Start Your Marine Career

Worldwide the marine transportation industry continues to face a shortage of skilled seafarers. Algoma has a vested interest in overcoming these challenges to support the overall growth of the industry. We will push to secure diverse talent and offer several initiatives to assist in the recruitment, training, and development of emerging seafarers. 

The marine industry offers a unique work environment where individuals can discover new places, new people and new experiences all while being rewarded with a competitive salary, benefits and a high potential for growth.

There are two main streams. Which one works for you?

Traditional

Start as an unlicensed crew member and gain marine experience to be able to move forward in writing the Transport Canada challenge exams to obtain the next level of certification.

Unlicensed Navigation Positions:

  • Ordinary Seaman
  • Able Seaman
  • Chief Cook
  • Second Cook
  • General Purpose Watchkeeper

Unlicensed Engineering Positions:

  • Mechanical Assistant
  • Cargo man
  • Mobile Utility Crew

At Algoma, we hire through a union hall. To be eligible for employment you will need to enroll with either the Seafarers International Union or UNIFOR, Local 4401.

Seafarers International Union

Email: careers@seafarers.ca

Phone: 905-227-5212 (Ontario) or 418-529-6801 (Quebec)

UNIFOR, Local 4401

Email: unifor4401@cogeco.net

Phone: 905-227-7717

Requirements:

  1. Canadian citizenship and valid Canadian Passport OR Permanent Canadian resident with a valid passport from country of birth and C1- Class D Visa.
  2. Transport Canada Discharge Book (CDN number).
  3. Valid Transport Canada Marine Medical.
  4. Examination Fitness Card.
  5. Certified Criminal Record Check.
  6. After 180 sailing days, you will be required to obtain your Standards of Training, Certification of Watchkeepers (STCW) Basic Safety Certificate.

Advanced

Attend one of the major post-secondary institutions, listed below, that offer cadet programs and combine academics with co-op sea time placements to sit the Transport Canada examinations for certifications as a Watchkeeping Mate or a Fourth Class Engineer.

Navigation Officer Positions:

  • Captain
  • First Mate
  • Second Mate
  • Third Mate

Engineering Officer Positions:

  • Chief Engineer
  • Second Engineer
  • Third Engineer
  • Fourth Engineer

Post Secondary Institutions:

Please contact the post secondary institution for admission requirements.

For further information on regulatory requirements for shipboard positions please contact your local Transport Canada Marine Safety Office or the Union offices listed above.