Master 150GT, Domestic Certificate

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.

Accelerated Marine Certification

Did you know that at WMI, you can complete your Master, 150GT, Domestic courses in just 24 back-to-back weeks instead of taking a full year? That means you’ll finish school faster, get back to work faster, and start earning earlier.

This program is approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch of BC and eligible for student loans.

After successfully completing the courses at WMI and Transport Canada oral exam, you can act as:

  • Master on board a vessel of not more than 150GT engaged on Near Coastal Class 2 Voyage
  • Master on board a vessel of not more than 500GT engaged on a sheltered waters voyage
  • Master on board a vessel of not more than 150GT engaged on a Limited, Contiguous Waters Voyage, if endorsed as such.

The applicant for the Master 150GT, Domestic Certificate of Competency must have acquired, after the age of 16, 24 months of sea time performing deck duties on vessel(s) of at least 5 gross tonnage.

Please note that if your sea time was acquired on a vessel that was required to have a Chief Mate on board, you’ll need to have at least 6 months as Chief Mate while holding a Chief Mate 150GT, Domestic certificate.

Candidates who hold a Chief Mate, 150GT, Domestic certificate will need at least 12 months performing deck duties.

According to the Marine Personnel Regulations, sea service is not a pre-requisite for sitting the Mate or Master Certificate courses, but students are required to have the appropriate sea service in order to undertake the General Seamanship oral exam at Transport Canada as the last step leading to certification.

Transport Canada-accredited Courses

This program includes courses required to take the Transport Canada oral exam for the Master 150T certificate. Transport Canada issues Certificates of Competency upon successful completion of the oral examination.

This program is approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. As such it qualifies for BC Student Loans. 

Admission Requirement:

Students must be at least 18 years of age for block credit courses.

Career Opportunities for Master 150GT, Domestic Captains

As an aging workforce retires, there are numerous opportunities being created in this field, making this an ideal time to take the next step in your seafaring career. Western Maritime Institute Master, 150GT, Domestic certificate grads are now employed as Mates and Captains with:

Program Schedule – Register May 5th

 

 

Courses Dates Cost
Chartwork and Pilotage Level 2 Sep. 11-Oct. 17, 2025 $2,950
Meteorology Level 1 Oct. 20-Nov. 04, 2025 $2,550
General Ship Knowledge Level 3 Nov. 05-28, 2025 $2,390
Marine Advanced First Aid Dec. 01-06, 2025 $950
Navigation Safety Level 1 Dec. 08-15, 2025 $1,350
Ship Construction & Stability Level 3 Jan. 05-Feb. 03, 2026 $2,675
Restricted Operator Certificate- Marine Commercial Feb. 04-06, 2026 $775
MED STCW Basic Safety Training Feb. 08-13, 2026 $2,800
Simulated Electronic Navigation-Limited Feb. 17-20, 2026 $1,300
MED STCW Advanced Firefighting Feb. 23-27, 2026 $2,200
MED STCW Survival Craft Mar. 02-05, 2026 $1,700
Orals Preparation  Mar. 09-12, 2026 $380
All Inclusive Cost   $22,020

 

Start your journey in the marine industry today!