Proficiency Training Course

The Small Vessel Operator Proficiency Certificate is required to operate the following small commercial vessels:

  • Passenger-carrying vessels that carry less than 12 passengers, are 5 gross tons or less, and operate in Near Coastal 2 or Sheltered waters.

  • Work boats such as water taxis, cargo boats, sport-fishing boats, charter boats, crew boats, and whale-watching boats that are 5 gross tons or less and operate in Near Coast 2 and Sheltered Waters.

  • Commercial fishing vessels that are 15 gross tons or less and operate in Near Coastal 2 and Sheltered Waters.

This course is intended to provide course participants with:

  • a basic understanding of the hazards associated with the marine environment and their own vessel,

  • the prevention of shipboard incidents,

  • the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a small non-pleasure vessel in near coastal and sheltered waters, and

  • under normal operating conditions, including darkness and restricted visibility.

REF-FRC: Refresher Training Course Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats

This refresher training course meets the requirements of:

  • Chapter VI, Section A-VI/2, paragraph 11 of the STCW Convention, including 2010 Manila Amendments.

  • Seafarers qualified in fast rescue boats in accordance with STCW Convention Chapter VI, Section A-VI/2, paragraph 10, must, every five years, provide evidence of having maintained the required standard of competence to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A-VI/2-2 of the Convention.

* A person must hold a training certificate in Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (FRC) (or equivalent under subsection 2.2 of chapter 2 of this standard) to take the REF-FRC course.

SDV-BS: Small Non-Pleasure Domestic Vessel Basic Safety

This course complies with the requirements of the Marine Personnel Regulations on minimum training in personal survival techniques and fire fighting for Canadian seafarers sailing solely on:

  • 24 meters or less vessel engaged on a sheltered waters voyage only.

  • 18 meters or less vessel engaged on a voyage in domestic waters.

  • Fishing vessel of 24 meters or less engaged on a voyage in domestic waters.

SEN L: Navigation Instruments for Entry Level Marine Certification

To provide the student with the knowledge of the principles, the ability to use and the skill required for the proper operation of typical navigation electronic equipment found on board a coastal vessel.

Used with: Limited, Domestic and Fishing certificates of competency.

* SEN L must be repeated.

Virtual Marine’s training courses are Transport Canada Approved and take place at VM’s training node at 47 Bremigens Blvd, Paradise, NL.

We also offer customized courses tailored to your needs, with a proven track record of successful delivery.

For more information reach out to dawn.patten@virtualmarine.ca

What Does Transport Canada Certified Mean?

When a course is Transport Canada certified, it meets the strict training and safety standards set by Transport Canada, the government agency responsible for regulating marine, air, rail, and road transportation in Canada. This certification ensures that the training complies with national regulations, helps improve safety, and is officially recognized by Canadian authorities for maritime and other professional qualifications.