The 2025 Adopt a Ship program has ended, see you next year!
For the fifth year in a row, Canadian Geographic Education is partnering with the Canadian Coast Guard to bring you Adopt A Ship, a unique program all about inspiring youth to learn more about career opportunities and learning experiences offered in Canadian waters. This year, we are excited to announce that the Program, designed primarily for Grades 5-7, is now available for free to all youth in Canada. With new presentations, updated learning activities, and more behind-the-scenes footage into Coast Guard operations, this year’s program is what it’s all a-boat!
Note: scroll down to access our free learning resources and watch recordings of past events.
Presentation schedule
All presentations are virtual and last approximately 30 minutes. A host from Canadian Geographic Education will lead a discussion with the presenter (showing photos and videos throughout), followed by a Q&A session and a quick game to recap lessons learned.
We ask that participants register for all presentations that are of interest using the link below. The staff at Canadian Geographic Education will email links to stream the presentations 2-3 days in advance. Although the presentations are designed primarily for Grades 5-7, all educators and learners, in classrooms, homeschools, and informal educational settings are welcome to join.
Note: If you are unable to join the live presentations due to a scheduling conflict, please register for those that you are interested in regardless. We will share the recordings, which you can watch at your convenience.
- February 10 – 11:00 a.m. ET – Commanding Officer of the CCGS Samuel Risley
- Presenter: Stacey Trombley, Commanding Officer
- Join us for an exclusive live chat with the commanding officer of the CCGS Samuel Risley, as she shares her journey to a remarkable career in the Canadian Coast Guard and gives a behind-the-scenes look at her daily duties on the water!
- Watch the recording HERE.
- February 13 – 11:00 a.m. ET – Tour the Canadian Coast Guard College
- Presenter: Lili-Rose Cordeiro, Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator
- Join us for an exciting overview of the Coast Guard College and discover the incredible programs that could launch your career on the water!
- Watch the recording HERE.
- February 18 – 11:00 a.m. ET – Marine Safety & Radio Communications
- Presenter: Katie MacQueen, Marine Communication Traffic Services Officer
- Don’t miss the chance to hear about the vital services provided by the Marine Communications and Traffic Services branch and how you can be part of this essential team!
- Watch the recording HERE.
- February 27 – 11:00 a.m. ET – Marine Biology
- Presenter: Hilary Rockwood, Marine Biologist
- Don’t miss the chance to hear from a Marine Biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada as she shares fascinating insights into ocean science and conservation!
- Watch the recording HERE!
- March 11 – 11:00 a.m. ET – Meet the Deputy Commissioner!
- Presenter: Deputy Commissioner Andy Smith
- Join us for an inspiring presentation by the Deputy Commissioner (Shipbuilding and Material) of the Canadian Coast Guard as he shares his incredible journey and career in maritime service!
- Watch the recording HERE!
Help us build the program!
We are collecting any and all questions you have for the presenters in this year’s program!
Do you want to know what it’s like to work on board a research vessel? Are you curious about the education and life experience it takes to become a Commanding Officer? Do you want to know the hardest part about being the Commissioner of the Coast Guard? Interested in opportunities that have paid education?
Submit your questions using the form below, and we will share them with our presenters during the Q&A sessions:
Educational resources
Below are a teacher’s guide and student workbook with learning activities that can be used in conjunction with the presentations or on their own. Students will have the chance to follow active Canadian Coast Guard vessels and to complete learning activities to discover what it’s like to be a part of a CCG crew! The teacher’s guide contains answers to the questions in the student workbook.
*Scroll to the bottom of the page to see a list of active CCG vessels.
Recordings of past events
Check back here to view recordings of the live presentations you were unable to attend.
Active Canadian Coast Guard Vessels
This is a list of the active Canadian Coast Guard vessels that can be found across Canada! To find out more about the Canadian Coast Guard fleet click here!
Western Region
- All Cape class vessels (SAR)
- Sea Island hovercraft station
- CCGS Sir John Franklin
- CCGS Captain Goddard M.S.M
- CCGS M. Charles M.B
Central Region
Atlantic Region
Questions?
If you have questions about the Adopt a Ship program, please contact us at [email protected].
