Canadian Coast Guard begins new chapter of marine training excellence as it celebrates the institution’s 60th Anniversary

September 8, 2025 – Sydney, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard

For the past six decades, the Canadian Coast Guard College has been recognized as a leader in maritime training, preparing more than 1,500 students with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard Canada’s waters.

Today, a new chapter of training excellence begins under a new name – the Canadian Coast Guard Academy. The announcement was made in front of alumni and students, gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the institution and its rich history of training Canadian Coast Guard personnel.

The Academy will continue to play an important role in training the future officers and leaders of the Canadian Coast Guard. Students in the Officer Training program spend four years studying and getting hands-on experience of ship operations and cutting-edge knowledge in marine technology. After graduation, they will join vessels across the country in various positions to put their skills to use in protecting Canadians, the environment, and maintaining safe navigation.

Students training in the Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) program spend time in the classroom and on-the-job learning the important skills of MCTS officers. After graduation, they will join one of 12 MCTS centres across the country, which oversee the safety of Canadian waters and often provide the first response to vessels in distress.

The institution is an internationally recognized maritime training facility that provides training and services in both official languages. Over the past few years, the campus underwent extensive renovations to be more environmentally friendly and enhance the student experience. The Academy has also been developing new curricula to address emerging technologies and prepare cadets and crews for the larger, more complex vessels that are joining the fleet.

The new name reflects these advancements – the Canadian Coast Guard Academy is a state-of-the-art marine training institution that will welcome students for decades to come.

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Quotes

"The Canadian Coast Guard has a proud history of graduates who have gone on to successful careers in the maritime domain, both in Canada and abroad. Since its establishment 60 years ago, the institution has expanded and modernized, transforming its training and equipment. The new name – the Canadian Coast Guard Academy – represents the specialized nature of the maritime education, training, and services they offer to officer cadets and Canadian Coast Guard personnel."

The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“The Canadian Coast Guard Academy will continue the legacy established over the past 60 years as a world-class learning institution. We will continue to set high standards and training expectations for our current personnel to ensure we have the right people with the right skills for years to come.”

Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard

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Quick facts

• Established in September 1965, the Canadian Coast Guard Academy offers the opportunity to train in either Marine Navigation or Marine Engineering in its four-year Officer Training Program. The program provides Officer Cadets with a thorough understanding of ship operations and the latest in marine technology.

• All Canadian Coast Guard Academy students receive free tuition, a training allowance, and free room and board.

• Graduates of the Officer Training Program receive a Bachelor of Technology (Nautical Sciences) Degree from Cape Breton University and a Diploma from the Canadian Coast Guard College. Navigation Officers receive a Transport Canada Watchkeeping Mate Certificate, and Marine Engineering Officers receive a Fourth-class Engineering Certificate from Transport Canada.

• Over the past few years, the Government of Canada, through Fisheries and Oceans Canada, invested $90 million for campus renovations and upgrades. Extensive work was done to modernize and expand the library, pool, and cafeteria, as well as to construct a new firefighting school and an Indigenous Learning Room. A new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system with state-of-the-art heat pump technology that uses ocean water from Sydney Harbour to provide heating and cooling to the entire campus was also installed.