The mission of Westcoast Adventure College is to provide knowledgeable, confident, certified graduates who are sought after in the Adventure Tourism industry around the world. We provide a blend of national and international certifications, outdoor leadership training and experience as well as risk management skills. Through a variety of learning environments, scenario-based situations, and leadership styles, we give our grads a competitive advantage for employment.
Our Marine training program provides foundational knowledge, skills, and certifications to plan and execute safe commercial marine expeditions. Training includes Transport Canada and Canadian Coast Guard approved and accredited certificates including Small Vessel Operators Proficiency, Domestic Vessel Safety (previously Marine Emergency Duties A1 & A2), Marine Radio Operator Certificate (ROC -M), and Marine First Aid. Students gain sound knowledge of marine navigation, marine regulations, tides and currents, weather, and safety.
Practical training includes 12 passenger rigid hull inflatables, observational tours and exercises on local whale-watching vessels, BC Ferries, and with local sea kayak companies.
The DVS course provides practical training to respond to emergencies onboard vessels and includes the experience of deploying life rafts and marine firefighting. This latter course is done in the state-of-the-art marine fire training centre in Victoria.
Students also participate in a 4-day sailing expedition on larger cruising boats, through the Gulf Islands to ensure that they will be skilled and qualified as ISPA Crew, Day Skippers, or Coastal Skippers. The practical sail training includes all aspects of expedition cruising including night navigation.
International sailors are welcome! Contact us today!
