Fishing Master Class 4
Responsibilities
A Master or Captain of a vessel is in charge of a vessel, its crew members, and passengers and/or cargo while the vessel is at sea or in the port. The Master controls and manages all aspects of the vessel’s operation and his/her responsibilities include ensuring:
- the safe operation of the vessel at all times,
- the vessel complies with local and international law,
- the safety of all personnel on board,
- the safe carriage of cargo or tow, and
- preparing voyage plans and recording all the vessel’s activities.
After successfully completing the courses at WMI and Transport Canada oral exam, you can act as:
Master on board a Fishing Vessel of not more than 100 gross tonnage engaged on a Near Coastal or Sheltered Waters voyage
Officer in Charge of the Watch of a Fishing Vessel of any tonnage engaged on Near Coastal and Sheltered Waters Voyages.
- after having reached 16 years of age, acquire at least 12 months sea service performing deck duties on one or more vessels that are 6 metres or more in length; or
- 15 years of age, for at least 12 months sea service acquired on fishing vessels that are 6 metres or more in length.
- after having reached 16 years of age, acquire at least 12 months sea service performing deck duties on one or more vessels that are 6 metres or more in length; or
- 15 years of age, for at least 12 months sea service acquired on fishing vessels that are 6 metres or more in length.
Candidates must provide the following certificates to the examiner:
- Marine Emergency Duties with Respect to Basic Safety (MED A1) Training Certificate;
- Restricted Operator Certificate – Marine Commercial
- Simulated Electronic Navigation, Limited Training Certificate; and
- Marine Advanced First Aid.
- Ship Construction and Stability, Level 1;
- Chartwork and Pilotage, Level 1;
- Navigation Safety, Level 1 and Orals Preparation; and
- An oral examination on General Seamanship, after meeting all the requirements above.
This program includes courses required to take the Transport Canada oral exam for the Fishing Master Class 4 certificate. Transport Canada issues Certificates of Competency upon successful completion of the oral examination.
This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. As such, this program has not been reviewed by PTIB.
Program Schedule- Ladysmith
| Courses | Dates | Cost |
| Chartwork and Pilotage Level 1 | Jan. 05-20, 2026 | $1,850 |
| Navigation Safety Level 1 | Jan. 21-28, 2026 | $1,350 |
| Restricted Operator Certificate- Marine Commercial | Jan. 29-31, 2026 | $775 |
| Ship Construction and Stability Level 1 | Feb. 02-13, 2026 | $1,500 |
| MED Domestic Vessel Safety | Feb. 17-20, 2026 | $1,085 |
| SEN-Limited | Feb. 23-26, 2026 | $1,300 |
| Marine Advanced First Aid | Mar. 02-06, 2026 | $950 |
| All Inclusive Cost |
$8,810 |