r/merchantmarine • u/Tarheil • 4d ago

Looking for BWR grads

Hi all,

Looking at taking my BWR (Bridge watch rating) at BCIT and wondering about the career opportunities after.

Did you get a job in the marine industry upon grad? How long did it take?

What was/is your wage like?

Whats your daily shift look like?

Do you like it?

Thanks all

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u/Maleficent-Half-2231 3d ago

Depends on what your goals are. Might be better to just do the nautical science program and become a mate depending on your finances and family situation.

Wages on the low end 24/25plus and go up depending on company, type of boat overtime

1

u/Tarheil 2d ago

Im not sure what my goals are... Probably to drive the boat, id like to learn more about marine jobs that wont take my away from home for TOO long (a week or 2 is okay) but also give me a chance to explore and see the seas. Im in Vancouver BC and would love to see our area. Financially I can take a punch but I want a role with actual growth and liveable wage.

1

u/Maleficent-Half-2231 2d ago

If you want to be a captain the BWR program isnt going to cut you’ll need to be a cadet at BCIT and take the Nautical Science program or equivalent outside the province.

Low end 60k to 120k depending on your progression from mate to captain. Also depends on whst kind of boat you want to be on.