The Naval Experience Program (NEP) exposes you to life in the Royal Canadian Navy for one year to decide if it is the right choice for you.
After twelve weeks of training you will join the Navy fleet on the West or East coast.
You will learn the ropes of being a sailor by shadowing a variety of jobs and learning new skills.
The program ends with going to sea, so you can get a sense of the adventure to be found in a naval career.
NEP is now in year two! Learn more about our first year.
Adventure Awaits!
What you will experience
As a participant, you will be introduced to military life by completing the eight-week Basic Military Qualification Course. Then you will learn the skills required to work as a sailor during the four-week Naval Environmental Training Program on either coast.
You will then be able to complete common tasks on a ship. You will also shadow different jobs at sea and ashore. You will have the opportunity to experience:
- A variety of naval jobs
- Life at sea aboard a Royal Canadian Navy ship
- Different shore-based units and the work they do
If the Navy is not the right fit for you, you will have the option to release from the Canadian Armed Forces before the end of the contract. However, travel costs from the West or East coast back to a participant’s home are not covered by the Royal Canadian Navy when a participant decides to leave before the one year program ends.
Length
One year
Location
- Halifax, Nova Scotia; or
- Esquimalt, British Columbia
Pay, compensation and benefits
When participating in the Naval Experience Program, you will receive the same pay, compensation and benefits entitled to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces. A Sailor Third Class is paid $3,614 monthly as of April 2024.
Upon completion
Once participants complete the program, they can continue to serve with the Royal Canadian Navy in the Regular or Reserve Force. All training accomplished during the program will be credited for further service.
How to apply
Successful applications must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident;
- Be at least 17 years old*;
- Have completed Grade 10** or 24 credits of Québec Secondaire IV;
- Meet the Canadian Armed Forces common enrolment medical standard.
To apply to the NEP, you must fill out the application online. When filling out the “Program Choices” field, choose “NEP”.
*Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian to participate.
**If you’re in Grade 10, you can send us a letter from your high school outlining the courses you’re taking and your potential to complete them successfully. Make sure to send your proof of completion as early as possible.
Frequently asked questions
View our list of FAQs
Experiences in the Navy
“My favourite part about the Naval Experience Program so far is that I got to sail back from Hawaii on HMCS Ottawa."
Sailor Third Class Janzen
“My favourite thing about the Naval Experience Program is having a fun time while working with my friends. I’m looking forward to what the future has for me in the Navy”
Sailor Third Class Hawkins.
First year Naval Experience Program participants share their stories
It's been one year since the first participants joined the Naval Experience Program and now they are sharing their stories and deciding whether to stick with the Navy or move on.
Naval Experience Program a “huge win” for S3 Kevin Hassa
The first sailor to successfully join the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) new Naval Experience Program (NEP) says the concept is a “huge win” for those who decide to apply.
